This no-frills college helps students get a degree quickly, simply and affordably

Ashkan Bahgozen, Helen Kinchin, Monika Myslewska and Mabel Makombore are all studying at CU Coventry. Students at the university can start at any of six times during the year, take one subject at a time for the same four hours every weekday and get a bachelor's degree in three years. (Aaron Law/The Hechinger Report)

COVENTRY, England — When she finished high school, Helen Kinchin got what was supposed to be a temporary job, after which she planned to go to college.

Fourteen years later, she was in the same job and had two kids, but still no degree.