<p>Just how prevalent is this (particularly, at public colleges where it is difficult to graduate in <em>four</em> years, much less, three) and do you think it could eventually become the norm?</p>
<p>I know the governor of Ohio is pushing for this. We haven’t seen much action on making it possible at the University level.</p>
<p>If schools cut a lot of the general education requirements, then I would think it is feasible.</p>
<p>^Which is why I don’t see it becoming prevalent. Those gened requirements are there for a reason. I will, say, however, that I could see a resurgence in the associate degree.</p>
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<p>There is nothing revolutionary about this (assuming 4 credits (1 credit = 1 course, apparently) per semester is a typical course load). Obviously, 2 AP credits for those who take AP courses and tests in high school would cost less than 0.5 a semester’s cost of attendance; the implication is that 3 summer sessions (typically 2 credits each) may cost less than 1.5 or 2 regular semesters.</p>
<p>Doing this sort of thing (at any college or university) may require more attention to schedule planning, since summer sessions may offer more limited course selection than regular semesters. Students in majors with long prerequisite sequences need to be especially careful with the schedule planning if they want to graduate early.</p>
<p>Makes it hard to do full-time summer internships that are key to getting most jobs today.</p>
<p>^ Absolutely true!</p>
<p>Indiana governor not only wants three-year degree, but is pushing for hs completion in 3 years, meaning fewer AP and dual-credit courses and fewer high preforming kids leaving the state as they would not be as desirable to OOS private schools. I find it counterproductive due to maturity levels and lack of opportunity to intern and work. How Until Federal FA catches up, it would not be feasible for low income kids either.</p>
<p>All Indiana publics were pushed to decrease summer school costs, but enrollment numbers did not meet expectations because so many people needed to work in the summer in order to pay for the remaining year.</p>
<p>Isn’t it the case in some other countries that a bachelor’s degree program in a university is three years? However, there may be differences like fewer general education and total credit requirements and the assumption of more advanced high school preparation, compared to the situation in the US.</p>
<p>Yes, in many European countries it is 3 years however, their high school preparation for college is longer/better than ours so lots of the “gen-ed” requirements are taken care of in high school. Also, I was talking to an English parent of a high school student who wanted to study in the U.S. and she said you come in to college having declared your major and then only take courses directly required by your major. Lots of kids who aren’t sure of their major get totally messed up by this and end up dropping out or taking more than 3 years to finish.
No easy answers ;-)</p>