Starting college is always a daunting prospect, but what if you knew that instead of spending four years working on a degree, you could finish all of your schooling in just three years — saving time and money in the process? It’s an option that some students have pursued on their own, but now some colleges seem to be wising up to it and offering help.

Case in point: three Arizona state universities are considering introducing three-year college programs as an alternative to the more traditional four-year bachelor’s degree program. Though three-year college degrees are par for the course in Europe, in the states it’s a bit of anomaly. The students who manage to complete their college education a year early do so either by tacking on extra classes during their spring and autumn semesters or taking classes in the summer.

Unfortunately this isn’t an option for every student, as it can create a scheduling fiasco, eat into time that’s needed for internships or part-time jobs, or deprive students of the classes they need to take — as not every course is offered during the summer term. In fact, only 2.3 percent of the nation’s undergrads currently graduate in three years, according to the U.S. Department of Education, showing that it’s not the easiest thing to accomplish without the proper support.

But some schools, like Northern Arizona University are considering changing their “Finish in Four” program into a “Finish in Four or Less” program that offers students the chance to graduate early though a combination of guaranteed course availability and advisement. Will this type of program catch on? Only time will tell. But it would certainly offer a much-needed alternative to middle- and lower-income students who would like to save money on tuition, student housing, and meal programs.

Of course, a three-year program will only benefit students who definitely know where their future lies. There’s not a lot of wiggle-room for feeling out majors and being “Undecided” for a year or more; you’ll have to get in, get the courses you need, and get out.

Chime in: would you like to see a three-year program offered at your college?

– Genevieve M. Blaber

*Soure: AZCentral.com