Although four-year colleges and universities have often partnered with community colleges to offer articulated baccalaureate degrees at community college locations, a growing national trend finds the two-year institutions themselves offering baccalaureate degrees. Such requests are originating increasingly within the Higher Learning Commission’s region in response to various political factors, economic issues and local workforce needs.

Few associated with higher education dispute that this trend requires quality review and assurance, and it is incumbent upon HLC to review all such proposals through its policies and procedures for substantive change. Two-year institutions seeking to offer baccalaureate degree programs must have HLC approval before launching such programs. See Substantive Change for more information and the New Programs application.

HLC recommends that prior to submitting a formal change application, the two-year institution ascertain for itself its readiness to offer baccalaureate degrees. Two-Year Institutions Seeking to Offer the Baccalaureate Degree: Considerations of Readiness is intended to assist these institutions in their internal review of readiness for baccalaureate programming. It also serves as a resource for peer reviewers who may be asked to evaluate such change requests. Relevant sections of HLC's New Programs application are referenced where applicable.