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For many people, earning a bachelor’s degree is a vital step toward financial stability and economic mobility. High-paying jobs typically require entry-level candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree, especially in specialized fields such as engineering, management, and medicine. Additionally, a bachelor’s degree can allow you to pursue a master’s degree or doctorate, further increasing your earning potential.
But earning a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution is easier said than done. Admission standards can be brutal, and competition is fierce. And we haven’t even mentioned the prohibitive cost of attending.
On the other hand, community colleges typically have easier admissions processes and charge significantly lower tuition rates. If only you could get a four-year degree at one of those schools… wait… you can get a bachelor’s degree at a community college?
The answer: Yes, it depends on where you live. While community colleges in most states are limited to offering certificates and associate degrees, other states allow two-year schools to administer bachelor’s degree programs, increasing access to higher education.
Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about earning a bachelor’s degree at a community college.
Do community colleges offer bachelor’s degrees?
Yes, some do. In the face of growing labor demands, 24 states have granted community colleges the right to award bachelor’s degrees, the report said. Community College Baccalaureate AssociationWithin these states, more than 400 two-year colleges award bachelor’s degrees, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
In most cases, community college bachelor’s degree programs offer education and practical training for a specific career. Below are some examples of bachelor’s degree programs you might find at a community college:
- Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care
- Bachelor of Science in Interaction Design
- Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology Management
- Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
Are community college degrees cheaper?
Community colleges are often more cost-effective than four-year universities. Many students earn an associate’s degree at a community college before transferring to a four-year university to save costs.
In the 2021-22 school year, students at four-year public colleges paid about $9,700 per year in tuition and fees, according to NCES data. By comparison, students at two-year public colleges paid just $4,000 per year — less than half the price. Over the course of a four-year bachelor’s degree program, attending a community college could save you nearly $30,000 in tuition and fees.
Where can I get a bachelor’s degree at a community college?
Community colleges need approval from their respective state legislatures before they can offer bachelor’s degrees. Each state has its own requirements, so bachelor’s degree offerings vary depending on the state you’re in.
For example, California and Texas limit the number of bachelor’s degree programs that community colleges can offer to students. These states, along with Colorado, Ohio, and Oregon, also require community colleges to demonstrate that there is demand for bachelor’s degree programs from employers or students.
Twelve states allow all community colleges to offer bachelor’s degree programs, but the rest allow only a select number.
Missouri, Oregon, California, and Texas require community colleges to obtain institutional accreditation in order to offer bachelor’s degrees. Accreditation must come from a reputable agency approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the U.S. Department of Education.
The following states allow some or all community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Michigan
- Missouri
- North Dakota
- New Mexico
- Snowfall
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Benefits of community colleges that offer bachelor’s degrees
Not everyone agrees that community colleges should have the authority to offer four-year bachelor’s programs. Below, we discuss some common arguments in favor of bachelor’s degrees at community colleges.
Meeting the demands of the workforce
Some states are grappling with what is known as a labor gap: a lack of college graduates with the right skills to fill high-demand jobs. For example, California Public Policy Institute If current trends continue, the Golden State is projected to have 1.1 million fewer graduates than economic demand by 2030. Texas also faces a shortage of skilled workers, particularly in the behavioral health and primary care fields.
Community college degree programs could help reduce these talent gaps. By tailoring affordable four-year degrees to specific, high-demand career paths, community college programs can help increase the number of qualified graduates entering the workforce.
Expanding access to four-year college degrees
Earning a bachelor’s degree is a crucial step toward economic opportunity, and reducing barriers to access can support upward mobility for traditionally underrepresented groups. Many four-year community college programs are geared in particular toward underrepresented populations, including students of color and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
Additionally, many community colleges are located in places where there are no four-year institutions. Offering physical proximity to a college campus is a key step toward making four-year degrees more accessible to diverse student groups.
Flexible schedule
Since community college programs are typically designed for nontraditional, commuter students, most programs offer a level of flexibility that four-year colleges cannot. They may offer part-time, online, hybrid, and evening courses.
Reducing the costs of education
Public and private four-year institutions often cost tens of thousands of dollars in fees and tuition. Community colleges offer a more affordable route to higher education, expanding access to students of diverse incomes.
In addition to tuition, many undergraduate students at traditional universities pay for on-campus housing, which can cost thousands of dollars. NCES reports that dorm rooms and food cost about $12,300 per year on average. Community college students typically live at home, avoiding the costs of on-campus housing. And for those who live on campus, it’s significantly cheaper: Room and food average about $8,000 per year at two-year colleges.
Career-focused
Community colleges typically design their programs to prepare students for specific career paths. Graduates enter the workforce with very specific skills tailored to their future jobs, which can give them an edge in the job market.
Potential Disadvantages of Community College Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Read on to learn about popular arguments against community colleges offering bachelor’s degrees.
Losing sight of the purpose of community colleges
Community colleges traditionally serve as gateways to four-year institutions by offering certificates and associate degrees. Some argue that offering bachelor’s degrees blurs the line between the role of a community college and a four-year institution, interfering with the mission of four-year colleges and universities.
Competing with four-year universities
Community colleges offering bachelor’s degrees may have to compete with four-year institutions for the same student population, as well as for state funding and teaching resources.
Additionally, many community colleges partner with four-year institutions to provide transfer opportunities. If community colleges and four-year universities compete with each other for resources, those key partnerships could be at stake.
Stretching resources to the maximum
Several states require community colleges to obtain high-level accreditation before offering bachelor’s degrees. The process can quickly become costly for schools and drain their time and resources. To qualify for bachelor’s-level accreditation, community colleges may need to hire new faculty and upgrade their facilities, which can strain their resources.
Non-traditional college experience
Community colleges may not offer the same social and extracurricular opportunities as four-year universities. While this expectation is generally understood among those seeking associate degrees, it can be disappointing for bachelor’s students who want a more immersive college experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Community College Bachelor’s Degrees
Is it possible to earn a four-year degree at a community college in California?
Yes, some California community colleges offer bachelor’s degrees. You can find bachelor’s degree programs at community colleges in several major cities, including Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Monica.
Is a community college degree called a bachelor’s degree?
That depends. A typical two-year community college degree is called an associate’s degree. Four-year institutions typically award bachelor’s degrees, but in some cases, you can earn a bachelor’s degree at a community college.
How many years does a bachelor’s degree last?
A bachelor’s degree typically takes four years to complete. Keep in mind that your degree program may take longer if you study part-time.
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