'Lake Express' Three Year Reduced Hour Degree

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Our Lady of the Lake University Announces "Lake Express" - a Three-Year Bachelor's Degree Programs Beginning Fall 2026

San Antonio, Texas - June 8, 2026 - Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) proudly announces its new accredited-approved, reduced-hour, three-year bachelor's degree programs, "Lake Express," set to begin in Fall 2026. This "first in Texas" innovative academic pathway offers students the opportunity to complete a high-quality undergraduate education in a shorter timeframe while maintaining the university's rigorous academic standards equivalent to a 4-year bachelor's degree.

Approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the three-year bachelor's degree model requires 94-96 total credit hours. Students will complete 37-38 hours of General Education, 39-40 hours in a selected major, and an 18-hour minor. The program is structured to be completed in six semesters (Fall and Spring only), with students taking approximately 15-16 credit hours per semester. While programs at other colleges or universities may offer similar programs in which students attend classes year-round, this is the first reduced-hour three-year bachelor's degree in Texas.

Available majors include Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice, and Bachelor of Arts in Childhood Studies. Recommended minors vary by major, with strategic course overlap allowing for accelerated degree completion.

"This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to access, affordability, and innovation in higher education," said Abel Chávez, President of OLLU. "By offering a three-year bachelor's degree option, we are empowering students to achieve their academic goals more efficiently while reducing financial burdens and opening doors to career opportunities sooner."

The three-year model provides significant advantages, including a reduction in overall tuition costs by approximately 25%, lower total cost of attendance, and earlier entry into the workforce or graduate school. Compared to traditional four-year pathways, students gain the benefit of an additional year of professional experience and income.

"This approval demonstrates that innovation and academic quality can go hand in hand," said Stephen L. Pruitt, President of SACSCOC. "Our Lady of the Lake University's approach preserves the integrity of degree requirements while thoughtfully reimagining how students can progress through their education."

Importantly, OLLU's three-year degrees maintain identical General Education, major, and minor requirements as the university's traditional four-year programs. The model does not compress course content, alter academic rigor, or modify credit hour definitions. Instead, elective courses not directly tied to student learning outcomes have been removed to streamline the pathway.

"Our goal was to design a program that accelerates time to degree without compromising educational excellence," said Alan Silva, Provost of OLLU. "Students will receive the same high-quality instruction and comprehensive curriculum, just through a more focused and efficient structure."

Lake Express is especially beneficial for non-traditional and adult learners balancing academic responsibilities with work and family commitments. Additionally, the shorter timeline is expected to improve student retention and graduation rates by helping students stay on track and make the most of their financial aid resources.

The announcement comes two months after OLLU announced a No-Cost-Master's program in which incoming freshman can commit to a master's program when they matriculate; and their graduate degree can be achieved at no cost.

Knowing that 'education is the great equalizer,' these student-centered programs are OLLU's efforts to help students commit to a college/university education while reducing the cost and time involved. For students who come in with dual credits, the 3-year bachelor's degree can be completed in even less time and cost.

Our Lady of the Lake University is once again leading the way in higher education innovation with the launch of Lake Express, the first of its kind in the state of Texas. In 1978, OLLU launched the first Weekend College program in the United States, serving as a pioneer in offering degrees to working adults and parents in South Texas. Long before online learning in the 1990s, Weekend College made education accessible to non-traditional students and emerged as a response to the growing number of part-time and non-traditional adult student learners. In 2019, OLLU also launched the innovative Double Major in Four Years [DMFY] Degree Plans that allow students to complete general education requirements plus two majors within four years, whereas double majoring usually requires five years or more in college.

About Our Lady of the Lake University

Founded in 1895 by the Sisters of Divine Providence, Our Lady of the Lake University is a Catholic institution committed to serving diverse communities and empowering students through education. As the birthplace of Hispanic Serving Institutions, OLLU has long been a national leader in advancing educational access and opportunity for underserved populations.

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