3-Year Degrees: How Suitable Are They For Future College Students?

Students coming together with their college degrees to symbolize the many possibilities for education now and in the future. Photo via George Pak on Pexels

Most people have heard of a traditional four-year college sequence to earn a bachelor’s degree or a two-year associate’s degree. But what about a three-year degree?

Although this is not as commonly discussed, three-year degrees are gaining more attention. 

It is hard to determine if this is a smart decision for people, as less time does not necessarily mean it is the better option. 

According to Forbes, this idea has been prevalent for a while, but it did not catch on the way people may have expected. A hefty course load, along with strict attendance policies, is not the most appealing to students who are looking for a more balanced workload. 

When looking at these new reduced credit programs, it is hard to tell if a three-year degree will appeal to employers the way that a four-year one does. Considering that a fair number of four-year students double major, that could also impact how students are suited for jobs once they have graduated. 

Aside from the academic side of college, students may be missing out on some of the fun. Three years gives a lot of time to have memorable experiences, but with the cramming of credits that comes with this degree, it could increase a student’s stress levels and give them less time to enjoy things outside of their coursework. 

This is a crucial factor that students must consider once they begin their college search, as many are not prepared or interested in the “academic grind” that comes with this lifestyle. 

Besides these negative aspects, there are also many positives. Less time in school means less money for students to spend on their education, helping them out financially post-graduation. 

As college tuition plays a huge role in where students attend and how long they can stay, an opportunity like this can help students focus on the classes that they truly need to make a career for themselves. 

Despite it being obvious, this seems to be the biggest incentive for students to take this path. According to U.S News, lower tuition in these three-year programs is motivating students to take this path while making it into the workforce.

Massachusetts, along with other states, is taking this “innovative” approach. Although this does give the state a competitive advantage when it comes to education, it is not all about that, as many people are working to help students succeed in the future.

As this becomes more popular, universities are turning their typical four-year programs into three years. With about 60 institutions in the process of or already having implemented this sequence, a reduced-credit bachelor’s degree will be making its way into the educational space. 

Some of these universities include Regis College, Thomas Jefferson University, The College of New Jersey and Johnson & Wales University. 

Madison Jensen ‘29 thinks that there are benefits and setbacks to this degree. “I understand it financially because you are paying less tuition, but you also have to cram a lot of information into a shorter period of time.”

Jensen, a double major in business and communications, thinks that for her specific college journey, this degree would not suit her well. With all of the credits she has to complete, she would likely not be able to get it all done without focusing too much on grades and not on the knowledge itself. 

“I think it is important for people to go through all four years of college to make memories and enjoy the time they have. College is not all about education, and I think that experiences would be missed by shortening your time,” she said.

A main goal of this new degree would be to eliminate general education courses that students are typically required to complete, but often do not apply to their major. 

With increased awareness on the horizon, this is an aspect that may catch the eye of potential college students, showing them how to make the most of their time in college. 

Considering that there are pros and cons to an education style like this, it will be interesting to see how this is adopted among institutions and if it will become more of a trend as the years go on.