UW System Regents Approve Shorter Degree Options, Sparking Debate Over Academic Rigor
Shorter and potentially more affordable college degrees are on the horizon for some University of Wisconsin campuses. The UW Board of Regents unanimously approved revisions to a policy on March 5, 2026, allowing bachelor’s degree programs to be completed in as few as 90 credits, down from the previous minimum of 120 credits.
What the Policy Change Means
Traditionally, a four-year bachelor’s degree requires approximately 120 credits, with a full-time student typically taking 12 to 18 credits per semester. Reducing the requirement to 90 credits could potentially shave off an entire year of study and associated costs.
Advocates and Concerns
Proponents of shorter degree programs argue they can save students both time and money, addressing growing concerns about college affordability. However, critics worry that reducing the number of required credits may limit students’ opportunities to explore different academic disciplines and could potentially diminish the perceived value of a UW bachelor’s degree.
“That’s the tension, right?” Regent Jill Underly, also the state superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction, said during a committee meeting prior to the full board vote. “We don’t want to stifle innovation, but we also don’t want to reduce the credibility, I suppose, of a UW bachelor’s degree.”
National Trend and Accreditation
The move aligns with a growing national trend. At least 70 institutions across the U.S. Either already offer three-year programs or are seeking approval, according to College-in-3, an organization advocating for accelerated degree pathways.
Mount Mary University became the first four-year institution in Wisconsin to offer reduced-credit degrees, launching programs in digital marketing and cybersecurity this spring, with a bachelor’s of social work scheduled to launch in fall 2026.
The shift gained momentum after regional accreditors, including the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) – the accreditor for Wisconsin institutions – released new guidelines in 2024 for institutions seeking to launch reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees. Accreditor approval is required, a process that typically takes six to eight months, according to Johannes Britz, the UW System vice president overseeing academics.
Implementation and UW Campuses
The UW Board of Regents’ role in the program approval process was a point of discussion during the March 5 meeting, with several members requesting to be informed of any program changes.
It remains unclear which UW campuses will ultimately offer three-year degree programs, as they are not required to do so. UW-Madison has stated it has not explored or discussed reduced-credit degrees, noting that the average time-to-degree for its undergraduate students is already 3.78 years. UW-Milwaukee is listed as a member of College-in-3 and is in the early stages of identifying potential programs. UW-River Falls political science professor Neil Kraus expressed opposition, arguing there are better ways to address cost concerns without devaluing higher education.
Kraus doubted someone with a three-year degree would win out against another job applicant who had a four-year degree, all other factors considered equal. “It’s just kind of crazy that people who got four-year degrees are thinking it’s OK to shortchange today’s students and give them less of an education,” he said. “It doesn’t create sense at all.”
Looking Ahead
The UW System’s decision to allow shorter degree programs represents a significant shift in higher education, driven by a desire to improve affordability and accessibility. The coming months will be crucial as individual campuses evaluate the feasibility of implementing these programs and navigate the accreditation process. The long-term impact on student outcomes and the perceived value of a UW degree remains to be seen.