College students are great at adapting to change. We learn to balance school, work and social requirements like a circus performer balancing spinning plates on sticks all over his body. Just when one is about to fall another spin comes just in time to keep it afloat. But what happens when the plate of school becomes so heavy that it breaks the pole and shatters the plate before it can even balance?
As a result of the rising cost of tuition and the shrinking bank accounts and 401k plans from a market in recession, the plate has broken for many. Schools across the country have instituted accelerated programs to mitigate the financial and time burden with which traditional degrees are plagued.
According to FinancialAid.org the average rate of tuition increase is generally twice the rate of inflation. Couple the increase in tuition with a recession that has left 9.1 percent of individuals unemployed, according the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, and many others stuffing money under the mattress, you have a dilemma for those who want access to higher education.
A January study by Longmire Inc. found that 46 percent of individuals are changing their college plans as a result of the recession. Twelve of those 46 percentage points said they will have to drastically change their plans. These plans include enrolling in a less expensive college, working and attending school and relying more heavily on financial aid and student loans.
Many colleges across the country, especially liberal arts colleges, are following the example of European higher education and offering the option to complete a bachelor’s degree in three years. Hartwick College in New York announced in February that they will offer a three-year degree program that will save students an entire year of tuition and housing expenses. Other colleges that have already instituted the three-year degree program include Bates College in Maine and Chatham University in Pittsburgh. The accelerated approach is also being followed by a number of graduate schools, including The Northwestern School of Law, which offers a Juris Doctorate degree to be completed in two years rather than three.
Ed Barbanell, the associate dean of curriculum administration at the U, said that to his knowledge there is no ongoing discussion about implementing a three-year undergraduate degree option. However, he said in some cases it can be done.
Students who can complete a three-year degree would save time and money and be able to pursue either a career or graduate education more rapidly. A program supported by the U would increase admission numbers and increase graduates as well. Further, it would provide the opportunity for many students to not have to drastically change their plans regarding higher education. So for those students who are about to add another stick with a spinning plate, consider supporting a three-year program to spare all of your other plates.
Jeffrey Jenkins
Alyssa Bailey