🎓 The Board of Regents' Landmark Decision

On March 5, 2026, the University of Wisconsin (UW) System's Board of Regents unanimously approved revisions to Regent Policy Document 4-12, paving the way for UW campuses to develop bachelor's degree programs requiring as few as 90 credit hours rather than the longstanding standard of 120. This policy shift marks a significant step toward accelerated degree pathways, often referred to as three-year bachelor's degrees, in response to evolving demands in higher education.

Credit hours, a measure used in U.S. higher education to quantify academic work, typically equate to one hour of classroom instruction per week over a 15-week semester, plus an additional two hours of study or preparation outside class. A traditional 120-credit bachelor's degree generally spans four years with a full course load of 15 credits per semester, encompassing major-specific courses, general education requirements, and electives. Reducing this to 90 credits compresses the timeline, allowing motivated students to graduate in three years by taking heavier loads or summer courses.

The approval came without extended debate during the Education Committee meeting, reflecting broad support amid national trends. However, Regents like State Superintendent Jill Underly and Joan Prince emphasized the need to protect the reputation of UW degrees, insisting that any new programs maintain rigorous learning outcomes and accreditation standards.

This change aligns with guidelines from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the regional accreditor for UW institutions, which updated its assumed practices in September 2025 to permit reduced-credit programs with proper justification. Campuses must now submit proposals through a substantive change process, which takes three to eight months, detailing how reduced credits achieve equivalent educational goals.

How 90-Credit Bachelor's Programs Would Function

Under the revised policy, UW institutions can create entirely new three-year degrees or modify existing ones by trimming electives or integrating coursework more efficiently, while preserving core general education and major requirements. For instance, programs in applied or technical fields—such as information technology, business analytics, or healthcare administration—lend themselves well to this model, as they prioritize workforce-ready skills over broad liberal arts exploration.

To illustrate, a student pursuing a 90-credit Bachelor of Science in Applied Computing might complete 30 courses instead of 40, focusing on programming, data analysis, and cybersecurity essentials. This could involve year-round enrollment with summer terms or competency-based assessments allowing prior learning credits for work experience. Nontraditional students, like working adults or transfer students arriving with 30 community college credits, stand to benefit most, potentially finishing in two years post-transfer.

Approval pathways include notifying the UW System's Office of Academic Affairs for curricular tweaks or seeking full Board endorsement for new degrees via SYS 102 guidelines. All proposals must demonstrate no dilution in student learning outcomes, often through multiyear assessments.

Responses from UW-Madison and Other Campuses

UW-Madison, the system's flagship, remains cautious. Interim Provost John Zumbrunnen stated, "I do not see (UW-Madison) any time soon turning towards the widespread presence of reduced-credit bachelor's degrees." With an average time-to-degree of 3.78 years—the lowest on record—and two-thirds of graduates debt-free, Madison sees limited urgency. Vice Provost Allison La Tarte noted no formal discussions yet, though interest from departments could spark campus-wide talks, particularly for targeted programs serving adult learners.

Smaller UW campuses facing steeper enrollment declines, such as UW-Milwaukee (down about 2,000 students annually) or UW-Oshkosh (54% three-year retention), may pioneer offerings. Systemwide Senior Vice President Johannes Britz highlighted exploration in applied fields, balancing innovation with degree credibility.

Privately, Mount Mary University in Milwaukee already leads Wisconsin with 95-credit programs in cybersecurity and digital marketing launching spring 2026, claiming faster workforce entry and cost savings without compromising quality.

Photo by Vincent Y @USA on Unsplash

📊 Key Benefits for Students, Families, and the Economy

Proponents argue three-year degrees address pressing challenges in Wisconsin higher education. Enrollment stagnation and post-third-year retention drops—67% at UW-Eau Claire, 57% at UW-Milwaukee—signal the need for flexible options amid rising tuition and living costs.

• Cost Savings: At UW-Madison's in-state rate of about $11,000 annually, a three-year path saves roughly $11,000 in tuition, plus reduced room, board, and opportunity costs from earlier employment.
• Faster Workforce Entry: Graduates enter higher ed jobs or industries sooner, easing student debt burdens (national average $37,000) and boosting Wisconsin's economy, short 50,000 skilled workers in tech and healthcare.
• Increased Completion Rates: Compressed timelines motivate persistence, appealing to first-generation or low-income students wary of four-year commitments.
• Flexibility for Transfers: Aligns with growing transfer credits; 30 incoming credits are now common at UW-Madison.

For employers, these programs deliver job-ready talent efficiently. Students can still pursue internships or extracurriculars, though time is tighter.

Challenges and Criticisms Addressed

Critics worry about diluted education. Regents stressed no 'tarnishing' of UW credentials, with HLC requiring outcome equivalence. Concerns include:

• Limited time for extracurriculars, leadership, or major changes, vital for holistic development.
• Potential employer or grad school skepticism toward 90-credit degrees, though transparency and pilots mitigate this.
• Faculty resistance in liberal arts, where breadth fosters critical thinking.

UW leaders counter that safeguards—like fixed general education minima—preserve rigor. National pilots show comparable outcomes.

The Growing National Momentum for Accelerated Degrees

Wisconsin joins a surge: nearly 60 U.S. institutions offer or pursue three-year bachelor's, per College-in-3 Exchange. States like Utah (BYU-Idaho's online pilots), Indiana (Manchester University's pre-health tracks), and Maine (University of Maine's adult learner programs) lead.Inside Higher Ed details this trend, noting all major accreditors now permit with reviews.

Johnson & Wales University launches in-person versions in computer science and hospitality this fall. Research underscores the 120-credit norm's arbitrary roots, contrasting efficient three-year models abroad like the UK's.

For full HLC guidelines, see their official document.

Photo by Josh Sorenson on Unsplash

Implications for Wisconsin's Higher Education Landscape

This policy fosters innovation amid fiscal pressures—UW System tuition hikes and state funding debates. It positions UW to compete with private accelerators and online platforms, attracting nontraditional students (over 40% of enrollees).

Long-term, expect pilots in high-demand fields by 2027, monitored via completion metrics. For faculty job seekers, evolving curricula may create opportunities in professor jobs or lecturer roles.

What Prospective Students Should Know and Do Next

If considering UW, monitor campus announcements for pilot programs. Actionable steps:

• Review transfer credits via community college pathways.
• Assess fit: Ideal for career-focused students; traditional suits explorers.
• Check Rate My Professor for program insights.
• Explore scholarships at AcademicJobs scholarships.

In summary, the UW Board's approval of 90-credit programs signals adaptive higher education, balancing affordability with quality. As options emerge, students can accelerate toward higher-ed jobs and careers. Share experiences on Rate My Professor, browse university jobs, or get career advice to stay ahead. For recruitment, visit AcademicJobs recruitment.