Three-Year vs. Four-Year Bachelor's Degrees: A Parent’s Guide

Parents and guardians play an important role in helping a student choose the right college and the right program for them. For students choosing ̽»¨ÊÓƵ, there are three-year degree options for Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Design and Hospitality Management to consider as well. Three-year degrees are a growing initiative in higher education, so the choice between three-year and four-year degree programs is something your student could be faced with. 

Both options have benefits — it all depends on your student’s goals and what is most important to your family. Here’s what to consider when exploring four-year degrees versus three-year degrees with your student. 

How do three-year degrees work? 

First, you and your student should understand how three-year degrees work and how they differ from four-year degrees. There’s a lot of misconceptions and questions about what a three-year degree is. Many people think it is an accelerated version of a four-year degree, packing the same number of courses into less time. It isn’t! 

Three-year degrees at ̽»¨ÊÓƵ only require six semesters worth of courses instead of eight. Free electives (elective courses that don’t have to be related to a major) are removed, so students only take essential major-specific courses. They also complete Work-Integrated Learning hours outside the classroom via part-time employment on campus or with an employer partner, summer internships and other skill-building activities. This streamlined approach shaves a year off the time it takes to graduate, without requiring heavy course loads or summer classes. 

Does your student already have a specific career goal in mind, or do they want to explore their interests? 

If your student has already chosen their career path, a three-year degree may be perfect because it’s designed for students who already know what they want to do. Students take vital courses to set a robust foundational knowledge. It’s perfect for driven, focused students who are certain about their path. 

If your student would rather have the ability to explore different interests through free electives or even potentially switch their major, a four-year degree might be the better option to give them that flexibility. The additional time and free elective opportunities can help them find the right career path for them. 

In our research, we have found that preparing for a specific career as efficiently as possible is one of the most important reasons students want to attend college. However, many students also said they view college as the perfect time to explore different academic paths. Ask your student how they view college and what their primary motivation for attending would be. 

Is the cost of college a significant factor in your student’s decision? 

For most families, cost is a large factor. Three-year degrees eliminate an entire year of tuition and room/board from your overall cost. It’s important to note that both four-year and three-year ̽»¨ÊÓƵ students have access to the same financial aid opportunities, including The ̽»¨ÊÓƵ Pledge. This initiative offers grant and scholarship packages covering up to 100% of tuition for families with household incomes below $80,000 and up to 70% of tuition for household incomes below $200,000.

So, if your student is thinking of going the four-year route, they will still have excellent financial aid options at ̽»¨ÊÓƵ to minimize the cost of college. In fact, 98% of our on-campus students receive financial aid. 

Learn more about The ̽»¨ÊÓƵ Pledge 

Once your student is accepted to ̽»¨ÊÓƵ, they will also be assigned a financial planner who will be there to help your family navigate the entire financial aid process.  

Is your student concerned about missing elements of the college experience? 

Our research has shown that missing out on the social aspects of college is a primary concern for people considering a three-year degree. The good news is both three- and four-year students have access to the same experiences. Both can join teams or clubs and have time to attend campus events and build friendships. Three-year students will just have one less year of college — so as a student-athlete for example, they would have one less year to maximize their playing career. 

Getting the “traditional” college experience is important to many students. Ask your student what they hope to get out of their college experience. Do they want to join clubs or athletic teams? Do they care about attending events on campus and making friends? They can do it all with either degree option! 

Explore 7 Ways to Get Involved as a ̽»¨ÊÓƵ Student 

Does your student want to study abroad? 

For many students, the opportunity to study abroad is a big piece of the college experience. Because of the streamlined nature of the program, three-year students are a bit more limited in their study abroad options – they can choose to study abroad in the summer or add time to their course of study if they want to do a spring or fall study abroad program.

̽»¨ÊÓƵ does offer some options for faculty-led excursions that are only one to four weeks long, which could fit better into a three-year student’s schedule. However, students need to work with their advisor and a study abroad program advisor to see what is being offered and could work with their degree. For three-year Hospitality Management students, the Tour Management Operations elective course is a great alternative, as it culminates in a one-week international trip planned by the students in the class. 

But overall, if your student has the goal of studying abroad in college, they will most likely have more options and flexibility to make it happen as a four-year degree student. 

5 Things to Know ̽»¨ÊÓƵ’s Study Abroad and Exchange Programs 

Be there for them — we’re here for you! 

Helping your student navigate the college search and selection process might feel intimidating, because you want them to make the right choice and be happy with their decision. The best way you can support them during this process is by having conversations with them about their options, goals and motivations. 

While you’re there for them, ̽»¨ÊÓƵ will be here for you! Our admissions representatives are here to help your family with whatever questions you have about program offerings, financial aid, campus life and all things ̽»¨ÊÓƵ. 

Whether your student opts for a three-year or four-year degree — if they’re choosing ̽»¨ÊÓƵ, they can’t go wrong.

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