Community College Baccalaureate Legislation Update

CCB regions fact sheet

Building on Governor JB Pritzker’s support and a negotiated legislative framework, House Bill 5319 and Senate Bill 4034 return this spring to allow Illinois community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in high-demand fields.

The proposal reflects months of stakeholder engagement across Illinois’ higher education system. Last session, negotiated amendments resulted in public university neutrality and established a collaborative path forward. With that foundation in place, the legislation returns to expand affordable bachelor’s degree access while strengthening Illinois’ workforce pipeline.

ICCTA, ICCB, and Illinois community college leaders remain committed to advancing this legislation this session. Our focus is clear: expanding affordable pathways to bachelor’s degrees while strengthening Illinois’ economy.

We encourage college leaders, trustees, and advocates to stay engaged as the bill moves forward.

Learn more about transforming Illinois through Community College Baccalaureate Degrees HERE.

Want to learn more about ICCTA?

Legislative word cloud

Here are some ways to learn more about us:

  • Volunteer for an ICCTA committee
  • Attend an ICCTA educational seminar
  • Invite ICCTA to facilitate your board retreat or self-evaluation
  • Represent your college at an ICCTA board meeting
  • Participate in ICCTA Lobby Days in Springfield and Washington, D.C.
  • Host an ICCTA regional meeting on your campus
Click HERE for ICCTA's 2025-2026 leadership team
 
 

#4everystudent4everycommunity

ICCTA is a proud partner in the Illinois Community College Marketing Collaborative. ICCMC has launched a new marketing campaign called “For Every Student, For Every Community” that highlights the benefits of community colleges and unites the state's 39 college districts under a single brand.

Watch for this logo and the new hashtags in advertising and social media posts:

Community Colleges of Illinois logo
 
#4everystudent4everycommunity
#ilcommunitycollegeproud