Over the Line

OTL 2025 Applications Are Now Open!

With a renewed focus on retention and graduation, Syracuse University implemented the Over the Line (OTL) initiative. For qualifying students who need 11 or fewer credits to graduate, this initiative reduces per-credit tuition rates for summer sessions.

For additional information, email OTL@syr.edu or call 315.443.1031.

Eligibility Criteria

Students must meet all of the following criteria to qualify for OTL:

  • Completed 8 full-time semesters at Syracuse University (not including summer) for four-year program
  • Completed 10 full-time semesters at Syracuse University (not including summer) for five-year program
  • Be within four to six years of first semester at Syracuse University
  • Need 11 or fewer credits to complete degree requirements

Additional Requirements

  • OTL eligibility confirmation from school/college
  • Course approval from school/college
  • Be registered for approved courses during summer sessions
  • Have filed a Diploma Request on MySlice for the summer of the current year
  • MUST graduate by August of the current year

Important Dates

Application Opens:March 19, 2025
Application Closes:June 1, 2025

Cost

OTL is for 1-11 credits only. The OTL rate for 2025 is $450 per credit.

CategoryOTLMain Campus
Summer Tuition Rate$750 (per credit)$1,654 (per credit)
OTL Financial Aid Award -$300 (per credit)N/A
Final Cost $450 (per credit)$1,654 (per credit)
The costs above are pending approval by the Board of Trustees

Applying

Click Here to Apply

Student Steps

  1. Review OTL eligibility criteria to see if you qualify
  2. Meet with your academic advisor/OTL representative
    • Verify that you meet the eligibility criteria
    • Discuss and obtain approve for your course selections
      • Your school/college will submit an “OTL Referral” in Orange Success to indicate your approved courses
  3. Register for your approved courses
    • OTL is only for 1-11 credits required to complete degree requirements
  4. Update Diploma Request in MySlice to Summer 2025
  5. Complete the OTL application form
    • All of the following mut be completed to be considered for acceptance:
      • OTL referral submitted
      • Registered only for approved courses
      • OTL application form submitted
    • If accepted, you will receive a confirmation email from OTL@syr.edu
  6. (Optional) Connect with Office of Financial Aid & Scholarship Programs
    • You are encouraged to meet with your financial aid counselor to discuss the financial impact of OTL and explore your available options

Frequently Asked Questions

OTL adds a registration hold after you are enrolled in your approved courses and you have confirmed your participation in the program. The hold ensures you remain in these courses,  since any changes could affect your eligibility to participate in OTL or impact your financial aid.  Your advisor will need to approve any new course(s). Please pay close attention to all add/drop deadlines.

If you need your hold removed, email OTL@syr.edu.

Steps for Changing Summer Registration for OTL Students:

  1. Get Approval from School/College
    1. Discuss your course selection with your academic advisor or OTL representative.
    2. They must approve your new course(s) before any changes can be made.
  2. New OTL Referral
    1. If approved, your school/college will submit a new OTL referral in Orange Success indicating the updated course selections.
    2. You will receive a copy of the referral in your syr.edu email.
  3. Request OTL Hold Lift
    1. Email OTL@syr.edu to request your OTL hold be temporarily lifted so you can adjust your schedule.
  4. Adjust Schedule
    1. Email OTL@syr.edu to confirm that your schedule adjustment is complete.
  5. OTL Hold Reapplied
    1. The hold will be reapplied to your account.

You may only receive the OTL rate if you have applied and are accepted in the program. OTL is only for for 11 or fewer credits at Syracuse University.

You may have one pending transfer credit petition on file. The transfer credit petition must be processed prior to the August degree certification deadline.

Yes, internship credits may be a part of OTL, but only if the credits are required for you to graduate.

Prior to the drop deadline, notify OTL as soon as possible by emailing OTL@syr.edu, if you no longer wish to take courses and the team will remove the hold for you to drop your course(s).

Please note, students are responsible for dropping all courses prior to drop deadlines. For specific course drop deadlines, check your class schedule (MySlice -> My Class Schedule Tile), and click on the small calendar icon.

No, students cannot participate in both OTL and summer abroad. 

The OTL program only runs during the summer sessions. OTL is not available during the fall or spring semesters.

We encourage you to connect with your academic advisor and financial aid counselor to determine your best course of action.