Bills › 91st General Assembly
Authorizing community colleges to offer a degree program that leads to a baccalaureate degree
Topics:Higher education
Same legislation: HF 2649
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 13, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 13, 2026
- Done: House committeeJanuary 28, 2026
- Skipped: Passes the HouseContinued as HF 2649
- Next: Senate committee
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Became HF 2649 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to HF 2649 What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary Community colleges could start offering four-year bachelor's degrees in specific subjects that help fill local job shortages. These programs cannot be taught entirely online, and the cost for Iowa residents must stay within a certain limit compared to regular community college classes. The state board of education will create the rules to oversee these new degree programs.1
Read the official explanation
This bill authorizes community colleges to offer a degree program that leads to a baccalaureate degree and that satisfies all of the following requirements: the degree program consists of programs of study or academic majors that lead to jobs that address a high-demand, sustained, and unmet workforce need within the community college region as shown by the community college, and the instruction provided within the degree program is not delivered entirely over the internet. Under current law, community colleges may offer up to two years of liberal arts, preprofessional, or occupational instruction that partially fulfills the requirements for a baccalaureate degree but that confers no more than an associate degree. The bill requires the state board of education to adopt rules prescribing standards and procedures for the authorization and oversight of baccalaureate degree programs offered by community colleges. The tuition for residents of Iowa for courses offered as part of a baccalaureate degree program at a community college shall not exceed 150 percent of the tuition charged to residents of Iowa for traditional community college courses. The boards of directors of community colleges are authorized to establish or modify any policies, seek any accreditation, and employ any staff necessary to offer a baccalaureate degree program.
Changed since by amendment H-8022; see Amendments.
House subcommittee
Named January 13, 2026. On January 20, 2026 it recommended passage.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part
Fiscal note
AI summary This bill creates a pilot program that allows eligible community colleges to offer certain baccalaureate degrees. The Department of Education estimates a one-time cost of $100,000 to expand its curriculum database system, but the total fiscal impact of the bill is unknown. Any other costs to implement the bill will be covered by existing staff within the Bureau of Community Colleges.3
From the note: The fiscal impact of the Bill is unknown and will vary depending on how quickly and how many new baccalaureate programs are created during the pilot program. The DE estimates a one- time cost of $100,000 to expand STICS. Any additional costs to implement the requirements of this Bill will be absorbed by existing staff within the Bureau of Community Colleges.
- Community Colleges, Baccalaureate Degrees · March 16, 2026 · $100,000
- Community Colleges, Baccalaureate Degrees · March 3, 2026 · $100,000
- Community Colleges, Baccalaureate Degrees · February 26, 2026
Iowa Code it changes
Lobbying
9 for · 3 against · 7 undecided · Who →
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91st General Assembly