AB 2093 will create more options for students seeking a bachelor’s degree at campuses such as Los Angeles City College. (photo by Edwin Folven)

A historic bill that would allow students to pursue a tuition free bachelor’s degree at California’s community colleges has passed the state Legislature and is under consideration by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Assembly Bill 2093 would be the first of its kind in the United States. Authored by Assembly Assistant Majority Leader Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles), the legislation would expand the California Promise Program, which has improved accessibility and equity in higher education by offering two-years of tuition-free education for all first-time and returning fulltime students at community colleges.

“As a former [Los Angeles Community College District] Board of Trustees president, the nation’s largest community college district, I have seen firsthand how tuition can be a deciding factor for too many people declining to pursue a higher education,” Santiago said. “This is why I have pushed for free community college for the first two years. But as we’ve seen a recent decline in bachelor’s degree earners for the first time in 10 years, it’s clear that it is time for a tuitionfree four-year degree. Also, it is important to ensure low-income students can pursue a multiyear education without worrying about student debt.”

“AB 2093 creates the first free bachelor’s degree in the United States,” LACCD Board president Nichelle Henderson said. “I am proud that California is once again leading in making education more accessible and equitable. This bill will help more bright and talented students from underserved communities to pursue higher education, where they can acquire the necessary skills to thrive in good-paying jobs. Gov. Newsom has been a strong supporter of community college students, and we hope that we can count on his support once again.”

The proposed legislation would make use of existing Promise Grant funding, offering districts flexibility to waive fees for bachelor’s degree students. By providing the option, the bill ensures that more students have an opportunity to earn a fouryear degree without incurring significant debt. The bill will also save the state millions of dollars in student financial aid because tuition costs are reduced at community colleges as compared to tuition costs at California State University, University of California and private institutions. Baccalaureate degrees at community colleges are currently under $11,000 for a four-year degree.

The state’s community colleges currently offer over 40 baccalaureate degrees in numerous occupational fields. The LACCD currently has five bachelor’s degrees approved, with one additional provisional approval, for a total of six in dental hygiene and aviation technology, respiratory therapy, biomanufacturing and biotechnology.

“As chancellor of the Los Angeles Community College District, our district and many others around the state could not be more enthusiastically supportive of AB 2093,” LACCD Chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez said. “Offering a true tuition-free baccalaureate degree at California’s community colleges is a game changer for our students, their families and is a boost to the state’s economy. By eliminating financial barriers and incentivizing enrollment at community colleges, AB 2093 opens doors to higher education and the economic opportunities that come with it.”

Newsom has until Sept. 30 to sign or veto the bill.