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Last updated on Friday, January 13, 2012
(WEST LAFAYETTE) - One of the state’s major universities plans to help more students get their degrees faster for less money. It could be a huge help to the majority of students.
Purdue students are getting the chance to earn a four-year degree in three, save thousands of dollars, and graduate with fewer loans.
Purdue University President France Cordova describes the new system as "trimesters or virtually year-round college course curriculum.
With tuition discounted 50 percent and more classes available, Purdue expects summer enrollment will more than triple. Additional revenue of about $40 million a year will help offset future tuition increases, say administrators.
The state is putting unprecedented pressure on its public universities to graduate more students in less time for less money. IU has already lowered its summer tuition. Ball State did the same and decreased the number of credit hours needed for a diploma.
Only a third of Indiana students graduate in four years. Universities with improving graduation rates are now rewarded with additional state funding.
"We want you to build a system that responds to students' needs and we want to help them graduate on time and to save money," said Teresa Lubbers, Commissioner for Higher Education.
But the change takes time - Purdue figures ten years before the university has a completely switched to a year-round calendar.
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