Modesto Community College To Offer 4-Year Degree In Respiratory Care
MODESTO (CBS13) — Students in California will soon be able to earn a four-year degree at the community college level in specific fields.
The pilot program was rolled out as an alternative to the California State University and University of California systems.
The move is being called a game-changer and the start of a new higher-education landscape in California.
The California Community Colleges Board of Governors selected 15 community colleges across the state to start offering four-year bachelor's degrees in specific fields.
State Sen. Marty Block (D-San Diego) authored the bill to allow it to happen. He says many students can't leave their hometowns to go to colleges or can't afford them.
"I'm confident the community colleges can do a good job in offering these bachelor's degrees," he said.
Locally, only Modesto Junior College was among the 15 selected, and it will offer a four-year degree in respiratory care. Yuba, Solano, and San Joaquin Delta colleges applied, but were not among those chosen.
San Diego Community College Chancellor Constance Carrol says the plan will allow students to get a degree at nearly half the cost of a university.
"This option enables them from start to finish to get a four year degree for $10,560, doesn't get any better than that," she said.