New 120-Unit Graduation Requirement for Bachelor’s Degrees

The University of San Francisco is committed to offering students an academic experience that is flexible enough to fit their lives and goals, and can be realistically completed in four years. In considering this change, our research found that nationally, most universities have been moving to 120 unit hours to improve timely graduation rates and to fight “credit creep” – the gradual increase of nonessential units that can delay degree completion. We also want to support students who need room in their schedules to add a minor, hold an internship, join service projects, or better balance their studies and their jobs.

Any undergraduate who has completed their specific degree requirements (required major/minor and core courses, and residency requirements) after the start of the Fall 2025 semester may be eligible to graduate. Students can review their specific degree requirements and updated 4-year degree maps in USF’s course catalog.

Yes, some undergraduate programs by their nature require more major-specific hours and support courses (for example, nursing or engineering). Majors that require 66 or fewer units are those most likely to be completed within 120 units. The best resource for students to check the requirements for their specific degree is USF’s course catalog.

In most cases, students will be able to graduate with 120 unit hours by reducing the number of general electives they take. However, the student should be sure that all degree requirements (residency hours, core and major/minor courses) are met.

No. In fact, the reduction in required units should add some flexibility to students’ schedules. Keep in mind that the 120 unit hours is a minimum; students who want to expand their learning to include another major or multiple minors can do so. That may mean they may go beyond the 120-unit minimum. If they do, they will simply need to plan strategically to anticipate any impact on their timely academic progress and financial aid (more on this below).

Yes, slightly, and it allows us to align each class definition with other Jesuit and California universities. Student classifications will now be defined as follows:  

• First-year: 0-29 unit hours
• Sophomore: 30- 59 unit hours
• Junior: 60-89 unit hours
• Senior: 90 or more unit hours

No other graduation requirements have changed.

The students can either complete their summer coursework and have their degree awarded at the end of the summer semester OR the student can wait until the Fall 2025 semester to contact the Graduation Center to receive a back-date degree conferral date of May 2025 with the following transcript note: “Degree awarded with student’s original degree conferral date, per the new 120 unit policy effective Fall 2025.”

 No, students who need to complete up to 8 unit hours to reach the 120 required for their undergraduate degree will still be able to apply to walk at commencement.

No, USF will still require 44 unit hours be completed at USF to meet the residency requirement.

No, 60 USF unit hours will still be required for Honors.

Yes, this policy impacts all continuing and returning students regardless of when they last attended USF. This also includes students who took a leave of absence.

Yes, USF will be able to award their degree with a degree conferral date that reflects the last semester in which they were enrolled.

Please complete the 120 Unit Degree Conferral Request Form. 

Financial aid eligibility is based on enrollment status (full-time, part-time, etc.). If a student takes fewer units per semester, they should ensure they still meet minimum unit hour requirements for their aid package.

State and institutional aid programs require 12 units minimum per semester for full-time status.

It depends on the aid program. Federal Pell Grants, for example, are prorated based on enrollment, while loans require half-time and some scholarships require full-time enrollment.

Yes, students can still take more units if they choose, but financial aid will not increase based on additional unit hours beyond full-time status.

While financial aid eligibility may remain intact, extending the time to graduate could result in higher costs due to additional fees and living expenses.

Graduating earlier means the grace period (typically six months after leaving school) will start sooner, which could affect when repayment begins.

To receive the full annual federal loan amount, students must be enrolled at least half-time (typically 6 units). However, reducing the number of units per semester may limit how much loan funding is offered each year.

Most institutional or merit scholarships require full-time enrollment each semester, which is 12 or more units. However, some institutional scholarships require students to complete a minimum number of units per year (e.g., 30 units) to maintain eligibility. If a student reduces their semester unit load, they should check renewal criteria for their specific scholarships.

Some state programs, such as Cal Grant, have a limit on the number of years a student may renew their award. For example, Cal Grant typically awards up to 4 years or 8 semesters. To ensure you can graduate in 4 years, you will need to complete, on average, 30 units a year for a total of 120 units.

SAP policy requires students to complete 67% of attempted units, maintain a minimum GPA, and complete their program within a specific timeframe. Taking fewer units per semester could increase the risk of falling below SAP requirements if courses are failed or withdrawn.

SAP is measured by ensuring students complete their program within 150% of the required unit hours. Reducing the total units to 120 means students should not exceed 180 attempted units to stay eligible for aid.

Work-study eligibility is typically based on financial need and enrollment status. As long as a student remains enrolled at least half-time, they should still be eligible.

The GI Bill often requires full-time enrollment for maximum benefits. If students reduce their unit load, their monthly housing allowance may decrease.