Community colleges have long been regarded as a less expensive alternative to four-year colleges and universities. They provided associate’s degrees after two years of study in a program or as a bridge to a four-year program leading to a bachelor’s degree.

Community colleges now offer bachelor’s degrees in 21 states, which is a step in the right direction.

Bachelor’s degrees should be available at all community colleges.

Improved accessibility and adaptability

Community colleges, according to the Community College Baccalaureate Association (CCBA), can provide better access and be more responsive to learner demands for continued education.

Local community colleges have demonstrated their ability to develop study programs that are tailored to the needs of their students. If, for example, the community requires nurses to be trained, the school will design the courses required for certification.

Community colleges also have more flexible and appealing schedules than many four-year universities. Most community colleges offer night and weekend classes on a regular basis.

Cost savings

One of the most compelling reasons for students to attend a community college is the low cost of attendance. Not all students want to go into debt for their bachelor’s degrees, and many find a $10,000 degree very appealing.

Students who finance their bachelor’s degrees at community colleges will have paid off their debts long before their peers who attended more expensive universities.

Close proximity to home

Attending community college is simple because it is close by. Many campuses are in convenient locations where students can get to them after work. Some colleges offer weekend classes at local high schools, making it even easier to attend class.

Less time spent obtaining a level

Community colleges that provide baccalaureate degrees may be of assistance to alleviate shortages in high-demand fields like nursing, pre-kindergarten education, and applied technology. As a result, students will enter the professional workforce sooner. Community college students are equally concerned with extracurricular activities such as sporting events and Greek life. They are willing to give up their extracurricular activities in order to complete their degrees and go to work.

In conclusion

Community college baccalaureate degrees are a welcome alternative to traditional four-year university degrees due to  increased program flexibility, cheaper expenses, proximity to home, and the ability to earn a degree in less time.

Community colleges that offer bachelor’s degrees are meeting the demands of the labor market. They are reinventing what it means to have a baccalaureate degree.

Higher education is responsible for transforming the way it meets those needs, and it should embrace the new role of community colleges.