Finish15

What is Finish 15?

Finish 15 is UMBC’s commitment to ensuring students graduate on time. Students who finish 15 credits per semester or, on average, 30 credits per year, remain on track to complete their degree within four years.

Why Graduate in Four?

The benefits of Finish 15 are far reaching. By staying on track and completing your degree on time, you:

• Lower your overall tuition/educational expenses.
• Lower your student loan debt.

• Maximize your financial aid by meeting state scholarship and other financial aid degree progress requirements.
• Fast-track your path to employment/graduate school.
• Establish early earnings & savings as opposed to paying tuition.

How to Stay On Track?

Generally, students who register for and complete at least 15 credits per semester (or 30 credits per year) are well positioned to graduate in four years. Below are additional recommendations for ensuring you are able to stay on track for a four year graduation.

• Review the recommended four year academic pathway for your degree program.
• In consultation with your academic advisor, develop a four year, individualized degree plan. Plan to complete English composition and a college-level mathematics course within your first two semesters.
• Review your degree audit in myUMBC regularly to monitor your progress towards degree completion.
• Meet with your academic advisor early and often to review your degree plan and status.

Finish 15 Not For You?

We recognize completing 15 credits per semester is not for everyone. There are lots of paths to graduation. Depending on your individual circumstances (i.e., work, academic preparation, etc.), you may want to consider some of these alternate strategies:

• Leverage advanced placement, CLEP, and other credit-by-exams options to get ahead.
• Leverage UMBC Summer and Winter Session course offerings to reduce your academic year course load.  Learn about Summer and Winter Session financial aid opportunities including our Grit Going Scholarships.

• Simplify your academic plan. Keep in mind, dual-majors and  dual-degrees may significantly extend your time to degree.
• Work closely with your academic advisor to develop a customized degree plan that ensures your greatest success in the most efficient manner.

Finish 15 By the Numbers

Source: UMBC Office of Institutional Research and Decision Support

Here are some additional resources to help you Finish 15:

Undergraduate Catalog

The Undergraduate Catalog includes information about academic policies and requirements, programs, admission and special opportunities.

Degree Audit

The degree audit is an advisement tool that helps students choose appropriate coursework and determine their progress towards graduation.

Department Advisors

Academic advisors counsel students and assist in developing a customized degree plan, developed to ensure success in your academic career.

Related Sites and Articles:

NerdWallet: 2 Extra Years in College Could Cost You Nearly $300,000

NACADA: 15 to Finish Shared Principles for Boosting On-Time Graduation