The University of Wisconsin Board of Regents is considering a surcharge for students taking more credits than needed for a degree. Currently, the average number of credits earned for a UW degree is 136.

University officials say the cut would reduce educational costs to the state. A report from UW administrators called for a review of academic programs requiring more than 130 credits for graduation as well as identifying and counseling students with more than 165 credits.

Beginning in fall 2004, should the surcharge be approved, students who take more than 165 credits or 30 credits more than their degree requirements would be subject to a surcharge equivalent to 100 percent of resident tuition for in-state students.

During the 2001-02 school year, the UW System awarded 21,304 bachelor’s degrees — the highest single-year total in UW history.

The report also stated UW’s six-year graduation rate was 61.9 percent, also the highest in school history. Eight of 13 campuses met or exceeded graduation rate goals.

— compiled from staff reports