Education
Semester Planner
Track your credit progress toward graduation. See if you're on track and how many credits per semester you need to finish on time.
Degree Requirements
Enter your credit details to see your graduation projection
How is this calculated?
Credits Still Needed = Total Required - Credits Completed
Semesters at Current Pace = Credits Still Needed / Credits Per Semester
Credits/Semester to Finish On Time = Credits Still Needed / Semesters Remaining
On-Track = (Credits/Semester Needed ≤ 18) ? "Yes" : "Behind"
Progress % = (Credits Completed / Total Required) × 100
Graduation Date = Current Date + (Semesters Remaining × 5 months)FAQ
Frequently asked questions about semester planning
How many credits do I need to graduate?
Most bachelor's degrees require 120-130 semester credits. Associate degrees typically need 60-64 credits. Check your specific program requirements as some majors (engineering, nursing) require more.
What is a typical credit load per semester?
Full-time is typically 12-18 credits per semester. The standard is 15 credits (5 courses at 3 credits each) to graduate in 4 years. Taking 12 credits extends your timeline to 5+ years.
Can I take more than 18 credits per semester?
Most schools allow overloading (19+ credits) with advisor approval and a minimum GPA (usually 3.0+). Be cautious — academic research shows diminishing returns and higher burnout risk above 18 credits.
What happens if I fall behind on credits?
Falling behind means you'll need to make up credits via summer courses, overloading, or extending your graduation date. Each extra semester adds $10,000-$25,000 in costs plus delayed income.
Do AP/transfer credits count?
Yes. Enter your total completed credits including AP, IB, CLEP, and transfer credits. These reduce the remaining credits needed for your degree.
Should I include summer semester credits?
This planner counts regular fall/spring semesters. If you plan to take summer courses, you can add those completed credits to your total or plan fewer credits per regular semester.