A full-time load is a minimum of 12 credit hours. Federal financial aid (Pell Grants, etc.) do not require that you be full-time. You can get an aid award for 3/4 time (9-11 credit hours) or 1/2 time (4-8 credit hours). Other funding sources (i.e., scholarships, VA, etc.) may have full-time requirements. You are responsible for determining the credit requirements for your funding source and maintaining enrollment in the proper amount of credits.