15 to Finish: Stay on Track. Start Your Career Sooner
Graduating on time is more than an academic milestone—it can be an important step toward launching your career. 15 to Finish encourages students to aim for 15 credit hours each fall and spring semester (30 credits per academic year), when appropriate for their degree plan, so they can maintain momentum toward graduation and begin their next chapter sooner.
For a typical 120-credit bachelor’s degree, completing 15 credits per semester provides a pathway to graduate in eight semesters, or four academic years. Staying on pace can help students avoid additional semesters of tuition and living expenses while also reducing the opportunity cost of delaying entry into the workforce or graduate school.
Why University Career Services Supports 15 to Finish
- Make room for career-building experiences: A well-planned course schedule can create opportunities for internships, undergraduate research, experiential learning, study abroad, leadership, minors, and other experiences that strengthen your résumé and prepare you for the workforce.
- Keep your career timeline in view: Your academic plan and career plan should work together. Knowing when you intend to graduate can help you determine when to pursue internships, begin a job search, prepare for graduate school, attend career fairs, and connect with employers.
- Build professional experience sooner: Earlier graduation means more time to accumulate professional experience, develop your skills, build your network, and advance in your career.
- Start your career sooner: Graduating on time allows you to begin pursuing full-time employment, graduate school, or other post-graduation opportunities sooner.
- Start earning sooner: An additional semester or year in college can mean additional educational expenses while delaying the opportunity to earn a full-time salary and benefits.
Your Degree Plan Is Also a Career Plan
Taking 15 credits is not simply about taking more classes – it is about making intentional progress toward your goals. Work with your academic advisor to determine an appropriate course load and with University Career Services to identify the experiences and career milestones you should pursue along the way.
The goal is not simply to graduate. The goal is to graduate prepared – and to get there on time.