Spotlight
Academics: 15 Equals Success
| USF News
Delaying graduation can be costly.
According to USF Vice Provost for Student Success Paul Dosal, delaying graduation by two years can cost as much as $100,000 when you factor in the cost of attendance and lost income.
Helping students understand the costs associated with delayed graduation and the financial gains that come with full-time enrollment is the idea behind "Take 15," a new communications campaign launched by the Office of Student Success. The campaign encourages USF students to enroll in 15 credit hours per semester.
"The financial rationale for students to graduate in four years is compelling," says Dosal.
It costs about $20,000 per year to attend the university, explains Dosal, and an average starting salary is $30,000. Over two years that's $100,000.
It's not that students don't want to graduate; many feel compelled to work to finance their education. "It's a reflection, to some extent, of the high number of limited income students we serve," says Dosal. "USF ranks fifth in the country for students receiving Pell Grants." The federal grants are awarded to students based on financial need.
But there are other reasons. Some students put off graduation for fear there are no jobs to be had in a troubled economy. To those students Dosal says, continue into graduate school and advance your earning potential.
"If you must stay in school — if you want to avoid the market for some reason — get another degree," he says.