Credit Overload

Planning to take more than 18 credits in a quarter? There is a maximum number of credits allowed per quarter without permission.

Maximum Credits Allowed Per Quarter

Enrolling in 19 or More Credits

The maximum number of college-level credits allowed per quarter in ctcLink is 18. If you wish to enroll for more than 18 credits must meet the following criteria:

• Have a 3.0 GPA
• Have completed at least 15 college-level (100 or above) credits at Highline

You can enroll in up to 23 credits if they meet the criteria, but must contact Registration to request enrollment over 18 credits.

Credit Overload Exceptions

Students whose GPA is below 3.0, or those who have not completed at least 15 college-level credits may request an exception to the 18-credit limit by meeting with an appropriate advisor:

• Students who have between 0 and 30 credits or those who DO NOT have an assigned Faculty Advisor must meet with a Pathway Advisor to request permission to enroll in more than 18 credits.
• Students who have between 30 and 90 credits or those who HAVE an assigned Faculty Advisor must meet with their assigned Faculty Advisor to request permission to enroll in more than 18 credits.
• Running Start students who do not meet the above criteria to overload must meet with a Running Start Advisor to request permission to enroll in more than 18 credits. 
• International students participating in International Student Programs (ISP) must meet with an ISP Advisor to request permission to enroll in more than 18 credits.

Advisor Approval Process

After meeting with a student requesting an exception to enroll in more than 18 credits, advisors must send an email to Registration (registration@highline.edu) to give approval for the student to credit overload.

• Use the subject line “Credit Overload Approval” for the email.
• The email from the advisor must include the following information: the student’s full name, the student’s ctcLink, the course number and item number, and the term (example: Student Name, 123456789, ENGL& 101 (12345), Winter 2023).
• Advisors should cc the student on this communication.

The Credit Overload Policy is administered by the Dean for Advising and Enrollment Services.