(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker is backing new legislation that would allow community colleges in Illinois to offer four-year bachelor’s degrees in high demand fields.
Officials point to a recent survey that revealed that 75% of Illinois community college students would pursue a bachelor’s degree if they could complete it at their current institution.
Pritzker said the program could help remove barriers that prevent some students from attending a university that offers baccalaureate degrees.
“There are geographic, financial and accessibility constraints that close off too many students from attending those schools,” said Pritzker. “With lower tuition rates and a greater presence across the state, especially in rural areas, community colleges provide the flexibility and affordability for students to pursue a quality education that works for them.”
Twenty-four other states, including neighboring Missouri and Indiana, have already implemented policies that allow community colleges to offer four-year degree options.
The initiative is being led by the Illinois Community College Board.
“To meet Illinois’ current and future workforce needs, we need to meet more students where they are, and for many, that means staying close to home and providing more affordable education opportunities,” said ICCB Executive Director Brian Durham.
Pritzker said the program could help reduce what is called “brain drain” from the state.
“There is a 70% likelihood that when they get to whatever that university is outside of Illinois, they’re not coming back,” said Pritzker. “That’s a real problem, so we want to keep our best and brightest in the state.”
Pritzker’s proposed fiscal 2026 budget includes a 3% increase in operating dollars for public universities and community colleges.
Illinois is home to the nation’s third largest community college system, and serves over 500,000 students.
