UT students recognize that a three year degree option that other Tennessee universities are considering and implementing is both useful and problematic.

The national average for students to finish an undergraduate degree is now at a shocking six years and seven months according to a recent Newsweek article by former UT president and former Tennessee governor Lamar Alexander.

Currently, a three year undergraduate degree is not available at UT, but some students believe that a fourth year allows learning outside of the college curriculum.

"Staying all four years can help you develop connections with professors and develop relationships with people you can network with in your career. You have more time to get involved on campus, join a professional [or] honor society," junior Gabe Froula, a biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology double major, said.

For students like Froula, who is interested in attending medical school, the three year option is not feasible.

You also don't get to enjoy the college experience as much since you'll most likely be taking an average of 20 hours per semester. Gabe Froula, a biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology double major

That extra year is "for personal growth and lifelong learning," junior psychology major Shayna Sandlan said.

With the current uncertainty in the job market, graduating early for students means scrambling to land a job.

"Having more time as a student to try to make connections with people for your future might be easier to do in school rather than by being unemployed. The unemployment rate is high and it would not be easy to get a job," senior Diana Cantu, a marketing and international business double major, said.

Colleges taking the lead in implementing a three year degree across Tennessee include Carson Newman, which will offer the option for 13 majors starting in Fall 2010. A benefit of finishing in three years for many students is the reality of paying for one less year of tuition.

"You have an extra year to work and that could pay off later on if your family hits a rough patch financially-med bills, you get laid off, kids going to school," Froula said.

However, some UT students do not believe the savings are that much of incentive. "Either way I'm going to be in debt," Sandlan said.

Student athletes such as Cantu, who is on the UT golf team, recognize the unique value in graduating in three years for athletes who eagerly anticipate professional sports careers.

"There are numerous student athletes that want to turn professional but at the same time want to get a college degree in case their professional careers in sports does not work," Cantu said.

To accommodate student athletes, Carson Newman suggests that interested athletes enroll in the school's graduate program after completing a three-year undergraduate degree program.

"Especially for athletes, with their fourth year of eligibility, this would be particularly attractive," Carson Newman provost Kina Mallard told the Knoxville News Sentinel.

Any plans for UT in offering a three-year program means possibly more preparation for students in high school including taking dual credit courses to get a head start on finishing college early.

For many students, there are just not enough benefits. "You also don't get to enjoy the college experience as much since you'll most likely be taking an average of 20 hours per semester," Froula said.