Being a full-time student at Southern means that you must be enrolled in 12-18 credits each semester...and the tuition cost is the same whether you take 12 or 18. Unfortunately, too many students take only the minimum 12 credits, which can add an extra year and potentially thousands of dollars in tuition and living expenses. Adding just 3 more credits each semester (at no extra tuition cost) can help you graduate on time and save you money!

Why take 15?

Taking 15 credits a semester is really about completing 30 credits per year. Since you need 120 total credits to earn your degree, completing an average of 30 credits a year means finishing on time: 

15 credits per semester  X  2 semesters  =  30 credits per year
30 credits per year  X  4 years  =  120 credits

Financial impact of 12 vs 15 credits

Let's take a look at your total cost in tuition based on whether you take 12 credits each semester vs 15 credits each semester:

15 Credits Each Semester
In State Tuition per year = $6,719
Years it would take to graduate = 4
Total tuition cost = $26,875

12 Credits Each Semester
In State Tuition per year = $6,719 
Years it would take to graduate = 5
Total tuition cost = $33,595

Whether you take 12 or 15 credits, you pay the same in annual tuition. However, if you take 12 credits per semester, it will take you 5 years to reach 120 credits and graduate. This means you'll end up paying an extra year's worth in tuition.

Completing your degree in 4 years instead of 5 also means that you'll start your career earlier, earn a salary, get promoted sooner...leading to a higher salary, increased earnings and retirement benefits! 

Is 15 credits right for everyone?

No. Many students have important commitments involving work, family care, etc. and simply cannot commit that amount of time toward school...and that's OK! Every student should talk with their advisor about what's best for them. 

If you are unable to complete 15 credits per fall/spring semester, you can still complete 30 credits per year by taking summer and/or winter courses. Financial aid is available for summer courses! It's all the same in the end:

THIS...

12 credits in the fall  +  12 credits in the spring  +  6 credits in the summer  =  30 credits per year
 

IS THE SAME AS THIS...

15 credits in the fall  +  15 credits in the spring  =  30 credits per year

Click here for information about summer courses at Southern (financial aid available)

Click here for information about winter courses at Southern (LINK NEEDED)

Want to talk it out?

Everyone's situation is different! You have to make the decision that best fits your and your circumstances. This is why it's important to connect with your assigned academic advisor before enrolling in an upcoming semester.