Iowa considers four-year degrees from community colleges
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Iowa could soon let its 15 community colleges award bachelor's degrees — a move backers say would plug talent gaps without forcing students to leave home.
Why it matters: 11 Iowa community colleges sit more than 30 miles from the state's three public universities, leaving rural students who want a four-year degree pricey private options or none at all, per a report by Community Colleges for Iowa.
State of play: 42% of U.S. jobs are expected to need a bachelor's degree by 2031, per Georgetown University, but only 32% of Iowans have a bachelor's degree or higher, per the U.S. Census Bureau.
Flashback: Iowa Rep. Taylor Collins (R-Mediapolis) requested a study in the last legislative session to analyze the feasibility of community colleges offering bachelor's degrees.
- The first part of the study was released earlier this summer, while the rest will be released Oct. 31, says Emily Shields, executive director of Community Colleges for Iowa. A recommended funding model is still being determined.
Zoom in: The study examined 13 states and showed that bachelor's programs offered at community colleges cost a median $4,820 a year nationally, roughly half the price of public universities.
- Nearly half of U.S. states allow community colleges to offer four-year degrees, but the costs vary by state. For example, in Texas, community colleges could charge more for their upper-level courses, per the report.
The other side: A spokesperson for the Iowa Board of Regents, which represents the state's public universities, says they're waiting until specific recommendations are released before weighing in.
Between the lines: Shields says the goal of offering four-year degrees isn't to poach students from universities, but to help people who wouldn't otherwise get an advanced degree, especially if they have family, job or financial obligations that require them to stay home.
- The four-year programs would likely target specific workforce needs, such as nursing or advanced manufacturing.
Zoom out: Illinois lawmakers are also considering a similar program, though some legislators are opposed to the measure.
- Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford said it will hurt enrollment levels at universities already suffering from declines, per Capitol News Illinois.