How many credits should you take? Your honest answers to the above questions can help you determine your credit load. A full-time class schedule will take up a significant amount of time per week. Don't forget to factor in some of the basics like sleeping, eating, working, self-care and social commitments. Before you know it, all your time is spoken for! To be successful in your classes, you should expect to spend 2-3 hours outside of class for every credit you take. That means 15 credits would demand approximately 45 hours per week (15 hours of class and 30+ hours of study). Your college responsibilities will require you to allocate your time differently. Use the chart below to determine the approximate number of credits you are ready to take.