URGENT UPDATE: California lawmakers have just passed Assembly Bill 664, a significant move that could expand community colleges’ ability to award bachelor’s degrees, igniting a potential clash with Governor Gavin Newsom and state universities. The Assembly approved the bill on January 26, 2024, amidst ongoing debates about the future of higher education in California.
This latest legislative push aims to address local workforce needs by allowing community colleges to create more bachelor’s programs, a response to the growing demand for affordable higher education. Assemblymember David Alvarez, the bill’s main author, argues that many students face barriers to accessing traditional four-year universities, especially those living in underserved areas.
Community colleges in California currently offer bachelor’s degrees at a fraction of the cost of their university counterparts, around $10,000 for a four-year degree. With nearly 150,000 students attending community colleges located 25 miles or more from public universities, the urgency for more accessible degree options has never been greater.
Alvarez’s bill specifically allows Southwestern College in Chula Vista to develop up to four new bachelor’s programs in applied fields, including teaching English to speakers of other languages and web design. He emphasizes that these degrees are tailored to meet local job market demands, contrasting with the more general programs offered by universities.
However, both the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems oppose the bill, fearing it could dilute the quality of higher education and lead to program duplication. They argue that the 2021 law, which limits community college bachelor’s degrees to avoid overlap with existing university programs, is crucial to maintaining academic standards.
Alvarez contends that the current limits are ineffective, stating, “The 2021 law limiting community college bachelor’s degree creation has fallen short.” He believes that community colleges can play a pivotal role in addressing the state’s educational and economic challenges by providing more localized degree options.
The controversy surrounding this bill highlights a broader issue in California’s higher education landscape. Many students express frustration at the obstacles they face in accessing public universities, with 21% of students who intended to transfer from community colleges succeeding within four years.
Despite the challenges, Alvarez remains optimistic about the bill’s future, citing a collaborative approach with nearby universities to facilitate smoother pathways for students. Lawmakers have until August 31 to send the bill to Governor Newsom, who has previously vetoed similar proposals.
The increasing demand for community college bachelor’s degrees is underscored by the fact that around 300 students currently earn these degrees annually, a stark contrast to the 160,000 awarded by UC and CSU. While a recent study indicates that community college bachelor’s degrees can lead to higher wages than associate degrees, they still lag behind traditional bachelor’s degrees in terms of earning potential.
As the debate unfolds, students like Marilynn Palomino, a single mother pursuing a degree in criminal justice, illustrate the human impact of this legislation. With limited options for continuing her education without relocating hundreds of miles away, Palomino represents the urgent need for more accessible bachelor’s degree programs in California.
The tension surrounding AB 664 signals a critical moment for California’s education system, as lawmakers and advocates push for changes that could reshape the future of higher education in the state. This developing story is set to impact thousands of students and families across California, making it essential to stay informed on the latest developments.
