Three-Year Bachelor’s Degrees

An increasing number of states are authorizing bachelor’s degrees that require as few as 90 credits, rather than the 120 credits or more that bachelor’s degrees have historically required. These 90-credit degrees are designed for students to complete in three academic years, leading many to refer to them as “college in 3” or “three-year bachelor’s degree programs.” By streamlining credit requirements, three-year bachelor’s degrees are intended to help students earn their degrees in less time and at a lower cost while at the same time offering programs that respond more directly to what students and employers need.

The promise of three-year bachelor’s degrees is compelling, but many open questions about their impact on students, institutions, and states remain. Rigorous evidence is needed to evaluate their effectiveness in the US and develop research-backed best practices.

With support from Arnold Ventures, Ithaka S+R is building the evidence base for three-year bachelor’s degrees through a multi-year engagement. We will assess how well the promise of three-year programs aligns with state needs and priorities, identify programs where a three-year design is most feasible, and provide guidance on evidence-based practices to consider in program design. We will also evaluate the design, implementation, and outcomes of the three-year bachelor’s degree in Ohio, Virginia, and North Carolina. Ohio and Virginia’s participation will be in collaboration with Jobs for the Future’s Scaling 3-Year Bachelor’s Degrees initiative, which is supported by Arnold Ventures and the Strada Education Foundation.

Explore the current landscape of three-year bachelor’s degrees

The state policy landscape for three-year bachelor’s degrees varies considerably, and the landscape is rapidly evolving. We’re developing tools and resources to support states and institutions, including a Three-Year Bachelor’s Degree Program Policy Map, State Alignment Framework, and more.