Higher Education

Oklahoma House panel advances study of three-year bachelor’s degrees

February 10, 2026

Ray Carter

Lawmakers took the first step towards shortening the time and money it takes to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Oklahoma, passing legislation that opens the door for a three-year process.

House Bill 3315, by state Rep. Ryan Eaves, R-Atoka, requires the State Regents for Higher Education to study the feasibility of implementing a three-year, or 90-credit-hour, bachelor’s degree. Under the bill, the Regents must submit a report to the governor and Legislative leaders by July 1, 2027.

Gov. Kevin Stitt recently endorsed the concept, saying a three-year degree “speeds up workforce entry” and “makes so much sense.”

The savings created by a three-year degree could be significant.

At the University of Oklahoma, resident students living on campus pay an average $31,733 combined in direct costs, including tuition, fees, books and supplies, and housing costs, which rises to $38,999 per year when indirect costs such as transportation are added in.

HB 3315 easily passed the House Postsecondary Education Committee on a 9-0 vote. The bill will next receive a hearing in the House Education Oversight Committee.