I enjoyed your discussion and articles regarding the increased popularity of community colleges over four-year institutions. I know you mentioned it has become widespread for community colleges to begin offering bachelor’s degrees; well, I am fortunate enough to work for a community college (South Texas College) that offers three Bachelor’s of Applied Technology, and one Bachelor’s of Applied Science. Also, STC most recently got approved to offer a Bachelor’s in nursing effective Fall 2018! Woo-Hoo!! 

Anyhow, in an article by Catherine Morris (2017) she mentions Texas legislature is trying to pass Senate Bill 2118 that “would allow more institutions to offer four-year degrees in high-need areas, like nursing, [and] early childhood and development…the bill has received great support in both the House and Senate…” (para. 2). This bill would open up opportunities for students who cannot afford a university education because tuition has just become much too expensive. A previous study showed that only “62 percent of students who transfer from two-year to four-year institutions go on to earn bachelor’s degree within six years of transferring” (Smith, 2015). It is senseless that higher education institutions are making it challenging for students to transfer and finish a degree. Students should have an easier transition to the university having already completed a two-year degree.  

 

References

Morris, C. (2017, May 25). Texas might increase number of community college offering bachelor's degrees. Diverse Issues in Higher Ed. Retrieved October 09, 2017, from http://diverseeducation.com/article/97074/

Smith, A. A. (2015, March 26). Community college to bachelor's. Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved October 09, 2017, from https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2015/03/26/nearly-half-four-year-college-graduates-attended-two-year-college