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Ogden Today
By the People, for the People
Illinois Bill Aims to Expand Bachelor's Degrees at Community Colleges
Proposed legislation would allow two-year schools to offer four-year programs in select fields.
Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:24pm
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A proposed bill in Illinois aims to make four-year degrees more accessible by allowing community colleges to offer bachelor's programs.Ogden TodayA new bill in the Illinois state legislature would enable community colleges across the state to begin offering bachelor's degree programs, expanding access to four-year degrees beyond traditional four-year universities. The proposal is aimed at addressing workforce shortages in fields like engineering and surveying where a bachelor's credential is required for licensure.
Why it matters
This change could significantly impact educational opportunities and career pathways for students in Illinois, particularly those from underserved communities who may not have the means or ability to attend a four-year university. Expanding bachelor's programs at community colleges could help address skills gaps in key industries.
The details
The bill would allow Illinois community colleges to develop bachelor's degree programs in select applied fields and technical disciplines, provided they meet certain criteria around accreditation and demand. Supporters say this would give students more affordable, local options to earn a four-year degree, especially in fields like engineering, surveying, and other applied sciences where a bachelor's is required for licensure or career advancement.
- The Illinois state legislature is currently considering the bill.
- If passed, the new community college bachelor's programs could launch as early as the 2027-2028 academic year.
The players
Ted Hartke
President of Ogden-based Hartke Engineering & Surveying, a firm that has struggled to find qualified candidates with bachelor's degrees in the local area.
What they’re saying
“While a bachelor's degree is one of the eligibility requirements for surveying licensure, in-state options to earn a degree in the subject are limited.”
— Ted Hartke, President, Hartke Engineering & Surveying
What’s next
The Illinois state legislature is expected to hold hearings and vote on the bill in the coming months. If passed, the Illinois Community College Board would then need to establish guidelines and approval processes for new bachelor's degree programs at two-year schools.
The takeaway
Expanding access to affordable four-year degrees at community colleges could be a game-changer for students and employers in Illinois, helping address skills gaps in critical industries while providing more educational and economic opportunities, especially for underrepresented groups.
