30 to Complete/15 to Finish

Completing 30 credits during the Fall and Spring semesters is the most effective path to graduating in a timely manner; therefore, most institutional aid requires a minimum enrollment of 15 credits a semester. Institutional awards such as Pack Promise+, Access Grant, State Access Grant, and most institutional scholarships from the University require enrollment in at least 15 credits a semester. Federal aid may not require 15 credits. Refer to your most recent financial aid offer letter to see the specific requirements for your awards.

15 credit enrollment automatic exemptions

If you meet one of the criteria below, you may be automatically exempt from the 15-credit enrollment requirement and may qualify for institutional aid at a reduced course load. Students who meet one of these criteria do not need to complete a 15 to Finish Reduced Credit Exception request gorm.

  • Graduating: Students who are in their graduating semester and enrolled in at least 6 degree appliable credits.
    • Action item: Student must apply for graduation to be automatically evaluated for this exemption prior to the 100% refund date of the graduation term.
  • Disability Resource Center (DRC): Students who are approved for a reduced course load by the University of Nevada, Reno Disability Resource Center.
    • Action item: Students must meet with a DRC coordinator.
  • GI Bill® recipients: GI Bill® recipients who are unable to take more than a minimum of 12 credits due to VA certifications restrictions.
  • Student athletes: Students who are approved for a reduced course load by the University of Nevada, Reno Athletic Department.
    • Action item: Please speak to your academic advisor in the Athletic Department for more information on this exemption.

15 to Finish Reduced Credit Exception request form

We understand that there may be circumstances that prevent a student from enrolling in 15 credits for a given semester. The 15 to Finish Reduced Credit Exception request form is available for students to complete who may be experiencing a one-time extenuating circumstance preventing them from enrolling in a 15-credit course load.

Examples of extenuating circumstances that may be considered:

  • The inability to enroll in 15 degree-applicable credits due to course-scheduling conflicts/course availability. These requests must be certified by your academic advisor.
  • You are graduating within the academic year but have less than 30 credits to complete and are unable to take 15 credits in the first semester of the academic year. These requests must be certified by your academic advisor.
  • One-time extenuating circumstances that can be resolved within one semester. Ongoing extenuating circumstances will not be considered.

Examples of extenuating circumstance that may not be considered:

  • Taking courses at another institution
  • Academic rigor of course load
  • Financial obligations
  • Employment Commitments

15 to Finish Reduced Credit Exception Request Form >