Los Angeles Community Colleges May Expand Bachelor’s Degree Offerings
Community colleges in Los Angeles could be authorized to grant a significantly larger number of bachelor's degrees if Governor Newsom approves a proposed change.

Los Angeles, CA, September 1, 2026 — A proposed change could significantly expand the number of bachelor’s degrees that community colleges in Los Angeles are authorized to grant. The potential expansion hinges on the approval of Governor Gavin Newsom.
Under current regulations, community college districts have limitations on the number of bachelor’s degrees they can offer. The proposed change aims to lift or substantially increase these limits for institutions within the Los Angeles area. The specific details of the proposed change and the exact extent of the increase in degree authorizations were not provided in the available information.
If approved, this initiative could represent a substantial shift in higher education accessibility and affordability in the region. Community colleges are often perceived as a more accessible and cost-effective pathway to higher education compared to traditional four-year universities. Expanding their authority to grant bachelor’s degrees could provide more students with opportunities to earn a bachelor’s degree without the higher tuition fees associated with university systems.
The governor’s office has not yet released a timeline for a decision on the proposed change. Further details regarding the specific community college districts involved, the types of bachelor’s degrees that would be offered, and the potential impact on existing university programs are pending the governor’s review and decision.
Story summarized from the original created by Google News on news.google.com, see more information here.