Budget Bill Allows Community Colleges To Offer Bachelors's Degrees

Ohio's community colleges could request to offer bachelor's degrees in certain circumstances under provisions of the state budget bill. It allows the chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents to approve applied bachelor's degree programs if the school can demonstrate the degree would serve a workforce need or a growing long-term need. Unusual degree programs that demonstrate "a unique approach" also would be eligible. Traditionally, bachelor's degrees are only available at four-year colleges and universities. Community colleges also could increase general and instructional fees by no more than 10 dollar per credit hour, as long as the increases funded academic support and programming, career services or need-based financial aid. Room and board could not increase.