| Abstract: |
Despite recent debates about the merits of higher education, data continues to support its enduring value as an investment (Georgetown University, 2022). According to projections from the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce (Carnevale, et al., 2023), the demand for workers with bachelor's degrees is expected to grow from 36% of U.S. jobs in 2021 to approximately 42% by 2031. This trend is particularly pronounced in Washington, which ranks among the top 15 states for jobs requiring advanced education, placing 15th for bachelor's degree requirements and 14th for graduate degree requirements (Carnevale, et al., 2023). However, significant disparities exist in degree attainment across demographic groups in Washington (United States Census Bureau, 2023). Whereas 41% of white residents have earned at least a bachelor's degree, these rates drop to 28% for Black residents and 20% for Latine residents. To meet the need for bachelor's degree graduates and address the completion gap, the landscape of higher education is evolving. Twenty-four states now permit community colleges to award bachelor's degrees in applied fields, and more are considering similar policies (Community College Baccalaureate Association [CCBA] & Bragg, 2024). Washington pioneered this approach in the early 2000s, implementing policy reforms to increase bachelor's degree accessibility. Applied baccalaureates offered by community colleges provide opportunities for diverse groups, including professional and technical associate degree holders, people of color, adult students, and those with local family commitments. Recognizing the value of bachelor's degrees for students and rural communities, the SBCTC and individual colleges have recently focused on implementing new degree opportunities in areas of high workforce demand, such as a bachelor's of applied science in teacher education at Grays Harbor College. This analysis examines data from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) to evaluate the educational outcomes and career impacts for students in community college baccalaureate (CCB) programs. The focus of the report is on CCB programs offered in Washington over the six years period of 2018-2024 and highlights results pertaining to CCB programs, students, and graduates of rural-serving colleges. [This report was created with Bragg & Associates, Inc.] |