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Maximum Time Standard

You’re expected to complete your degree requirements after attempting a certain number of credits. The maximum attempted credits allowed for degree or certificate completion will be up to 150% of the credits needed to complete that type of degree.

Credits Attempted

Credits attempted are defined as all classes taken for credit including:

  • Challenge
  • ESL
  • CLEP
  • Test
  • Excluded credits
  • Reserved credits
  • Transfer credits accepted by Boise State

Repeated courses count as credits attempted during each term you are enrolled in the course. Audit and remedial credits are excluded from the total maximum credits attempted.

Please note that the maximum number of credits allowed will be based upon the credit limit for a single degree as described in the following table, even when you are pursuing two or three majors, or multiple certifications.

Edit
Degree ProgramTotal Number of Attempted
Credits Allowed
Associate’s Degree90
Bachelor’s Degree 180
(also see credits EARNED section)
Second or Additional Bachelor’s Degree45
Master’s Certificate Program*18 – 51
Master’s Degree *45 – 91
Doctorate Degree*99 – 108
*The maximum credit standard for all graduate degree and certificate programs are based upon the minimum program credit requirements as published in the Boise State Graduate Catalog.

Regain Financial Aid Eligibility

First, you need to complete the current degree program and can regain eligibility if you continue in a more advanced degree program and are within the maximum credit limits of the advanced degree. Examples: Complete an associate’s degree and continue in a bachelor’s degree program; complete a bachelor’s degree and continue in a second bachelor’s or master’s degree.

When you complete your first bachelor’s degree and continues in a second bachelor’s program, the credit count will restart at 0 and new credit limits will apply. All additional credits you take as an undergraduate student will accrue cumulatively. Completion of a second/subsequent undergraduate degree will not restart the count to 0.

When you begin your first graduate program, the credit count will restart at 0. All credits taken as a graduate student will accrue cumulatively. The credit count will not restart at 0 once you complete a graduate program and continue to take graduate courses, whether for a second/subsequent master’s or doctorate.

You can also submit a SAP appeal for potential approval of an academic plan.