A proposal in the Iowa House would expand educational opportunities at the state’s 15 community colleges. House Study Bill 533, introduced by Republican Representative Taylor Collins, would allow community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in areas of high demand, focusing on sustained and unmet workforce needs. Each of the state’s community colleges are governed locally by an elected Board of Trustees. Emily Shields with Community Colleges for Iowa explains local boards would be responsible for developing new degree plans.
“Each of those colleges would look at the workforce needs in their region and determine needs around bachelor’s degrees, and then in terms of sequencing, it would really depend on the resources available to start a program.”
Critics of the measure include the Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, which maintains that some private colleges will likely close if the bill passes.
However, supporters point to the state’s persistent workforce gaps in IT, health care, and high-tech manufacturing. Research shows rural populations face large education deserts, forcing students into expensive choices like relocating, paying higher private tuition, or not seeking education beyond an associates degree. The act would allow community colleges to charge bachelor’s degree students up to 1.5 times current tuition rates. Shields says even with the increase, community colleges will remain the most affordable option.
Nationally, more than 200 community colleges offer bachelor’s degrees in 24 states.
