Incoming students at Transylvania University will have a new academic schedule option in the fall semester. The new program is called “Accelerate” for good reason.
The initiative allows motivated students to complete their degrees in three years. It’s happened before, but Transy Vice President for Academic Affairs Rebecca Thomas said this offers a more structured, student-specific approach. Thomas said it’s a good fit for students pursuing various degrees.
“We find that most of our popular programs can be completed in three years by a student who brings in at least 20 credit hours worth of study when they arrive here,” said Thomas.
Thomas adds, in addition to moving into a chosen profession sooner, there’s the financial factor. Although many Transy students benefit from financial aid exceeding $30,000, the full cost for one year at the private school is about $58,000.
The program recognizes prior college-level achievement through dual credits, Advanced Placement, or International Baccalaureate credit. Thomas said “Accelerate” recognizes that effort in high school.
“It’s nice to get some return on that and so paying for three full-time years of undergraduate study is certainly a benefit in what you’re paying for college, but also getting out into your career or your graduate program sooner..so that you can start getting that return,” said Thomas.
Thomas noted a few other schools advertise three-year pathways. But she added not all of them hold students to the same academic rigor. Thomas said at Transy, it’s not about cutting corners or getting away with something, but about taking advantage of the work ambitious students have already done.
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