At Remitly, we know education is a life-changing opportunity, especially for immigrants, first-generation students, and working adults looking to build a better future. If you’re looking to earn a bachelor’s degree, a local community college may be a great option for you. In some states, your local community college may offer the complete four-year degree you’re looking for.In this guide, you’ll learn about where and how community colleges are making bachelor’s degrees more accessible, what to expect from the experience, and whether this path is right for you. If you are looking to stay local and still earn a degree, this guide is for you.
Yes, some community colleges offer bachelor’s degrees
While community colleges have traditionally focused on associate degrees and certificates, many are now offering bachelor’s degrees in select, high-demand fields. These programs are designed to meet local workforce needs and provide an affordable, career-focused education.
Areas of study where you might see community colleges offering bachelor’s degrees include:
- Applied sciences
- Business administration
- Information technology (IT)
- Nursing
- Early childhood education
- Public safety or criminal justice
These programs typically emphasize practical training and workforce readiness, making them a great option for career-focused students.
Where this is possible
Not every state offers bachelor’s degrees at the community college level, but the number is growing. A few states in the US are setting the bar for community colleges offering strong programs, and many others are following in their footsteps.
Florida
Florida has one of the most well-established systems for community college bachelor’s degrees. In fact, they lead nationally, with every one of their 28 community colleges offering accredited bachelor’s programs.
A few notable examples include:
- Daytona State College, which offers over 100 certificate, associate, and bachelor’s degrees.
- Chipola College, which offers bachelor’s degrees in fields like Exceptional Student Education, Middle School Math, and Middle School Science.
- Seminole State College of Florida, which offers career-focused bachelor’s degree programs that are responsive to the needs of local businesses.
Washington
Washington state has plenty of community and technical colleges that offer Bachelor of Applied Science degrees. They are also a national leader, with over two-thirds of their community and technical colleges offering degrees in areas like operations management, cybersecurity, and nursing.
These schools focus on preparing students for specific careers:
- Bellingham Technical College offers degrees in Operations Management and Engineering Technology.
- Bellevue College has offerings in business, information systems, technology, and healthcare.
- Cascadia College, allows you to choose from a wide variety of applied science programs in sustainability, technology, and more.
California
Several community colleges in California are piloting bachelor’s degrees. Typically, these degrees are in specialized fields that are not offered at other academic institutions.
A few schools running these pilot programs include:
- Antelope Valley College, which offers a bachelor’s program in Airframe Manufacturing Technology.
- Rio Hondo College, which has a course in Automotive Technology.
- Santa Monica College, which gives you the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in Interaction Design.
- Foothill College, which has been authorized to offer Bachelor of Science degrees in Dental Hygiene.
Other states with growing offerings
As bachelor’s degree programs become more popular at community colleges, several states are following suit. Community colleges in Texas, New York, and Arizona are starting to offer four-year degrees as well.
Offerings vary by institution, so check directly with your local college for the most up-to-date information.
How community college bachelor’s degrees work
Bachelor’s programs at community colleges are structured similarly to traditional four-year degrees, but are often more flexible, affordable, and career-driven.
Continuous study at one institution
If you’re studying a bachelor’s degree at a community college, you’ll complete all four years of study at the same school. This breaks the traditional community college pattern of transferring to a traditional institution after two years—providing consistency, avoiding transfer complications, and keeping you rooted in your community.
Respond to local workforce needs
Community colleges are just that—of and for the community they serve. As such, the bachelor’s degree programs that you’ll find at community colleges are typically responsive to local workforce needs. If there is a particular industry that is popular in the community, bachelor’s degrees that are applicable to that field will likely be offered at the community college. That means you can expect your studies at a community college to be hands-on and career-focused.
Specific offerings
While this path offers convenience and affordability, it does come with trade-offs. You can expect fewer degree offerings than at a state college or university. If you’re attending community college, you’ll have to choose from their offerings, explore other community colleges nearby to see if they have different majors, or consider transferring.
Benefits of a community college bachelor’s degree
There are plenty of reasons why attending a community college might be the right choice for you, especially if you’re looking for flexibility, lower costs, and a supportive learning environment.
Lower tuition costs
Attending a community college is usually half the price of attending a traditional university. If you’re looking to add a degree to your resume without breaking the bank, a community college might be the right fit for your budget.
Smaller classes
Many community colleges have very small class sizes, which means that the student-to-teacher ratio will be in your favor, especially if you’re an international student. You’ll get more personalized learning and more contact with your professors, which can be especially helpful if you’re navigating college as a first-generation student or balancing other responsibilities.
More support
Smaller student bodies mean that the support networks at a community college are more accessible, from mental health and academic advising to tutoring and career services. Your advisor and professors will be able to help support you as you work towards your academic goals.
Close to home or work.
Community colleges are typically situated right in your hometown. And for many students, especially working adults or those with family commitments, proximity is a major benefit. This means you won’t have to uproot your life to attend, and you can continue working and taking care of loved ones all while pursuing your degree.
Backed by research and policies
Nearly half of US states allow community colleges to award bachelor’s degrees to meet workforce needs, improve access, and serve diverse learners. What’s more, there are statewide policies in place to ensure access and affordability.
Things to consider before choosing this path
Bachelor’s degrees at community colleges can be a great fit for many students, but they’re not right for everyone. Here are a few things to think about:
- Limited majors. Remember that there might be fewer subject offerings and limited majors. If you’re interested in a highly specialized or less common field of study, your options at a community college may be limited.
- Name recognition. Earning a degree at a community college may not carry the same prestige as one from a recognized university. While your degree will be accredited and valid, some employers or graduate schools may view community college degrees differently than those from traditional universities.
- Transferability. If you think you may pursue a master’s degree later, check in advance whether your credits and coursework will transfer to graduate programs or other institutions.
It’s always a good idea to speak with an academic advisor to weigh your options and make sure the degree aligns with your long-term goals.
Closing thoughts
Getting a bachelor’s degree doesn’t have to mean moving across the country or taking on heavy student loans. In many states, community colleges now offer affordable, accredited four-year degrees that prepare you for in-demand careers while keeping you close to home.
If you’re an immigrant, first-generation college student, or working adult looking for flexible, cost-effective education, this might be the right opportunity you’ve been looking for. Explore whether your local community college offers a bachelor’s program—it could be the perfect fit.
FAQs
Do I need to finish an associate’s degree before enrolling in a bachelor’s program at a community college?
Not always. Some programs admit students directly, while others require an associate’s degree or specific prerequisites. Each school sets its own admission requirements, so it’s best to confirm with an academic advisor.
Will employers accept a degree from a community college?
Yes. Plenty of employers are more interested in skills and credentials than in the name of the school that granted your degree. This is especially true for in-demand fields like IT, nursing, and education.
Can international or DACA students apply?
Often, yes. However, the answer to this question varies from school to school, so ask the admissions office for more information if you’re an international student or DACA student.
Can I transfer from a community college bachelor’s program to a university later?
Sometimes. While these programs are designed to be completed at the community college, many schools transfer credits. Be sure to check transfer agreements before enrolling.