Conclusion

Today’s college students are often older and more racially and ethnically diverse than in the past, and they may be working one or more jobs, raising families, and struggling to make ends meet. The postsecondary education systems that were built years ago for more traditional students are, in many cases, in need of revising. The COVID-19 health crisis drove home the urgency of this situation, creating increasing demand for flexible and adaptable ways to access higher education. One access point, among other solutions, is the community college baccalaureate. Students are increasingly demanding the kind of flexibility these models offer. And increasing baccalaureate attainment is a goal for many states.

Our review of the literature show that CCBs are expanding access to the baccalaureate and offering students a chance at the labor market returns that come with it that they may not have enjoyed without the community college option. The demographics of CCB students and graduates indicate that the introduction or broadening of CCB authorization may have potential to support more students of color, women in nontraditional fields, older students, and those with dependents.

Our analysis suggests that health care, IT, and business programs, at a minimum, have offered new opportunities for students and that the programs provide strong employment and earnings outcomes as compared to an associate degree or a baccalaureate from a regional university. Expanding CCBs could go a long way toward increasing the number of Americans with degrees and addressing racial and class disparities. Creating more opportunities for Americans to experience those benefits could be as simple as letting more college students finish where they start.