Saint Leo University, a private Catholic institution in Tampa, Florida, is rolling out a new Bachelor of Business Analytics program that will debut in January 2027. The degree is designed to be completed in three years with just 93 credit hours, a full year less than the traditional 120‑credit model.
Why the reduced‑hour model matters for families
University President Dr. Jim Burkee told FOX 13 that the program responds directly to student and family concerns about mounting college debt and the desire for a quicker path to employment. “I think that students and families are going to respond with a lot of excitement because we’re responding to what they’re telling us and what the market’s telling us,” Burkee said.
By eliminating the fourth year, Saint Leo estimates tuition, room, and board savings of about 25 percent. When combined with the projected average starting salary of $50,000 for graduates, the financial benefit becomes significant, according to the university’s calculations.
Accreditation and launch timeline
The program received approval this month from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). After the approval, the university will begin recruiting high‑school seniors, community‑college transfers, and working adults who want a faster, more affordable route to a business analytics credential.
Second‑year community‑college students could transfer into the program, complete the remaining credits in just one additional year, and enter the job market sooner than they would under a traditional four‑year plan.
Employer reaction
Saint Leo surveyed local employers and reported an “overwhelmingly positive” response. Companies indicated they care more about accreditation and relevant experience than the total number of classroom hours a student completes.
Future expansion
The university says the 93‑credit model is a pilot that could be applied to other degree programs in the future, offering a template for cost‑effective, career‑focused education across the state.
For students and families in the Tampa Bay area seeking a high‑quality, affordable business degree, Saint Leo’s new offering provides a compelling alternative that aligns with both financial prudence and rapid entry into the workforce.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
