Des Plaines, Ill. (March 2, 2026) - Building on Governor JB Pritzker’s leadership and a carefully negotiated legislative framework, Senate Bill 4034 and House Bill 5319 return this spring to expand opportunity for Illinois students and strengthen the state’s workforce. The legislation would authorize Illinois community colleges to offer a limited set of baccalaureate degrees in high-demand fields to create more affordable, accessible pathways to bachelor’s degrees for working adults and place-bound students.
“My administration is committed to uplifting our students, supporting affordable education, and growing our unmatched workforce in communities across the state. This legislation would increase Illinois’ supply of bachelor’s level talent in critical industries like nursing, advanced manufacturing, and early childhood education,” said Governor JB Pritzker.
“At Oakton College, we see every day how many talented, hardworking students want to earn a bachelor’s degree but face barriers, including cost and distance,” said Joianne L. Smith, Ph.D. Oakton College president. “This legislation creates a responsible, collaborative pathway to offer targeted bachelor’s degrees in high-demand fields, ensuring students can advance their education without leaving their communities.”
“This proposal is the result of deliberate negotiation and systemwide collaboration. It establishes caps, regional limits, and rigorous review standards that protect affordability, prevent unnecessary duplication, and align community college baccalaureate programs with documented student and workforce needs,” said Dr. Brian Durham, Executive Director of the Illinois Community College Board.
Expanding Bachelor’s Degree Attainment for Illinois Students
Community college students are primarily working, place-bound adults — 78 percent work while enrolled. Many are supporting families and many live in regions of Illinois that function as baccalaureate deserts. For these students, cost, long commutes, rigid schedules, relocation, and added debt make traditional bachelor’s pathways out of reach.
The impact extends beyond students already enrolled. When bachelor’s degrees are offered locally, affordably, and flexibly, adults who are not currently participating in higher education enter the pipeline. Community colleges are uniquely positioned to reach these learners because they are embedded in the communities they serve.
“Illinois students are clear — they want affordable pathways to earn bachelor’s degrees while remaining in the communities where they already live and work,” said State Senator Mike Halpin. “Community college baccalaureate programs are an affordable option that expand access in a way that fits the realities of working adults and strengthens opportunity across the state.”
“This is about making sure affordability includes higher education,” said State Representative Tracy Katz Muhl. “Community college students are balancing work, family, and school. Expanding local bachelor’s degree options removes barriers to completion and opens the door to higher-paying careers.”
“Community colleges are already embedded in the communities they serve. They understand their students, their employers, and their local workforce needs. Allowing targeted bachelor’s degrees builds on that foundation and ensures students can complete their education close to home,” said Jim Reed, Executive Director of the Illinois Community College Trustees Association.
“Community colleges exist to open doors for students from all backgrounds,” said Dr. Avis Proctor, Chair of the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents and President of Harper College. “Adding affordable, much-needed bachelor’s degrees will bridge the gap between intention and attainment—allowing students to complete their education without sacrificing income, relocating, or choosing between advancing in their careers and honoring their personal and professional commitments. This path allows them to do both. Thus, it’s a win for students and their families, employers, and the long-term health of Illinois’ economy. I am glad to have worked with our universities to get the legislation to its current state.”
The demand is clear—from students seeking affordable bachelor’s degrees and from employers seeking advanced credentials. It’s time Illinois joins the 24 other states that authorize community colleges to offer four-year degrees, and help meet student and employer demand for affordable, high-quality baccalaureate degrees.
The legislation would create new opportunities for Oakton students to earn affordable bachelor’s degrees in high-demand industries that strengthen Illinois’ workforce.