3-year college degrees grow more popular in the US, saving time and cash. But critics aren’t sold

Giles Sims, a 34-year-old web developer, was frustrated by being overlooked for job opportunities due to the lack of a college degree. With financial responsibilities to his family, he turned to a growing trend of three-year degree programs. Ensign College, a private institution in Salt Lake City, has updated its bachelor's degrees to require fewer classes than traditional four-year degrees.

This condensed approach has gained popularity, with 26 U.S. states now offering at least one reduced-credit, three-year bachelor's program. Advocates argue these programs address the college affordability crisis and benefit non-traditional students like Sims. However, critics are concerned that these programs may reduce the breadth of students' education, confuse employers, limit graduate school options, and pose challenges in fields requiring state licenses.

The AAUP warns that these programs devalue the significance of a college credential, calling it "just cutting corners." Although three-year bachelor's degrees are common in countries like the UK, India, France, and Italy, they pose complications for students applying to U.S. graduate schools, which may require additional coursework.