Lawmakers Push for More Community College Bachelor's Degrees Despite UC and CSU Opposition

Assembly Bill 664 would allow some community colleges to offer additional bachelor's programs, but public universities warn of duplication concerns.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 1:23pm

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California lawmakers are backing a new bill, Assembly Bill 664, that would allow more community colleges to offer bachelor's degrees, despite previous vetoes by Governor Gavin Newsom. The bill faces opposition from the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems, which fear the new programs will duplicate existing university offerings. Supporters argue the bill would improve access to affordable four-year degrees, especially in underserved regions far from public universities.

Why it matters

The debate over community college bachelor's degrees highlights tensions between expanding educational opportunities and maintaining the traditional roles of different segments of California's public higher education system. The outcome could impact college affordability, workforce development, and the state's ability to meet growing demand for bachelor's degrees.

The details

Assembly Bill 664 would allow Southwestern College in Chula Vista to create up to four additional bachelor's programs in applied fields like teaching English as a second language and web design. The bill's author, Assemblymember David Alvarez, argues this would address unmet local workforce needs. However, the UC and CSU oppose the bill, fearing it will lead to more community college programs that duplicate university offerings, undermining a 2021 law that established a process for approving new community college bachelor's degrees.

  • In the past two years, Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed three bills that would have expanded community college bachelor's degrees.
  • Assembly Bill 664 recently passed the California Assembly on January 26, 2026.

The players

Assembly Bill 664

A bill that would allow some community colleges to offer additional bachelor's degree programs, despite opposition from the UC and CSU systems.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California, who has previously vetoed bills to expand community college bachelor's degrees.

University of California (UC)

California's public research university system, which opposes the new bill allowing more community college bachelor's degrees.

California State University (CSU)

California's public university system, which also opposes the new bill allowing more community college bachelor's degrees.

David Alvarez

The Assemblymember who authored Assembly Bill 664 to allow Southwestern College to offer additional bachelor's programs.

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What they’re saying

“California is about providing opportunity and access to students. Are we actually doing that in the state? I would say the answer to that today is we are falling very, very short.”

— David Alvarez, Assemblymember (CalMatters)

“I have, from the beginning, been opposed to community colleges offering baccalaureate degrees. I think it is a mistake.”

— Eloy Ortiz Oakley, Former Chancellor, California Community Colleges (CalMatters)

“Baccalaureate programs at community colleges are the answer. I hope there's more encroachment.”

— Patrick Ahrens, Assemblymember (CalMatters)

What’s next

Lawmakers have until August 31 to send Assembly Bill 664 to Governor Newsom, who has previously vetoed similar bills expanding community college bachelor's degrees.

The takeaway

The debate over community college bachelor's degrees highlights the ongoing tension between expanding educational access and maintaining traditional roles within California's public higher education system. The outcome could have significant implications for college affordability, workforce development, and the state's ability to meet growing demand for four-year degrees.