FAYETTE, IOWA (February 5, 2026) — As colleges nationwide grapple with rising costs and changing workforce demands, Upper Iowa University (UIU) is stepping out front.
Following final approval from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), UIU has officially launched a ninety-credit Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, making the university one of the first institutions in the country to offer a reduced-credit Bachelor's degree designed to help students graduate faster, spend less, and enter the workforce sooner, without sacrificing academic rigor.
The new program will be available to online students beginning May 18, 2026 (UIU Session 5) and to Fayette campus students beginning Fall 2026 (UIU Session 1). Applications are now open.
"Higher education must evolve to meet today's learners where they are-financially, professionally, and personally," said Dr Billie Cowley, Vice President of Academic Affairs.
"This ninety-credit business degree is a bold step forward, offering a focused, high-quality pathway that responds directly to what students and employers are asking for."
A National Shift Toward Shorter, Smarter Degrees
Traditionally, bachelor's degrees in the US require 120 credits. UIU's new ninety-credit option reflects a growing national conversation around affordability, efficiency, and workforce alignment, while maintaining the university's academic standards and accreditation requirements.
The program allows students to:
- Graduate sooner and reduce overall tuition costs;
- Stay on pace for career advancement or graduate study;
- Transfer up to sixty credits, creating a streamlined pathway for community college students; and
- Complete the same core business curriculum and upper-division requirements as the traditional degree.
Despite requiring fewer credits, the degree includes:
- Thirty upper-division credits;
- UIU's Peacock Professional Experience general education curriculum;
- Core business coursework; and
- All GPA and residency requirements.
Three Business Pathways, Built for Today's Students
With the launch of the ninety-credit option, UIU now offers three distinct Business Administration pathways, giving students greater control over how-and how quickly-they earn their degree:
Traditional 120-Credit BS in Business Administration
Ideal for students pursuing double majors, minors, or exploring multiple academic interests.
Ninety-Credit BS in Business Administration
Designed for students who are confident in their major and want a faster, more cost-effective route to graduation.
Dual-Degree BSBA + MBA Bundle
A combined pathway allowing students to earn both degrees in approximately four years. Qualified students may complete up to twelve MBA credits during their Bachelor's program through UIU's LINK pathway. This option is especially attractive to:
- Student-athletes balancing NCAA schedules;
- High-achieving students; and
- Online and adult learners planning for graduate study.
"This program expands access while aligning directly with workforce needs," said UIU President Kathy Franken.
"It supports our IMPACT 2028 strategic priorities by strengthening partnerships, increasing degree completion, and offering innovative solutions that make higher education more attainable."
Enrollment Now Open
Applications are now being accepted for both the 90-credit Business Administration degree and the Dual-Degree BSBA + MBA bundle. Prospective students can apply for free at uiu.edu/apply.
Students with transfer credits or questions about which pathway best fits their goals are encouraged to connect with a UIU Enrollment Coordinator for personalized guidance.
For more information, visit GO.UIU.EDU/BusAdminPR.
