California has enacted legislation allowing community colleges across the state to offer more bachelor’s degree programs, including some that may overlap with those at California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) campuses. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bills into law on Friday, marking a significant change in the authority of community colleges to grant four-year degrees. The new laws will take effect on January 1, 2028.
The legislative package eliminates a previous ban on community colleges offering bachelor’s degrees that duplicate courses already available at CSU or UC schools. Instead, degree offerings will be determined based on regional workforce needs and the performance of individual community college districts. This approach aims to address gaps where demand for certain programs exceeds the capacity of nearby public universities.
The bills, which passed the state legislature earlier in September, received support from both CSU and UC after initial opposition to earlier drafts. A CSU spokesperson described the legislation as “a thoughtful, student-centered approach” that expands opportunities for students who are place-bound or underserved, while maintaining a focus on workforce needs and collaboration among California’s public higher education systems. A UC spokesperson noted that the state’s master plan guiding the three public segments should be reconsidered to meet current higher education demands but stopped short of directly endorsing the bills.
Community College Chancellor Sonya Christian expressed reservations about certain provisions, particularly a five-tier system that would limit how many degrees a district could offer based on comparisons of student outcomes with other districts statewide. She warned that districts serving rural or single-college communities might be disproportionately affected by these caps, potentially limiting access in areas with the greatest need for affordable bachelor’s degrees. Christian conveyed her concerns in a letter to the sponsor of Senate Bill 960, Sen. Christopher Cabaldon (D-West Sacramento), highlighting last-minute amendments that diverged from the community college system’s original priorities.
Nevertheless, Christian affirmed the community colleges’ commitment to expanding affordable bachelor’s degree options that meet workforce demands and are accessible locally. She indicated the system will collaborate with lawmakers and the administration on technical refinements to the laws.
In addition to the laws expanding bachelor’s degree offerings, Newsom vetoed a separate measure, AB 2301, which sought to create a pilot program permitting 10 community college districts to offer bachelor’s degrees in nursing. The governor cited concerns that the program could undermine established partnerships between community colleges and CSU, which already offers nursing degrees. Christian expressed disappointment over the veto, emphasizing the importance of affordable nursing pathways amid California’s healthcare workforce shortages, especially in rural and underserved areas.
The legislation builds on a 2021 law allowing community colleges to create up to 30 new bachelor’s degree programs annually, so long as they do not duplicate existing CSU, UC, or private university offerings. Since then, over 60 new programs in areas such as respiratory care, cybersecurity, and water resource management have been approved.
Supporters of the legislation, including Assemblymembers David A. Alvarez (D-San Diego) and Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey), have underscored that many community college students are working adults, parents, or first-generation college attendees who may be unable to relocate or commute long distances. Lawmakers and advocates maintain that expanding bachelor’s degree access within community college settings will help meet local workforce needs while providing more affordable educational pathways.