Texas lawmakers want you to be able to get your bachelor’s degree at community colleges

If you’re one of the estimated more than 1.4 million students enrolled in a Texas community college, a number of lawmakers and community college administrators are working for you.

A movement is growing in Austin to allow traditionally two-year colleges to offer four-year degrees, and key players in both chambers of the legislature are said to be on board.

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Currently, only three community colleges statewide offer four-year degree programs, but legislation introduced by more than 12 members would increase options for more affordable education.

This, in turn, could mean more four-year degree Texans, as well as solutions for workforce shortages, including nursing and education positions.

The bills come with concerns for increased competition between community colleges and larger universities, however, three of the largest schools eared more than $300 million in profits from football-related activities alone.

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Committee leaders with jurisdiction on on the pending legislation said they would like to get started on consideration of the matters as soon as possible, and hearings on the bills could begin as early as next week.