15 Credit Hours to Finish

Too many full-time students only take 12 credits per semester, adding an extra year to finish and thousands of dollars in tuition and living expenses, which means more debt.

The good news is that enrolling in just three more credit hours per semester, at no extra tuition cost, will put you on track to graduating on time and with less debt.

There are many reasons why full-time students should consider making sure to take 15 credit hours per term, or at least 30 credits per academic year in total if they plan to graduate on time. Here are some benefits of taking this many credits:

Full-time students taking 12 credit hours can take an additional three credit hours with no additional tuition cost! Over two or four years, this can really add up to considerable savings.

Student success data has shown that students that take a full 15 credit hours per term are more successful in their coursework. The reasons for this vary, but focusing on your education and making it a priority is key. Taking on a full load of 15 credit hours is a part of that priority.

If you finish on time, you can get started on your career path or next steps sooner than you would spacing out credits. That means taking 15 credits can prevent you from having lost opportunities and valuable experience.

Students interested in learning more and making sure to take all the necessary credits should consider the following actions to take.

As a UC student, you have an academic advisor to provide you with critical information, help you to clarify your goals and strategize with you about your path to graduation.

Advisors can help you identify additional opportunities based on your goals and direct you to the campus resources you need in order to succeed at UC.

Reach out to your advisor to find out how you can graduate on time. Schedule an appointment using My Bearcat Network or look up your college advising center.

Talk with your advisor and use your degree audit to make sure you are taking the right classes and adjust accordingly. Remember, taking 15 is about taking the right 15!

Furthermore, knowing that you are in the right degree program is important. Most students change majors at some point during their studies. Make sure your program is right for you, and talk with your advisor about the demands of the major and what options are available.

Think about your total time commitments including class, study, sleep, eating, work, family care, social, relaxation, fitness, etc. If you are not already, get in the habit of planning your week, using a scheduling template, a day planner, the calendar on your phone or one of the many time management apps available for smartphones and tablets.

The more time you spend on your studies, the more likely you are to get better grades. Devoting more time to your studies also allows you to take more credit hours, putting you on track to graduate on time.

Don't forget to account for the amount of study time college demands outside the classroom. You should plan to spend at least two study hours per enrolled credit hour. If you're taking 15 credit hours, plan for 30 study hours:

15 credit hours + 30 study hours = 45 hours per week

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