By Community College Baccalaureate Legislation
At Shawnee Community College, we work every day with students who are determined to succeed – often in the face of serious economic, geographic, and personal challenges. For many in our region, the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree is limited not by ambition, but by access.
That’s why I support SB2482 and HB3717, which would allow Illinois community colleges to offer Community College Baccalaureate (CCB) degrees in high-demand fields. These proposals are not about duplication or competition with our university partners – they are about filling workforce gaps, expanding opportunity, and serving students who have traditionally been left behind by the existing system.
Myth: “Why pursue a community college degree when university 2+2 programs already exist?”
While university partnerships such as 2+2 agreements are valuable and should continue, they are not sufficient for every student. Many of our students work full-time, care for families, or cannot afford to relocate. According to national research, 78% of community college students work while enrolled, and 75% say they would be more likely to pursue a bachelor’s degree if it were offered locally and at lower cost.
For these students, CCB programs offer a practical and achievable pathway that traditional models cannot match.
Myth: “CCB degrees dilute quality or raise taxpayer burden.”
In fact, the opposite is true. CCB programs across 24 other states have demonstrated strong outcomes and fiscal efficiency. Community colleges are known for high-touch instruction, affordability, and responsiveness to employer needs. As noted by the Education Commission of the States, these degrees are often more cost-effective for taxpayers than subsidizing duplicative out-of-district programs or absorbing workforce shortages in critical industries like health care and education.
Additionally, faculty teaching in CCB programs must meet the same accreditation and credentialing standards as their university peers.
Myth: “Universities are already meeting these needs.”
Despite the best efforts of our university partners – and we value those relationships deeply – there remain glaring gaps in degree accessibility, particularly in rural and underserved regions. Our own data confirms urgent demand in fields like:
- Operations Management & Healthcare Administration (1,110 openings, up to $53/hour)
- Cybersecurity & Data Analytics (195 openings, up to $54/hour)
- Nursing (BSN) (2,146 openings, $37/hour average)
- K–12 Education (elementary, special ed, and STEM shortages persist statewide)
These programs are not being overserved – they are being undersupplied, particularly in communities like ours.
Clarifying the Role of Community Colleges
Community colleges were created to respond to community needs – and today, that need includes affordable, accessible bachelor’s degrees in select workforce-aligned disciplines. CCB degrees do not replace or undermine universities. They complement existing systems by serving students universities are not currently reaching.
We must also recognize that tenure, governance, and faculty quality standards are not compromised under CCB. These programs must meet rigorous HLC accreditation, Illinois Board of Higher Education, and Illinois Community College Board requirements, and their success is well-documented in states like Florida, Texas, and Washington.
A Smart Investment in Our Future
Concerns about cost and mission drift are understandable – but the data tells a different story. CCB degrees are a fiscally responsible, equity-driven solution to some of Illinois’ most pressing workforce challenges. They expand access without undermining quality, and they do so while preserving local control and affordability.
We are not asking for a blank check. We are asking for the opportunity to do more – for our students, our employers, and our communities.
Now is the time to move forward with this proven, practical solution. Let’s put Illinois students first and make baccalaureate degrees more accessible to every corner of our state.