Legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Mila Jasey promoting college affordability was advanced by the Assembly on Thursday, 73-0-3.
According to the College Affordability Study Commission, in Indiana, a review of the state’s public institutions of higher education found that the requirements of nearly 90 percent of degree programs exceeded what once was considered the standard (120 credits for a bachelor’s degree and 60 credits for associate degrees).
This bill (A-3634) provides that no more than 120 credits will be required for four-year baccalaureate degrees given by a public institution and no more than 60 credits for two-year associate degrees.
“This bill both informs students and their families of what it takes to graduate in four years and asks institutions to be mindful of ensuring it is possible for students to earn a degree in four years,” said Jasey (D-Essex/Morris). “This will ultimately save on tuition costs, resulting in less debt and less stress.”
This standard would not apply for five-year programs or if professional accreditation requires either a greater number of credit hours or course work that cannot be completed within those credit hours.
The bill would require the Secretary of Higher Education to establish standards for the purposes for complying with the credit hour limits and would authorize the governing board of a public institution, in consultation with the secretary, to approve additional exceptions to the standard credit hour requirements stated in the bill.
This measure was approved by the Senate in February and now heads to the Governor’s desk.