Texas Community Colleges Might be Allowed to Offer Bachelor Degrees Soon

South Texas College, Midland College, and Brazosport College currently offer bachelor degrees, but no other community colleges in Texas currently have that right. Now, lawmakers are discussing whether or not to change this decision and allowing more, or all, community colleges to offer students bachelor degree programs.

Rep. J.M. Lozano, R-Kingsville, chairman of the House Higher Education Committee, told the Texas Tribune, “There is definitely an appetite in the House,” for making the change. Allowing community colleges the option could increase the number of educated Texans and bring more people into fields where they’re needed like nursing, science, early education, and technology.

Though a new law would open up the possibility, not every community college would take on the extended programming. New Channel 10 in Amarillo writes that Amarillo College (AC) would most likely turn down the option due to their close relationship with nearby West Texas A&M where most students transfer once they finish their associate’s degree at AC. But they’re hoping to make updates, as well, to ensure that more classes transfer successfully and easily.

Some worry that the change could result in community colleges upping their pricing and create tension between schools. Lawmakers hope that by only allowing certain programs, the transition will be satisfactory for everyone.