Three-Year College Degrees Gain Traction in U.S., Sparking Debate Over Educational Value and Licensing
Three-year bachelor's degree programs are increasing in popularity across the United States, including in Utah, as a solution to rising college costs and a desire for quicker entry into the workforce. These condensed programs allow students to complete their degrees with fewer credit hours, typically around 90, compared to the traditional 120-hour bachelor's degree. This acceleration is achieved by reducing electives and, in some cases, condensing semester-long courses. As of this spring, 26 U.S. states have at least one institution offering reduced-credit, three-year bachelor's degrees, according to the nonprofit research group RAND. Private nonprofit schools, often offering online programs, account for three-quarters of these offerings, with business degrees being the most common, followed by computer and information sciences. The shift comes amidst growing concerns about college affordability, with tuition and fees averaging $11,950 for in-state public school students and $45,000 at private nonprofits i... 
