UPDATE: California lawmakers just announced a bold move to expand bachelor’s degree offerings at community colleges, reigniting a contentious debate with the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU). Assembly Bill 664, spearheaded by Assemblymember David Alvarez, passed the Assembly on January 26, 2024, aiming to allow community colleges to provide more degree options tailored to local workforce needs.
This legislative push comes after Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed three similar bills over the past two years, citing concerns about program duplication with existing university degrees. Despite these setbacks, lawmakers are determined to address educational gaps for students who struggle to access four-year universities.
The urgency of this bill resonates with a significant demographic: approximately 150,000 students at California community colleges are located more than 25 miles from a public university, leaving them “place-bound.” These students often encounter barriers to higher education due to distance and limited access to public university programs.
Assemblymember Alvarez emphasized the need for immediate action. “California is about providing opportunity and access to students,” he stated. “Are we actually doing that in the state? I would say the answer to that today is we are falling very, very short.” His proposal would allow Southwestern College, located in his district, to develop up to four new bachelor’s programs in applied fields, such as teaching English to speakers of other languages and website design.
Both UC and CSU officials oppose the bill, fearing it undermines the 2021 law that permits community colleges to create up to 30 bachelor’s degrees annually, provided they do not duplicate existing programs. This ongoing conflict comes as community colleges have struggled with over a dozen stalled programs due to disputes over what constitutes duplication.
Critics, including former community college chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley, argue that expanding bachelor’s programs will increase costs and complicate the higher education landscape amidst looming state budget deficits. “I think it is a mistake,” he stated, advocating for a collaborative approach where university professors teach at community colleges instead.
However, supporters of AB 664 contend that the bill is a necessary response to local labor market demands. Alvarez noted that his approach encourages collaboration with nearby universities to ensure smooth pathways for students, which could alleviate concerns raised by UC and CSU.
As lawmakers move forward, they have until August 31, 2024, to send the bill to the governor. If passed, it could dramatically reshape the educational opportunities for countless students seeking affordable bachelor’s degrees, which currently cost about $10,000 for a four-year community college degree—significantly less than those at UC and CSU.
With the state’s projected multi-billion dollar deficits, the stakes are high. Community college bachelor’s degrees have only been awarded since 2014, with around 300 students currently receiving their degrees annually. This contrasts sharply with the approximately 160,000 bachelor’s degrees conferred by UC and CSU, highlighting the urgent need for expanded access.
The debate is now heating up, as lawmakers and educators alike grapple with the implications of this proposed legislation. Will the expansion of bachelor’s degrees at community colleges help meet the needs of a changing workforce, or will it dilute the quality and value of higher education in California?
The clock is ticking, and the outcome of this legislative battle could redefine higher education access in California. Stay tuned for further developments on this pivotal issue.
