Utah’s Bold Move: General Education Cuts

This op-ed originally appeared in City Weekly on January 2, 2025.

Utah colleges are cutting general education requirements—a long-overdue step toward making college shorter, cheaper and more flexible for students.

By reducing required credits, the Utah System of Higher Education is helping students save time and money while allowing them to focus on what matters most. No two students are the same, yet requiring a rigid set of general education courses treats them as if they are.

With fewer required credits, students have more freedom to tailor their education. They can dive into their major sooner or explore other courses that genuinely interest them, without being boxed into unnecessary requirements.

General education classes have long been seen as little more than a checklist. As one student commented online, these courses often feel like a waste of time that could be spent honing their skills and focusing on their major.

This policy is a strong start, but it doesn’t go far enough. The reduction eliminates just three classes—barely a dent. Utah should take the next step, cutting more general education requirements to make higher education truly efficient, affordable and meaningful for every student.