If you are considering pursuing an online graduate program at the University of Kentucky and have the capacity to enroll as a full-time student, you might benefit from the online graduate tuition cap. The online graduate tuition cap sets the max tuition you would pay in a single semester when you are registered for 9 or more credit hours. This presents some financial savings on tuition for students who have the capacity to enroll in more than 9 credit hours.

Is full-time right for me?

Taking on a full-time graduate course load is equivalent to a full-time job. Students who work or have caregiving responsibilities will likely face extreme challenges in dedicating enough of their time to be successful as a students. Even part-time jobs may negatively impact your ability to be successful as a full-time student. However, if you feel like you can take on full-time enrollment, you can often graduate faster and with some potential savings on tuition.

Eligibility

The online graduate tuition cap is offered exclusively to fully online graduate programs that use the standard rate tuition. Please note that programs with special tuition rates do not qualify for the tuition cap. How do you know if your program is utilizing a special rate? Check the Student Account Services page to see if your graduate program is listed separately. If it is, you can be assured it is utilizing a special tuition rate. If you are unsure, reach out to the program representative listed for your UK Online program and ask. Please note, that this tuition cap is only available for fully online graduate-level programs and does not cover undergraduate online programs.

How it Works

If eligible for the online graduate program tuition cap, the max tuition per semester would be capped at the approved rate listed on the Student Account Services website. Generally, this amount is equivalent to taking 9 credit hours at the online graduate tuition rate. The amount is subject to change each year, when tuition rates are approved/set by the University of Kentucky. This can present some cost savings for students who can take on a full course load, particularly when enrolling in more than 9 credit hours.

Program Structure

Keep in mind that even if you think you can take on a full-time student status, some program structures may not support full-time enrollment due to the calendar of course offerings. The course you need may not be available in the semester you desire to enroll.  Be sure to look into specific program structures, scheduling, and availability. Talk with your program director to see if courses are offered in enough semesters to support your desire to enroll full-time.

If you think you can benefit from the online graduate tuition cap, please speak with your program representative to address the things outlined above. We are excited to partner with you to make earning your degree accessible and affordable.