Community College’s New Foray
As more two-year colleges begin to offer bachelor’s degrees, higher education officials ponder benefits, possible pitfalls
By Kristina Lane
WASHINGTON
What does two plus two equal? Usually posed in the very early stages of a child’s education, the question is being looked at afresh by higher education leaders postulating a new sum: two plus two equals a community college offering a bachelor’s degree.
But as this new formula gained popularity over the last decade, it also has created divisions within the ranks of higher education.
Some say community colleges are within their rights to seek approval to offer bachelor’s degrees. Others believe that baccalaureate-granting community colleges will eventually leave behind the very students community colleges were created to serve.
