They compete for students. They compete for professors (both those who will attract students and those who will attract grant money). They compete for peer re

They compete for students. They compete for professors (both those who will attract students and those who will attract grant money). They compete for peer recognition. If colleges believe they can offer a 3 year degree that will result in students who are able to compete against students with a 4 year degree, they will do so. And, to be honest, a couple will probably try. The format of higher education in America has been evolving for close to 400 years. During that time, many ideas have been tested, and you can still find a few colleges that are very different than the norm. However, the vast majority look similar in terms of how degrees are structured because that is what was found to be the most effective in preparing students for a career after they graduate. You can argue over whether or not whether the traditional methods are best, but at the end of the day they work for the majority of students here. And, of course, the quality of higher education in America is high enough to attract people from all over the world. At the end of the day, you don't have to take my word for it - just look into some of the research that's been done, both in terms of curriculum and general student development, and you'll get an idea as to just how much time is being put into determining the best ways to help students learn and grow.