Illinois Lawmakers Back Bill Allowing Community Colleges to Offer 4-Year Degrees

The bipartisan proposal aims to make college more affordable by expanding access to four-year programs.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 5:24am

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A bill that would allow Illinois community colleges to offer four-year degrees has gained bipartisan support in the state legislature. The measure unanimously passed out of the House Executive Committee and is now headed to the full Illinois House for consideration. Central Illinois lawmakers from both parties, including Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (D) and Rep. Ryan Spain (R), are co-sponsoring the legislation, which supporters say could provide a more flexible and affordable path to a bachelor's degree.

Why it matters

The proposal is part of a national discussion around making college more accessible and affordable. Supporters argue that allowing community colleges to grant four-year degrees could benefit students who need to balance their education with full-time work and may not live near a traditional four-year university.

The details

Under the bill, community colleges would need to conduct workforce studies and apply to state education boards to offer specific four-year programs. Legislators are also working to ensure there is no duplication with existing programs at nearby four-year universities. Community college leaders say their focus would be on degrees tied to workforce needs, rather than more traditional liberal arts programs.

  • The bill unanimously passed out of the House Executive Committee this week.
  • The legislation is now headed to the 118-member Illinois House for consideration.

The players

Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth

A Democratic state representative and a chief co-sponsor of the bill.

Rep. Ryan Spain

A Republican state representative who became a co-sponsor of the bill this week. All the community colleges in his district have expressed support.

Curt Oldfield

The president of Spoon River College in Canton, who says the goal is to focus on specific workforce needs, not traditional liberal arts degrees.

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What they’re saying

“They have been working for many years in good faith and really feel that there is a sense of momentum now as we have a national discussion about affordability, that they are a key part of the solution to make college more affordable.”

— Rep. Ryan Spain, Republican state representative

“The major misconception we face from the public is that we're going to offer English degrees or journalism or some of the more regularly offered baccalaureate degrees, and that's not our intent at all from the Illinois community college perspective. It's really to hone in on specific workforce needs.”

— Curt Oldfield, President of Spoon River College

What’s next

The bill must still be approved by the full Illinois House before moving to the state Senate. Supporters are optimistic about its chances for passage, but there are still several steps ahead before it becomes law.

The takeaway

This bipartisan proposal to allow Illinois community colleges to offer four-year degrees reflects a broader effort to make higher education more accessible and affordable. By focusing on workforce-aligned programs, the measure aims to provide a flexible option for students who may not be able to attend a traditional four-year university.