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15 to Finish/Stay on Track

Invest in coordinated communications efforts and structural solutions to match student credit loads with the credits needed for on-time graduation for both part-time and full-time students.

Hugging graduates wearing bright pink caps and gowns outside on a sunny campus corridor.

Stay on Target, Stay on Track

15 to Finish/Stay on Track combines institutional policy changes, advisor engagement, student communication campaigns, and financial incentives to recognize that time, not tuition, is often the greatest barrier to college completion, as extended enrollment increases dropout likelihood.

Misleading Standard

Traditional 12-credit “full-time” creates five-year path for bachelor’s degrees

Extended Enrollment

Longer time to graduate increases probability that life circumstances interfere with goals

Hidden Costs

Each extra semester comes with costs while delaying workforce entry and earnings

Photos by Allison Shelley/Complete College Photo Library

Proof Points

Full-time students taking 15 credits demonstrate better academic performance, higher retention rates, and increased likelihood of completion while avoiding extended enrollment costs.

  • Full-time students taking 15 credits are more likely to get better grades and have higher completion rates
  • Cost savings of graduating in four years is immediate $38,000 and up to $147,000 lifetime
  • The University of Hawaii System pioneered approach now adopted by seven states and 120+ institutions
  • Research consistently shows students perform better academically with full course loads

The University of Hawai’i System launched the original 15 to Finish program in 2012 as part of the Hawai’i Graduation Initiative, now implemented by seven states at scale and 120 institutions nationwide. The program has been recognized with the Complete College America President’s Award for innovation in student success.

University of Hawai’i System

Hawai’i

Benefits

15 to Finish/Stay on Track helps students complete degrees faster while reducing costs and improving academic performance, creating momentum that supports persistence and success.

Faster Graduation

On-time completion reduces time to degree and associated costs

Better Performance

Students demonstrate improved academic outcomes with full course loads

Career Readiness

Earlier graduation provides more options for advanced degrees, travel, or full-time work

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Explore Our Work

We are shifting policy at the state and federal level, changing perspectives among educators and administrators, and implementing proven strategies across hundreds of campuses.

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Diverse group of college students walking and chatting outside a modern campus building, representing student engagement and higher education success.