A proposal that would permit Iowa community colleges to grant four-year degrees in certain fields — a move that has drawn strong opposition from the state’s private colleges — was scaled back Wednesday before advancing out of a House committee.
While the original bill would have authorized all community colleges in Iowa to begin developing baccalaureate degrees, the amended legislation would create a pilot program in which only colleges that are 50 miles or more away from the main campus of a public university or the main campus of a private university already offering the same programs are allowed to start bachelor’s degree programs.
Committee Chair Rep. Taylor Collins, a Republican from Mediapolis, said House Study Bill 533 represents what he called the most sweeping change to Iowa’s community college system since its creation roughly 60 years ago. Collins said the goal is to help residents in rural areas who lack access to traditional four-year institutions by allowing community colleges to offer bachelor’s programs in high-need areas such as education and nursing.
