Can You Get a Bachelor's Degree at Community College?

A growing number of community colleges award bachelor’s degrees, though they are not yet widely available. Of the 24 states that have approved baccalaureate programs, the actual number of community colleges offering the degree varies [1]. For example, while 27 community colleges in Florida offer a bachelor’s degree, only four do in Colorado at the time of writing [2]. 

Earning your bachelor’s degree at a community college can be a more affordable and flexible option than a four-year institution, but there are some restrictions to consider as well. For instance, there may not be as many majors to choose from, and not every community college in an approved state offers a bachelor’s degree program.  

Learn more about the rise in community college bachelor’s degrees and what you should assess before deciding to get one.  

The rise in community college bachelor’s degrees

Community colleges have traditionally been known as two-year institutions because they primarily award two-year degrees, also called associate degrees, and certificates. Thanks to the lower tuition and fees typical of community colleges, many students have opted to earn their associate degree there before transferring to a four-year college or university to finish their bachelor’s degree. As community colleges have expanded their offerings to bachelor’s degrees, however, more students have taken advantage of that option.

4 reasons for earning a community college bachelor’s

There are many reasons why you might choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a community college as opposed to another type of institution, including your educational needs, career needs, and circumstances. Here are four reasons why earning a community college bachelor's can be beneficial in light of those factors:  

1. Affordability 

Generally, tuition and fees at public community colleges tend to be lower. For in-state students, the average annual cost of attending a community college was $3,990 in 2023, compared to $11,260 for a public four-year school [3]. Those savings add up when you apply them to a four-year bachelor’s degree. 

2. Career-focused subject matter 

Community colleges tend to offer more career-oriented degrees in applied fields—like a Bachelor of Science in Business Health Information Management or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing—to meet workforce demands, according to an education policy report by New America for the Department of Education [4]. 

If you earn your bachelor’s degree from a community college, your major will likely focus on practical and technical knowledge you can apply to in-demand industries, such as health care, business, and biomanufacturing. Plus, some community colleges have partnerships with local businesses, which may lead to helpful internships and job placement.

3. A more diverse student body 

Community colleges tend to be more diverse in a number of ways. They typically serve a higher number of adult or professional learners: 35 percent of community college students are between the ages of 22 and 39 [5].

It’s also a more popular option for first-generation students—or students who are the first in their family to attend college. According to the Postsecondary National Policy Institute, 37 percent of first-gen students chose to attend community college as opposed to a four-year school [6].

Learn more about what it means to be a nontraditional student.

4. Flexibility 

To accommodate students’ needs, many community colleges offer flexible scheduling, which can help if you need to work through your degree requirements at your own pace. Since many community college students also work part time or full time, or have competing obligations, community colleges tend to schedule more night and weekend classes. 

That flexibility may be especially attractive if you’re a parent. One out of five college students is a parent. This figure translates into about 22 percent of undergraduates [7].

Is a community college bachelor’s degree right for me? 

There are pros and cons to earning your bachelor’s degree at a community college, but the factors below can help you determine whether it's a good decision for you.  

Class size 

Community college classes tend to be smaller because there are fewer students to accommodate. In 2020, Arizona State University enrolled 65,492 students, and the University of Central Florida enrolled 58,749 [8]. On the other hand, public community colleges average a student body of 5,622 [9]. 

While class size differs by community college, many introductory courses accommodate between 25 and 35 students, whereas introductory courses at four-year schools may include up to 300 students [10]. If you prefer learning in a smaller group setting, earning your bachelor’s at community college may offer you more opportunities to do that.  

Scheduling needs

If you work while attending school, you’ll be in good company at community college. If you need greater scheduling flexibility to take classes around your other obligations, then a community college may have more options for you. 

Limited majors 

Unlike four-year institutions, community colleges do not offer the same volume of majors. Of the community colleges approved to offer a bachelor's degree, most only have one or two majors at that level.

But those majors tend to focus more on career readiness. For example, popular community college bachelor’s degree majors in Florida include business supervision management, public safety, and information technology. In Washington, popular majors include business and health and safety [11]. 

Read more: What Should I Major In?

Availability in your state

Only 24 states have made it possible for community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees, as of January 2024. If you live in a state that has not made that option available and would like a four-year degree, it’s still possible to earn your associate degree at a community college and apply to transfer to a four-year institution. Doing so could help reduce your overall tuition and fees.

Interested in finding out whether your state offers a community college bachelor’s degree? Check out this updated list from the Community College Baccalaureate Association.

Degree value  

If you’re wondering whether a bachelor’s degree from a community college is as valuable as a four-year institution, the ultimate value should be measured in what you learn. If you’re trying to decide between a community college or four-year institution, spend some time viewing each school’s curriculum requirements and see how classes compare. 

It can also help to list the factors that matter most to you, such as low tuition cost, faculty with real-world experience, a comprehensive program curriculum, or career placement, so you can decide which degree-granting institution best fits your needs. If you have questions about which type of college or university will be best for your particular needs, consider making an appointment with an academic advisor who works exclusively with prospective students.

Learn more about how to get a bachelor’s degree and ways you can accelerate the time it takes to earn a bachelor’s degree. 

States where you can earn a community college bachelor’s degree

Florida and Washington top the list of 24 states that now offer bachelor’s degrees at community college. Other states include California, Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Oregon, South Carolina, and Texas. 

It’s unclear when the remaining states will make a four-year degree available at traditionally two-year institutions. To learn more about whether your state offers a four-year community college degree, look at your state’s Department of Education website, or search for your state and “community college bachelor’s”  for more information.  

Earn your degree on Coursera

If you’re interested in earning your bachelor’s degree and would like affordable and flexible options, an online degree may be a strong alternative to attending community college or an on-campus program at a four-year institution. Unlike community colleges, which may require you to take a portion of your classes in person, you can complete an online degree wherever there’s internet access. Explore bachelor's degrees in practical and in-demand areas such as marketing, computer science, and business administration from top universities on Coursera.