Elizabeth Meza recently published a commentary in Community College Daily on her research around tuition and fees comparisons between bachelor’s degrees offered by community colleges and those offered by public universities and for-profit institutions. Meza finds that community college baccalaureate (CCB) programs are becoming an increasingly viable and affordable option for students seeking four-year degrees. Research across 13 states shows that CCB programs significantly reduce costs, with median tuition at $4,820 annually compared to $9,390 at public universities and $19,097 at for-profit institutions. In some states, such as Texas, CCB tuition is less than half the cost of a public university, making higher education more accessible to lower-income students. These programs serve diverse populations, particularly students of color and working adults balancing education with family and job responsibilities. While tuition models vary by state, most CCB programs maintain affordability by keeping costs close to those of associate degrees. As these programs continue to expand nationwide, they offer a pathway for students who might otherwise find a bachelor’s degree financially difficult.This research was presented at the annual Community College Baccalaureate Association Conference.