graduating student
Whereas the institutional definition and the financial aid requirement for full-time undergraduate enrollment status is 12 hours per regular fall or spring semester, it is important to note that it is impossible to graduate in four years with this enrollment unless other measures are considered. Many students are capable of taking 15 to 16 hours per semester, and OU encourages you to consider that. Additionally, students who are not pacing their enrollments in such a manner should consider Intersession and/or Summer term enrollments. A student needs to average at least 31 hours of completed and applicable coursework each year to have any opportunity to graduate in four years.
Some may ask why it is important to graduate in four years. There are many reasons to consider. A timely graduation benefits students who are applying to graduate schools. Many graduate programs only accept students for the fall semester, so a one semester delay can result in a one year delay of entering and completing a graduate degree. A timely graduation also benefits students who are seeking employment. It enables students to enter the workforce and begin to experience enhanced earning power that a college degree usually provides. Furthermore, graduating in four years is much less expensive. Tuition and housing costs usually increase on an annual basis. Many students also do not realize that just housing and living expenses per semester often amount to $5,000 or more.
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This page approved for access by individuals with disabilities. Maintained by Jean Ware - Admissions, Enrollment and Student Financial Services.