UW Regents Approve 90-Credit Bachelor's Degrees

New policy allows for shorter, more affordable college programs at some campuses

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The University of Wisconsin Board of Regents has unanimously approved a policy change that will allow UW campuses to offer bachelor's degree programs with only 90 credits, down from the previous 120-credit minimum. This move aims to make college more affordable by reducing the time and cost for students to earn a degree, though some faculty have expressed concerns that the shortened programs could diminish the quality of a UW bachelor's education.

Why it matters

The shift towards 90-credit bachelor's degrees reflects growing concerns over the rising cost of higher education and the desire to improve college affordability and accessibility. However, there are debates around whether reducing the credit load will adequately prepare students or potentially devalue the reputation of a UW degree.

The details

The policy change, endorsed without discussion, now allows UW campuses to offer 90-credit bachelor's programs instead of the previous 120-credit minimum. This could shave a full year off a typical four-year degree. At least 70 institutions nationally already offer or are seeking approval for three-year degree programs. The regional accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission, released new guidelines in 2024 to govern these reduced-credit bachelor's degrees, a process that can take 6-8 months for approval.

  • The UW Board of Regents approved the policy revisions on March 5, 2026.
  • Mount Mary University in Wisconsin started offering 90-credit bachelor's programs in digital marketing and cybersecurity this spring, and plans to add a bachelor's of social work in fall 2026.

The players

UW Board of Regents

The governing body of the University of Wisconsin System that unanimously approved the policy change allowing for 90-credit bachelor's degrees.

Jill Underly

A UW Regent and the Superintendent of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, who expressed concerns about balancing innovation with preserving the credibility of UW bachelor's degrees.

Johannes Britz

The UW System Vice President overseeing academics, who noted the accreditation process for reduced-credit programs can take 6-8 months.

Robert Zemsky

A professor at the University of Pennsylvania who co-founded College-in-3, an organization advocating for three-year degree programs as a way to improve retention and focus curriculum on essential skills.

Neil Kraus

A political science professor at UW-River Falls who objected to the shorter degree programs, arguing they would devalue a UW bachelor's degree.

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What they’re saying

“We don't want to stifle innovation, but we also don't want to reduce the credibility, I suppose, of a UW bachelor's degree.”

— Jill Underly, UW Regent, Superintendent of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (thenorthwestern.com)

“We have fancy conversations about what students need to learn. What do they need to be able to do?”

— Robert Zemsky, Co-founder, College-in-3 (thenorthwestern.com)

“It's just kind of crazy that people who got four-year degrees are thinking it's OK to shortchange today's students and give them less of an education. It doesn't make sense at all.”

— Neil Kraus, Political Science Professor, UW-River Falls (thenorthwestern.com)

What’s next

The UW System and individual campuses will now work through the accreditation process with the Higher Learning Commission to develop and approve any 90-credit bachelor's degree programs.

The takeaway

The move towards shorter, more affordable college degrees reflects the growing pressure to address the rising costs of higher education, but there are valid concerns that reducing the credit load could undermine the quality and reputation of a UW bachelor's degree. Balancing innovation with academic rigor will be a key challenge as campuses explore these new program options.