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Earn a Degree and Finish in Four

Time is Money

Undergraduate students wishing to graduate with a baccalaureate degree in four years will need to stay on track and successfully complete an average of 15 credits each semester or 30 credits each academic year.

Enrolling in 12 credits each semester or 24 credits each academic year will delay graduation for at least one year. The extra costs associated with a fifth year of college can be more than $10,000. Taking longer to graduate will also incur "opportunity costs" associated with delaying entry into a career and losing out on professional wages.

The Longer it Takes, the More it Costs

Research indicates that the longer it takes a student to fulfill the requirements of a given curriculum, the lower the chances are of the student graduating.  According to the Hechinger Report article "The real cost of college? It's probably even higher than you think." - Nine out of 10 freshmen think they'll earn their bachelor's degrees in four years, but fewer than 50% actually will. The most common reasons for students not staying on track to graduate are:

  • Still deciding their major
  • Changing majors
  • Taking unnecessary courses
  • Working part-time or full-time

Costs for Attending Part-Time

Planning is Critical

Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities

Degree Maps

Degree Works - Degree Audit

Tuition Lock Program

ISU offers a Tuition Lock Program for new first time college freshman who are Idaho residents. This program focuses on Finishing in Four years and can assist families in making college more affordable.