"Proponents of the legislation argued community college baccalaureate degrees would be more affordable and more accessible in rural parts of the state."
"The bill received significant pushback from private universities, which argued competition from community colleges would siphon off their enrollments and hurt their finances."
"An amended version of the bill sought to assuage some of those concerns by permitting two-year colleges to only provide up to three baccalaureate degrees if they were at least 50 miles away from a university offering a similar option."
"Evans said lawmakers plan to refine the proposal ahead of the 2027 legislative session."
A bill allowing Iowa community colleges to offer bachelor's degrees has stalled after the Senate Education Committee declined to consider it. A subcommittee had recommended the bill progress, but there was insufficient support within the caucus. The bill is effectively dead due to a Friday funnel deadline. Proponents argued for affordability and accessibility in rural areas, while private universities opposed it, fearing enrollment loss. An amended version aimed to address concerns but controversy remained. Lawmakers plan to refine the proposal for the 2027 session.
Read at Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs
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