Actually, the three-year degree at Wesleyan isn’t designed for low-income students (although some may find it advantageous.) Wesleyan students from low-income families making <$40k qualify for no-loan financial aid and will be pretty generously funded even under the new "need-aware" policy starting with next year's freshman class.

The three-year degree program, as President Roth has made clear on many occasions, is an attempt to help middle-class families – those in the $90k to $150k category – who may be looking for ways to cut college costs. It isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea; but, it is available and, is one of the most effective ways currently out there for helping the "missing middle" compete with families who are so poor that they qualify for generous financial aid and with families that are so wealthy that they can afford full-tuition and then some. They will be taking the same number of courses and have the same opportunities for pursuing "the life of the mind" during the school year as every other Wesleyan student. They'll just be graduating sooner.