In reaction to a $5.4 billion state budget shortfall and impending cuts to all state agencies, the University of Wisconsin System President Kevin Reilly has proposed the creation of a three-year degree program in UW System schools. The program, Reilly argued, would save students and the university money at a time when both are strapped for cash.

We believe this proposal holds great promise for students, especially those in difficult financial circumstances. Although a three-year degree program would leave less opportunity for changing one’s major or extracurricular activities, for most students, education is the primary reason they attend college, with other activities on the periphery.

Additionally, though the accelerated nature of a three-year degree may prevent some students from holding jobs or working as many hours as they would like to, the savings incurred through bypassing a full year at this university would mostly, if not completely, compensate for the deficit. Holding a job also rarely compensates for the large amount of debt some students incur with every semester at college.

Additionally, the UW System must take account of its own financial system, especially now. All aspects of the system’s budget will be under scrutiny in the coming months, and this common sense measure, which does not involve any substantial reduction in the quality of university education, should be a no-brainer.

Students have always had the option to graduate in less than four years — indeed some of our most ambitious peers do. The system is now merely easing the process and providing a road map for more students to take advantage of the three-year plan. Students still have the option of taking a four-year degree program, and most probably will. We are encouraged the UW System is acknowledging fiscal reality while at the same time fighting to maintain affordability and quality for all students.