Community College Baccalaureate Degrees in Illinois

Illinois industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and education—fields that increasingly require bachelor’s degrees—face urgent workforce shortages, yet fewer than 1 in 6 community college students earn a bachelor’s degree.

 Transforming Illinois Through Community College Baccalaureate Degrees

Illinois’ higher education strategic plan, A Thriving Illinois, prioritizes increasing bachelor’s degree attainment to drive living-wage earnings and economic security. With growing workforce demands in critical industries like healthcare, technology, and education, Community College Baccalaureate (CCB) degrees align education with state priorities. CCB degrees equip students with the advanced skills required for in-demand roles, empowering local communities and strengthening state workforces.

Student Graduates Smiling

Community College Baccalaureate Degrees to Expand Illinois' Skilled Workforce

Community College Baccalaureate degrees expand access to bachelor's education, strengthen career pathways, and increase degree attainment in Illinois.

See Illinois CCB Fact Sheet

A Proven Workforce Solution

Community College Baccalaureate (CCB) programs are transforming education and workforce development in 24 states by addressing regional workforce needs and preparing students for high-demand roles close to home. Many state CCB programs require direct employer involvement in program planning, ensuring alignment with industry demands. For example, Ohio mandates agreements with regional businesses to train and hire graduates, a strategy reflected in the success of Florida and Washington’s CCB programs, where 3 in 4 graduates secure jobs in their field of study within four terms.  

“I would much rather earn a bachelors degree at my current community college. As of right now I don’t have any future plans on applying or completing a bachelor degree, but my current community college is extremely close to home and at a great price with high-quality education. I would 100% consider getting a bachelor degree if it was at my current community college.”

-Illinois Community College Student

Expanding Access Through CCB Degrees

CCB programs make bachelor’s degrees more accessible for working adults, first-generation students, and diverse communities by addressing financial and geographic barriers. In Illinois, where 40% of commuting zones lack a nearby public university, CCB programs play a critical role in bridging the gap in these education deserts. A recent survey of Illinois community college students revealed 75% of students said they’d be much more likely to pursue a bachelor’s degree if their college offered one, and 40% who hadn’t considered a baccalaureate degree would rethink their plans.

CCB programs go beyond expanding access—they remove barriers, allowing students to pursue bachelor’s degrees that were once out of reach. 

 Where can I find more information?

Please contact Jim Reed, Executive Director, Illinois Community College Trustees Association, [email protected]. 

Our Research and Reports

20 FAQs

20 Frequently Asked Questions about Community College Baccalaureate (CCB) Degrees in Illinois

Times and Modes Report

Times and Modes of Instruction as a Potential Barrier to Baccalaureate Attainment for Working Students

Community College Baccalaureate Fact Sheets

Community College Baccalaureate (CCB) Fact Sheets                                                                                                         

CCB Webinar

Community College Baccalaureate (CCB) in Illinois: FAQs, Data, and Policy Prospects Webinar (December 15, 2023)

CCB Webinar

Community College Baccalaureate (CCB) in Illinois: FAQs, Data, and Policy Prospects Presentation Deck    (December 15, 2023)                                        

Great Lakes Virtual Convening

Baccalaureate Attainment Policies and Initiatives for Community College Students in the Great Lakes: Synthesis of the April 2024 Virtual Convening

Survey of Illinois Community College Students about the Community College Baccalaureate (November 2024)

Summary Illinois CC Student Survey

Summary of Illinois Community College Student Survey about Community College      Baccalaureate

Community College Baccalaureate Employer Focus Groups Report (December 2024)                                                                                                                   

CCB Occupational Brief: Information Security Analyst / Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer and Information Systems Security                          

Respiratory Therapist

CCB Occupational Brief: Respiratory Therapist / Bachelor of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy                                                                                                                                       

Advanced Manufacturing

CCB Occupational Brief: Advanced Manufacturing / Bachelor of Applied Science in Industrial Production Management / Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Technology