Research shows that the more courses students take and complete, especially early in their postsecondary programs, the more likely they are to graduate. In particular, students who take 15 credits per semester or 30 credits a year have a higher likelihood to complete associate and baccalaureate degrees than students enrolling in fewer hours, even when students have similar academic and social backgrounds. This policy brief focuses on the academic momentum and enrollment intensity of students' course-taking behavior, and it describes strategies, best practices, and policies that encourage students to enroll in at least 15 credits per semester or 30 credits per academic year.