How the credit hours calculator works
First it finds what's left: credits to graduate, minus credits earned, minus the credits you're taking this term. Then it divides that by your usual load and counts forward one term at a time from your current term. Summer only counts if you enter summer credits.
credits left = required − earned − this term
terms left = credits left ÷ credits per term, rounded up
Your last term can be lighter. With 50 credits left at 15 a term, you take 15, 15, 15, then 5.
Why 120 credits
U.S. bachelor's degrees are commonly built around 120 semester credit hours, which is 15 credits a term for eight fall and spring terms. Accreditors set it as a minimum. SACSCOC, which accredits many colleges in the South, requires bachelor's programs to be based on at least 120 semester credit hours or the equivalent
(Standard 9.2, as quoted in Sam Houston State's compliance report). Engineering, nursing, architecture and other majors often need more. Your degree audit has your real number.
Worked example
You need 120 credits. You've earned 45 and you're taking 15 this fall (2026). You plan on 15 a term after that, with no summer classes.
Credits left after this term: 120 − 45 − 15 = 60. At 15 a term, that's 60 ÷ 15 = 4 terms: spring 2027, fall 2027, spring 2028 and fall 2028.
Expected finish: fall 2028. Drop to 12 credits a term and it takes 5 terms, ending spring 2029. Take 20 a term and you finish a term sooner.
Common questions
How many credits do I need to graduate?
For a bachelor's degree, usually at least 120 semester credits. Some majors require more, and the same accreditor standard sets 60 for an associate degree. Your degree audit or college catalog lists your exact number and which courses must be in it.
How many credits is full time?
Many colleges count 12 credits a term as full time for undergraduates. Check your school's definition, since full-time status can affect financial aid and scholarship eligibility.
Do AP or dual enrollment credits count?
If your college accepted them, yes. They show up on your transcript as transfer credit. Include them in "Credits earned so far".
What if I fail or withdraw from a class?
You don't earn those credits. Enter only credits you passed in "Credits earned so far", and lower "Credits this term" if you drop a class.
Does this work on a quarter system?
It's built for semesters. Quarter schools count credits differently and have three main terms a year, so check your catalog for the right totals.
Do scholarships require a minimum credit load?
Some renewable scholarships require full-time enrollment or a set number of credits each year. Read the renewal rules, and plan your load with them in mind.