* The university: Different schools have different credit hour requirements for graduation.
* The student's program: A full-time student in engineering might take more credits per semester than a full-time student in the arts.
* The student's standing: A freshman might take a different credit load than a senior.
* The student's individual circumstances: Some students take a lighter course load for personal reasons.
While a "full-time" student often takes between 12 and 18 credits per semester, this is just a guideline. Some universities might define full-time status differently. It's best to check the specific university's website or student handbook for their definition of full-time enrollment and typical credit loads.