System data from 2017-18 show about 58% of new freshman took 15 or more credits in their first semester, though the percentage varies from campus to campus.

UW-Platteville leads the pack with 83% of new freshman taking at least 15 credits, while UW-Madison was second to last among the four-year campuses at 46%.

UW-Madison officials acknowledged the average student course load is less than 15 credits, but said the university performs strongly on other metrics, such as time-to-degree, that the “15 to Finish” campaign is aimed at addressing. They also said many students come in with a relatively high number of transfer credits or credits earned on Advanced Placement tests.

At the System’s two-year campuses, only about a quarter of students took 30 or more credits in the 2017-18 academic year.

With college affordability at the front of students’ and families’ minds, the System sees the campaign as key to increasing the number of students graduating on time.

Less than four in 10 UW System students earn a four-year degree in four years, according to System data.