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SB 1504

community colleges; baccalaureate degrees; reports

57th Legislature - First Regular Session Introduced by Dave Farnsworth

Arizona law now allows community colleges to offer bachelor's degree programs and report on implementation, expanding access to affordable four-year degrees.

Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · SB 1504

Legislative bill overview

SB 1504 authorizes Arizona community colleges to offer baccalaureate (four-year) degree programs and requires them to submit reports on their implementation and outcomes. The bill expands the traditional mission of community colleges, which have historically focused on two-year associate degrees and vocational training, to include bachelor's degree offerings.

Why is this important

This change affects college accessibility and affordability in Arizona by allowing students to complete four-year degrees at community colleges, which typically have lower tuition costs than universities. It also impacts workforce development strategies and may reshape competition between Arizona's community college and university systems regarding program offerings and enrollment.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and sustainability: Whether community colleges have adequate funding and infrastructure to support baccalaureate programs without compromising their core two-year mission
  • University competition: Concerns from Arizona State University and other four-year institutions about enrollment and revenue competition from community college bachelor's degrees
  • Quality and accreditation: Questions about whether community colleges can maintain academic standards and proper accreditation for four-year programs
  • Mission creep: Debate over whether expanding to bachelor's degrees dilutes community colleges' role serving non-traditional, first-generation, and workforce-training students

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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