Following the unprecedented disruptions and changes of the last few years — including political division, global pandemics, and a diminishing trust from the publics we serve — institutions of higher learning are faced with a new reality which demands our boldest thinking and most creative solutions. Now is the  time for a transformational, innovative way to deliver education.  

Across the country, enrollments continue to decline, and there is growing skepticism about the value of higher education. According to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey, only one in four American adults say that it is extremely or very important to have a four-year degree as a means of getting a good-paying job. As educators, we must work twice as hard to prove that we have students’ best interests at the center of our mission. We must live the values we teach and deliver higher education in a way that is both affordable and accessible, reducing the cost and helping more students discover the promise of higher education.

Rethinking degree delivery models to meet the moment

If we, as institutes of higher education, are to truly make ourselves accessible to students and meet them where they are, it’s time to re-evaluate the 120-credit hour degree, which has been the standard for more than 100 years. The colleges and universities of the late 19th century would be nearly unrecognizable compared to today’s educational experience, so why should students be forced to adhere to the same rigid framework if it does not meet their needs?

There is room for more than one approach to undergraduate education. This past spring, Johnson & Wales University applied to the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) to offer three-year, 90-credit degrees for four selected programs of study. Following our approval in late September, JWU is pleased to announce that it will begin to offer this new degree path in the Fall 2025 semester. 

Students in these undergraduate programs — hospitality management, computer science, graphic design, and criminal justice — will have the opportunity to earn their degree and get out into the workforce faster, saving them time, money, and helping to address ongoing shortages in these in-demand careers. 

Preparing graduates for a changing workforce

The movement towards offering three-year degrees is still just beginning, and Johnson & Wales University is proud to be on the cutting edge of this innovation. While the timeline of a student’s college career will be shortened, they will have completed an academically rigorous course of study, rooted in excellence upon graduation. These programs are designed for students who want to get into the workforce faster, who begin school knowing the career they want to pursue, and who are interested in programs that carry fewer financial burdens.

Across the country, the cost of attending a college or university has never been higher. According to the Education Data Initiative, the overall average cost of attending higher education in 2024 was $38,270 per student, per year. Eliminating one year offers students a 25 percent discount from the outset, lessening the need for student loans and getting them into the paid workforce a year ahead. The bottom line is this: Both industries and student mindsets are changing, and it is the responsibility of higher education institutions to meet these needs. 

Three-year degrees not only offer flexibility to students already planning to go to school, but they also open doors to those for whom college was never accessible. The financial implications of a traditional four-year degree can be prohibitive for many students, limiting access to higher education and, in some cases, delaying career advancement.

Johnson & Wales is an adaptive institution — it is in our DNA. We have always and will always embrace innovation and flexibility over maintaining the status quo. Our goal is to evolve with changing times, offering a selection of educational opportunities to allow for an individualized approach to education. Traditional four-year, 120-credit degree programs in the four highlighted areas of study are not going anywhere for those who want them. 

Today’s students, especially those at JWU, have clear career goals and carefully choose majors that align with these ambitions. The three-year degree program accelerates their journey toward these goals, offering a direct and efficient path to their desired careers. JWU is not alone in this effort; across the country, approximately two dozen colleges and universities are exploring these types of degrees. 

Meeting industry needs head-on

A central driver for this effort is the recognition that the needs of industry are changing. As we engage in ongoing dialogue with employers across sectors, one message is clear: the pace of innovation in the workforce demands graduates who are not only well-versed in theory but also equipped with practical skills and adaptability. 

Our three-year degree programs have been developed in close collaboration with industry leaders, ensuring that our graduates are not only prepared to meet current workforce demands but are also positioned as leaders in shaping the future of their respective fields. Allowing a student to earn an academically rigorous degree in just 75 percent of the traditional college timeline requires a measured and thoughtful approach. 

All students enrolled in these new degree programs will still be required to complete 42 credits of the Arts and Sciences Core Experience, building a well-rounded educational foundation. Under the new program, students will no longer take free electives outside of the core general education requirements, allowing for a stronger focus on degree-specific classes. Internships, a core part of JWU’s focus on experiential learning, will be further integrated into coursework, or can be completed during the summer. 

A legacy of innovation and adaptability

Johnson & Wales University has a history of entrepreneurial vision, a career-driven student demographic, and industry-experienced faculty. The three-year, 90-credit degree fits within our portfolio of degrees and matches our principles and what we are known for in a way that will feel genuine and authentic to our history and brand. We are the first accredited university in the nation to offer an in-person, 90-credit degree program, answering demands from parents, students, and employers across the country for colleges and universities to graduate qualified, industry-ready candidates faster and with less debt. This is the way that we rise to meet the changing needs of our society.