California Community Colleges Could Offer Bachelor's Degrees Under Proposed Bills

Lawmakers aim to expand access and address workforce shortages with new legislation.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Two new bills introduced in the California State Capitol would allow community colleges to offer bachelor's degree programs, responding to changing student needs and workforce demands. Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria's AB 2301 would allow up to 10 community colleges to offer a Bachelor of Science in nursing, while Assemblymember David Alvarez's AB 2694 would enable community colleges to expand specific bachelor's degree programs in areas with workforce shortages.

Why it matters

Expanding bachelor's degree offerings at community colleges could improve access to higher education and help address critical workforce shortages, especially in specialized fields. However, this would mark a significant change from the current system that limits community college degrees to avoid duplicating programs at four-year universities.

The details

The proposed bills aim to give community colleges more flexibility to offer bachelor's degrees. AB 2301 would allow up to 10 community colleges to offer a Bachelor of Science in nursing, responding to the nursing shortage. AB 2694 would enable community colleges to expand bachelor's degree programs in areas with local workforce needs, even if those degrees are not offered at nearby four-year universities.

  • The bills were introduced in the California State Capitol in 2026.

The players

Esmeralda Soria

A Democratic Assemblywoman representing Merced, California who introduced AB 2301 to allow community colleges to offer a Bachelor of Science in nursing.

David Alvarez

A Democratic Assemblymember representing San Diego who introduced AB 2694 to enable community colleges to expand bachelor's degree programs in areas with workforce shortages.

Lisa Aguilera-Lawson

The superintendent of San Joaquin Delta College, who said the proposed legislation could be a "game-changer" for community colleges to offer specialized bachelor's degrees.

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What they’re saying

“Our communities have changed. Our workers' needs have changed, but our higher education system has not kept up to pace.”

— Esmeralda Soria, Assemblywoman (CBS News Sacramento)

“Our communities cannot afford to lose our students who are the future of our workforce because of an outdated framework that limits where and how bachelor's degrees can be offered.”

— Esmeralda Soria, Assemblywoman (CBS News Sacramento)

“To have such a program, it would be wonderful if we had a bachelor's degree in that field.”

— Lisa Aguilera-Lawson, Superintendent, San Joaquin Delta College (CBS News Sacramento)

What’s next

The proposed bills, AB 2301 and AB 2694, will now move through the California legislative process, with votes in the state Assembly and Senate before potentially reaching the governor's desk for signature.

The takeaway

Expanding bachelor's degree offerings at California's community colleges could improve access to higher education and help address critical workforce shortages, but would mark a significant shift from the current system that limits community college degrees to avoid duplication with four-year universities.