Policy on Residential Graduate Students and Online Courses

Please note the following general guidelines for students matriculated in a residential program taking online courses:

• Per New York State rules, residential students cannot take more than 50% of their coursework online over their entire program.  Students need to monitor themselves on how many courses they have taken online.

• Students should not take more than 50% of their coursework in a given term in the online format.  Students who do, may have the financial aid reduced.  Students should check with the Office of Financial Aid on if/how their aid will be affected.

• International students in F-1 and J-1 status cannot register for more than one online course toward full-time enrollment (3 credits out of 9) in the Fall and Spring semesters.  Registration in summer is not required so summer courses may be all online UNLESS the summer session is the student’s last semester of enrollment.  In the last semester of enrollment (whether it be Fall, Spring or Summer), an F-1 or J-1 student must be in the classroom not online.  International students should check with the Center for International Services to make sure they are in compliance with immigration regulations before registering for online summer courses.

Please note that the policy for undergraduate residential students is even more restrictive. To view that policy, which goes into effect for fall 2025, view online here.