Video Post: Three-Year Colleges Cut Cost

Click here to view CNN video

Quick thought:

College current costs about an average of $28,500 per year. So the longer it takes students to graduate, the more school expenses will be racked up. As tuition at private colleges increasing an average of 4%, higher education could compound more costs with each year you are in school. With only 57% of college students graduating within six years, many young adults are carrying the financial burden of not completing bachelor's degrees within the traditional four years.

By attending a three-year college program (or by taking extra credit hours each semester in a traditional program), you can cut thousands of dollars off you total education bill. Doing so requires advanced planning: Deciding your major before enrolling so you do not waste hours in unneeded courses, researching three-year programs, and keeping a high GPA to ensure admission to a program. 

By being proactive with your education, you not only avoid paying thousands of dollars more on school, but also you gain an extra year in the workforce.

READERS, what do you think?

Is college too tough to be completed in three years?

References

Ellis, B. (2012, March 22). Colleges slashing tuition, offering 3-year degrees. CNN Money. Retrieved from http://money.cnn.com/2012/03/22/pf/college/cost-cutting/index.htm.

Foreman, T. (2011, March 10). Cutting college costs. CNN. Retrieved from http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/11/video-cutting-college-costs/?iref=allsearch.

O'Shaughnessy, L. (2011, January 30). Top 25 state universities for graduating on time. CBS Moneywatch. Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505145_162-37244373/top-25-state-universities-for-graduating-on-time/.