Virginia Officials Weigh Three-year Degrees to Cut Rising College Costs

By Billy Briefman · July 23, 2026 · 2 min read read

Virginia Explores 3-Year Bachelor’s Degrees and More State Headlines State higher education officials are evaluating a proposal to offer three-year bachelor’s degrees at Virginia public...

Virginia Explores 3-Year Bachelor’s Degrees and More State Headlines

State higher education officials are evaluating a proposal to offer three-year bachelor’s degrees at Virginia public universities to reduce student debt and accelerate entry into the workforce.

Originally reported by Virginia Mercury. Virginia Mercury

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) discussed the potential for "degree in three" programs during recent meetings, according to Virginia Mercury. The initiative aims to lower the total cost of attendance for students by eliminating a full year of tuition, room, and board fees. While some institutions currently allow students to graduate early by using Advanced Placement credits or summer courses, this new framework would redesign specific curricula to fit a 90-credit model rather than the traditional 120-credit standard.

Addressing Rising Costs and Workforce Needs

The push for shorter degree programs comes as Virginia families face rising tuition costs and institutions struggle with shifting enrollment trends. By condensing the timeline, officials hope to make higher education more accessible to low-income students and adult learners who require more flexible paths to graduation.

According to Virginia Mercury, the council is looking at similar pilot programs in other states, such as the "College-in-3" initiative led by researchers at the University of Minnesota Rochester and the University of Pennsylvania. These models focus on maintaining the rigor of a four-year degree while stripping away elective requirements that do not directly contribute to a student's major or core competencies.

Implementation Challenges and Next Steps

Transitioning to a three-year model requires approval from accrediting bodies and coordination with faculty departments to ensure educational quality remains intact. SCHEV staff noted that while the concept offers clear financial benefits, universities must ensure that students do not lose out on internships, research opportunities, or the "maturation" process typically associated with a four-year campus experience.

The council plans to continue its review of the proposal as part of its broader strategic goal to increase degree attainment across the Commonwealth. No specific timeline for a pilot program at VA institutions has been finalized.

This article is based on reporting originally published by Virginia Mercury. Channel RVA provides this coverage with additional local context for the Richmond community.