New Bill Aims to Award Associate Degrees to Former CSULB Students

The proposed legislation would create a pilot program to retroactively grant associate degrees to CSULB students who completed some college but didn't graduate.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A new state bill introduced by Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, would allow Cal State Long Beach and Long Beach City College to establish a pilot program to retroactively award associate degrees to former CSULB students who completed at least 60 units and general education requirements but didn't finish their bachelor's degrees. The goal is to help these students, who often left school due to circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic or family obligations, gain a credential that reflects their academic progress and can support better job opportunities and higher wages.

Why it matters

Across the U.S., more than 37 million people have completed some college without earning a degree or credential, with nearly 6 million of those in California alone. This 'some college, no degree' gap can put these students at a disadvantage in the labor market. The proposed pilot program aims to address this issue by honoring the work former CSULB students have already completed and providing them with an associate degree that can boost their career prospects.

The details

Assembly Bill 1858, if enacted, would allow CSULB and Long Beach City College to create a new pilot program that would retroactively award joint associate degrees to former CSULB students who finished at least 60 units and general education requirements but didn't complete their bachelor's degrees. The program would only apply to students who stopped their schooling in the past decade.

  • The bill will be heard later this year after it is referred to relevant policy committees.

The players

Josh Lowenthal

A Democratic Assemblymember representing California's 69th Assembly District, which includes Long Beach, Carson, Signal Hill, Catalina Island and Los Angeles.

Cal State Long Beach (CSULB)

A public university located in Long Beach, California, that would partner with Long Beach City College on the proposed associate degree pilot program.

Long Beach City College (LBCC)

A community college in Long Beach, California, that would partner with Cal State Long Beach on the proposed associate degree pilot program.

Mike Muñoz

The Superintendent-President of Long Beach City College, who says the pilot program would build on the Long Beach College Promise collaboration between the city and its local educational institutions.

Rex Richardson

The Mayor of Long Beach, who supports the proposed pilot program as part of the Long Beach College Promise.

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What they’re saying

“Too many Californians have completed significant college coursework but left without a degree to show for it. AB 1858 recognizes that progress and turns it into opportunity. This pilot will help former students earn a meaningful degree that supports better jobs, higher wages and economic mobility, while showing how institutions can work together to close California's 'some college, no degree' gap.”

— Josh Lowenthal, Assemblymember (Press-Telegram)

“Building on the Long Beach College Promise and our partnership with Long Beach State, we are addressing a long-standing challenge in higher education through a practical, student-centered approach. At LBCC, we understand that unfinished degrees often reflect life circumstances, not ability. By intentionally reengaging students and honoring the work they have already completed, we can help more learners return, finish strong, and reconnect with their goals.”

— Mike Muñoz, Superintendent-President, Long Beach City College (Press-Telegram)

What’s next

The bill will be heard later this year after it is referred to relevant policy committees.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation aims to address the 'some college, no degree' gap that affects millions of Californians by providing a pathway for former CSULB students to earn an associate degree and gain a credential that can improve their job prospects and economic mobility, even if they were unable to complete their bachelor's program.