SPRINGFIELD – This week, Governor Pritzker joined students and leadership from Lewis and Clark Community College to propose expanding access to four-year degrees at community colleges, a similar proposal that State Senator Mike Halpin has introduced in the Senate.

“Although our public universities provide quality education and paths to successful careers, there remain gaps in access and affordability. Community colleges represent a core pillar of Illinois’ higher education system and this bill will allow them to close these gaps and meet the needs of our undergraduate students,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Giving community college students the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree will provide a more affordable, targeted and community-based path to a fulfilling career. ​This legislation represents a commitment to our state’s higher education institutions and students.”

Halpin’s proposed legislation would allow community colleges to offer baccalaureate degree programs and offer bachelor’s degrees if certain conditions are met. The bachelor’s programs may only be implemented if the courses are not already available at higher education institutions in the community and must be approved by the Illinois Community College Board and the Illinois Board of Higher Education. The bill would cap tuition costs at 150% of a related lower-division course.

If passed, Illinois would join 24 states that already allow for community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees.

Additional information on the governor’s announcement is here.

Senate Bill 2482 is awaiting a committee assignment.