At Webster University, our goal is to help you achieve your academic and career goals. A key component of your journey is a timely graduation. For most undergraduate students, that means completing your degree in four years. 15 to Finish is a national campaign at universities across the country that helps make that possible.
Talk with your advisor about building a balanced schedule with the right courses for your degree.
Advantages of the 15 to Finish Plan
- Reduce college degree cost. The more time you spend in school the more you pay for tuition, books, fees, room and board.
- It's achievable! Nationally, half of college students need just one more class per semester to be on track to graduate in four years.
- Study abroad, pursue a dual major or participate in an internship. With careful planning, you and your advisor can develop a plan to take advantage of opportunities at Webster and graduate on time.
- It works! Studies show that taking 15 credits a semester can increase on-time graduation, lead to higher GPAs and reduce dropout rates.
- The sooner you graduate the quicker you begin your career.
How to Catch up if I can't complete 15 credits each semester?
We know it's not always possible to follow a perfect 15 to Finish plan. Fortunately, there are ways to get back on track for a timely graduation.
- Increase credit hours in another semester. A student who takes 13 credit hours in a fall semester can take 18 credit hours in a spring semester with no additional tuition cost. Students who take 13 credits every semester will need 10 semesters (five years) to complete their degree. Students who take 18 credits per semester can finish in 7 semesters (3-1/2 years).
- Take summer classes. Webster has multiple summer terms, including 8-week, 5-week and 3-week terms. In person and online classes are available.
15 to Finish makes sense for me. What are my next steps?
- Review the 4-year degree plan for your major.
- Talk to your academic advisor and develop a personalized degree completion plan.
- Credit hours vary by major, with the average being around 50 to 60 credit hours. Check the catalog for specifics for your major.
- Adjust when needed. Life happens, and 15 credits per semester is not always possible. Talk to your advisor and check out your options.