By Sean Crawford, IL Public Radio
Springfield, Ill. – There's an effort in Illinois to let community colleges offer a limited number of Bachelor's degrees, but universities continue to oppose such a move.
The push comes from Harper College in Palatine, a Chicago suburb.
Harper's President Dr. Robert Breuder says it would provide a cheaper alternative for students than four-year-schools. He bristles at suggestions a Bachelor's Degree from a community college would be of less quality.
Currently, 14 other states allow community colleges to give four year degrees. Harper College is proposing two degree programs, one in Homeland Security and the other in Technology Management.
But first, it needs Illinois lawmakers to go along with the plan. And universities and four year colleges are expected to continue their opposition.
Many of those schools see Harper's plan as infringing on their territory.