Access and opportunity: State lawmakers could allow community college bachelor's degrees

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Gov. JB Pritzker is calling on state lawmakers to pass legislation allowing Illinois community colleges to offer bachelor's degrees for high demand fields. State leaders and advocates argue this could be a massive change for access and opportunity.

Community college students are deeply rooted in their neighborhoods, whether they are just graduating from high school or looking for a new career.

"This is a consumer-driven, student-centered proposal that will help fill the needs of regional employers in high need sectors and invest in the future of Illinois workers and families," Pritzker said Monday at Lewis & Clark Community College.

A recent survey of Illinois community college students shows 75% of students would pursue a bachelor's degree if they could complete it at their community college. The Illinois Community College Trustees Association said 59% of all Illinois community colleges are located in areas without public universities. Executive Director Jim Reed said 56% of the community colleges are at least 30 miles away from universities.

"What this legislation could accomplish, as it has done in 24 other states, is alleviate some of those barriers so that students can get the education they desire and continue to work in the communities they serve and meet the needs of their families," Reed said.

Colleges would not be able to charge more than 150% of their current tuition for the third and fourth years required for a bachelor's degree. Community college trustees would also be required to demonstrate how their programs will reach students currently underserved by other higher education institutions in the region.

"There is desire and energy for career advancement and advancement in fields where Illinois needs workers most - fields like nursing, and early childhood and advanced manufacturing," said Rep. Tracy Katz Muhl (D-Northbrook).

House Bill 3717 has nearly 50 co-sponsors already. Although, the bipartisan plan has not been assigned to a House Committee. The identical legislation across the rotunda, Senate Bill 2482, has five co-sponsors. Legislative leaders could move both bills to committees when lawmakers return to Springfield Tuesday.

The deadline for substantive bills to move out of House and Senate committees is March 21.