Community College Baccalaureate Degree Playbook

A playbook providing a research-grounded, action-oriented set of considerations and recommendations to planning and implementing community college baccalaureate degrees.

Millions of students want to earn a bachelor’s degree tied to a good job but face barriers that traditional higher education was never designed to award or provide. Community college baccalaureate or bachelor’s (CCB) degrees are changing that, and 24 states have now authorized community colleges to offer them. Yet state leaders seeking to expand or implement these programs often lack the evidence-based guidance they need. This playbook, organized as a series of briefs, fills that gap. Developed by researchers who have spent years working directly with community college practitioners, and informed by state leaders and nationally recognized scholars, it provides a research-grounded, action-oriented set of considerations and recommendations to planning and implementing CCB degrees that are affordable, accessible, equitable, and built to last.

Briefs

Four college students stand talking in front of building

Introduction

The State Leadership Playbook for Planning and Implementing CCB Degree Programs

Read the Playbook Introduction →
Two story modern building with sign over entrance saying Community College

Brief 1

The Basics: Key Community College Bachelor’s Degree Facts, Figures, and the National Landscape

Read Brief 1 →
Person putting mony in a pig shaped bank

Brief 2

The Affordability Advantage: How States Set (Affordable) Tuition and Fees for Community College Bachelor’s Degrees

Read Brief 2 →
Student wearing backpack holding a binder of papers

Brief 3

Completion Rates and the Time it Takes to Earn a Degree in Community College Bachelor’s Programs

Read Brief 3 →

Tools

Gradution Cap on Money

Tool 1

CCB Program Affordability and Transparency Worksheet

Read Tool 1 →

Community College Baccalaureates: A Resource Guide for State Leaders

Previously published curated research and reports on CCB programs intended to support state higher education leaders and institutions.