In the final of four town hall budget meetings, University of Missouri System President Gary Forsee discussed the poor economy and a lack of state support.
One possible solution? Three-year degrees at the system's four campuses. Forsee said the issue is only being discussed right now.
"People just can't afford to waste time and money anymore," Forsee said. "There's a national appetite to get through faster ... and finish cheaper."
In Europe, there's a shift to the three-year degree. But not everyone likes it, saying it can limit learning and achievement possibilities.
Last month, Gov. Jay Nixon announced a plan to keep tuition frozen for a second straight year. In return, he agreed to maintain higher education funding at about 95 percent of the this year’s appropriation, but that's still a reduction of $42 million.
Additionally, one-time funds from the stimulus are set to expire by 2012, so schools will have to make cuts unless money comes from other sources.
Do you think a three-year degree is a good idea?