a campaign for STUDENT SUCCESS

Why 15 to Finish? On-time graduation matters What we tell students matters There are big benefits to completing 15 credits per semester Based on a successful initiative developed by the University of Hawaii system (15% increase in 1 year) a campaign for STUDENT SUCCESS campaign overview

Not enough students graduate on time: ≤3 in 10 Hoosiers earn a four-year degree on time <1 in 10 Hoosiers earn a two-year degree on time An additional year of college can cost students >$50,000 in extra tuition, lost wages and related costs a campaign for STUDENT SUCCESS the challenge

Students who take ≥30 credits per year: More likely to graduate on time Earn better grades Complete courses at a higher rate Pay less for their degrees a campaign for STUDENT SUCCESS the opportunity

CAMPUS ENGAGEMENT

We are sharing the message multiple ways: Early awareness (Learn More Indiana outreach) On-campus engagement – 15 to Finish materials to students – In-person academies with student success staff Statewide media (targeting parents and families) a campaign for STUDENT SUCCESS the strategy

1.On-time is Choose the right It pays to take 15. MESSAGES FOR STUDENTS DO THE MATH!

Resources

Financial Aid Implications: Long-term: aid will run out before student graduates – 73% will take out more debt; 13% will drop out Short-term: less state financial aid next year – Frank O’Bannon: lower award amount (9% less) – 21st Century: no longer eligible; may get lower Frank O’Bannon a campaign for STUDENT SUCCESS 30/60/90 benchmark implications

SUCCESS DATA

Data Timeline: 2012 Fall Cohort data available now; preliminary data HEA 1348 evaluation – for discussion this afternoon a campaign for STUDENT SUCCESS the data

Students often equate “full-time” status with “on-time” graduation. In a recent survey of state financial aid recipients, ¾ students expected to graduate on-time but only half were attempting enough credits to do so. INDIANA COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES A significant portion of students are “on the bubble” between 12 and 14 credits. 15 to Finish Target

Studies by the University of Hawaii show that even after controlling for socioeconomic and academic preparedness variables, students performed better at the 15-credit mark. Students earn better grades when they take 15 or more credits per semester. INDIANA COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

And if students don’t complete their courses? Each additional year of college costs students $50,000 in tuition, lost wages and related cost AND state financial aid expires after four years. Students who take 15 or more credits are more likely to complete their courses. INDIANA COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

15 to Finish Success: IUPUI % of 15 Credit Hours or More Attempted; First Time, Full-Time Students

WRAPPING UP

Common Misconceptions: 15 credits is right for all students – no exceptions 15 to Finish targets part-time students Students who take 15 credits perform better only because they are “better” students a campaign for STUDENT SUCCESS misconceptions

Key Takeaways: 12 credits should be the exception, not the rule The message matters more than the materials Advisors play an important role in student decisions ( purposeful course-taking) 15 credits increases on-time completion and reduces cost per degree a campaign for STUDENT SUCCESS key takeaways