US colleges are rolling out three-year bachelor's degrees in 120 programmes across 26 states

The University of Cincinnati is also considering programmes in information technology and professional studies. (University of Cincinnati photo) For decades, a four-year bachelor's degree has been the standard in the US. That model is changing now as more colleges introduce three-year degree programmes that require fewer credits.As of this spring, colleges in 26 US states offered at least one reduced-credit, three-year bachelor's degree, according to an analysis by the nonprofit research group RAND. By May, 119 such programmes had been publicly announced.The new programmes allow students to complete a bachelor's degree with as few as 90 credit hours, compared with the typical 120 hours required for a four-year degree. While the change can cut a year from college, it can also reduce the cost of tuition and living expenses.The shorter route can also be attractive for students who need to start working sooner. Giles Sims, 34, turned to a three-year programme after being laid off as a web developer. He said he could not spend another four years out of the workforce while supporting his wife and widowed mother.“I can’t afford to be out of the workforce for four years. That just seems li...