Illinois lawmakers are advancing a proposal that would allow community colleges to offer four-year bachelor’s degrees statewide. House Bill 5319 would route creation of specific baccalaureate programs through a collaborative process involving the Illinois Community College Board and the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Supporters argue the change could expand access for students who need degrees closer to home while balancing work and family responsibilities. The proposal also points to data from a recently released economic impact report on the state’s 45 community colleges. The bill highlights a policy shift toward bridging workforce and transfer pathways without requiring students to fully leave the community college sector for degree completion.
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