July 16, 2025
In an effort to reduce college costs and accelerate degree completion, a growing number of U.S. universities are offering three‑year bachelor’s degrees that require approximately 90 semester credits—a departure from the traditional 120‑credit model. These programs, introduced at regionally accredited institutions, are designed to serve adult learners, career‑changers, and high‑achieving students eager to enter the workforce or graduate study sooner. But do these shorter degrees offer the same value and graduate school opportunities as their four‑year counterparts?
Universities Offering Three‑Year Bachelor’s Degrees
- Johnson & Wales University (JWU)
JWU has launched both campus‑based and online three‑year degrees approved by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). As of Fall 2025, students can pursue 90–96 credit programs in Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Graphic Design, and Hospitality Management. JWU Online also offers accelerated options in Computer Science and Hospitality with the same reduced credit load. - Brigham Young University–Idaho (and Ensign College via BYU–Pathway Worldwide)
Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), these institutions offer fully online, three‑year bachelor’s degrees in fields such as Applied Business Management, Information Technology, Communication, Family & Human Services, and Software Development. These programs generally require 90–94 credits and have gained popularity among non‑traditional and international students. - Northwood University
Northwood, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), offers a 90‑credit Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity, part of the College‑in‑3 Exchange. Students may choose the three‑year track for faster workforce entry or opt for the traditional 120‑credit pathway if planning for graduate studies. - University of Maine System
As of July 14, 2025, the University of Maine System became the first public university system in the state to approve 90‑credit, three‑year bachelor’s degree programs aimed at adult learners. Pending NECHE approval, the pilot will include accelerated online degrees in Public Administration, Business Management, and Psychology at campuses in Augusta, Fort Kent, Machias, and Presque Isle .
Do These Degrees Qualify for Graduate School?
All of the institutions listed above hold regional accreditation through recognized accrediting bodies (NECHE, NWCCU, HLC, Middle States). As such, their three‑year degrees are generally accepted for employment purposes.
However, applicants should note that some competitive graduate programs may review course content, elective breadth, or minimum credit requirements. For example, Northwood University encourages students interested in graduate school to consider completing the full 120 credits to ensure they meet expected prerequisites. Similarly, prospective Maine graduates should verify that their accelerated programs include all prerequisites needed for graduate‐level work. Criteria for professional licensure by state boards may also vary where a four-year 120 credit bachelor’s degree is a requirement.
Final Thoughts
Three‑year bachelor’s degrees offer an accelerated, affordable path to a U.S. undergraduate credential without sacrificing academic quality—as long as they are earned from regionally accredited institutions. These programs are ideal for motivated learners ready to fast‑track their careers or graduate studies. Prospective students should always verify admission criteria with target graduate programs to ensure seamless progression.
As these innovative models expand—especially with new state systems like Maine joining the movement—they could play a pivotal role in reshaping higher education access and mobility in the U.S. and beyond.
The Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, Inc. (ACEI), was founded in 1994 and is based in Los Angeles, CA, USA. ACEI is a full-service company providing complete and integrated services in the areas of international education research, credential evaluation, training and consultancy. https://acei-global.org/
