Evans School of Public Policy & Governance

Community Colleges have historically awarded the associate’s degree as their highest credential. But allowing community colleges to confer bachelor’s degrees is becoming more prevalent throughout the United States. Many of these new baccalaureate degrees focus on emerging occupations associated with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), nursing and other healthcare fields, and teacher education. This research project aims to understand the scope and implementation of CCB programs nationwide, the equity contributions of these degrees to baccalaureate attainment, and the labor market outcomes of students who have earned the CCB. Our research team, led by Dr. Elizabeth Meza of the Evans School and Dr. Debra Bragg of Bragg & Associates is grateful to Strada Education Foundation, the Joyce Foundation, Lumina Foundation, and New America for their generous funding of this research and development work in this area.