California Assemblymember Miguel Santiago Tuition Free Bachelor's Degree Bill Heads to Governor Gavin Newsom’s Desk
September 3, 2024 - Sacramento, CA - Last week, a historic bill that would allow students to pursue a “tuition free bachelor’s degree” at California’s community colleges has passed the legislature. This bill would be the first of its kind nationally. Assembly Assistant Majority Leader Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles) is the author and has been a driving force behind the bill, AB 2093. This legislation, which would expand Assembly Member Santiago’s California Promise Program (AB 19), has improved accessibility and equity in higher education through two-years of tuition-free education for all first-time and returning students who enroll full-time at community colleges.
California is on the brink of a historic achievement, potentially becoming the first state in the nation to offer tuition-free bachelor's degrees at community colleges. This sets a new standard for accessible higher education in the United States, promising a significant impact on the education system, expanding the middle class and accelerating social and economic mobility for all Californians.
“As a former LACCD 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," said Assembly Member Santiago. “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 tuition-free 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,” said LACCD Board President Nichelle Henderson. "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. Governor Newsom has been a strong supporter of community college students, and we hope that we can count on his support once again.”
“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,” said LACCD Chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez, Ph.D. “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. We thank Assemblymember Santiago for his extraordinary leadership in the creation of this program. He understands the power of education to uplift entire communities. 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. This bill reflects our system’s shared commitment to equity, access, and the transformative power of education for all Californians."
The proposed legislation would make use of existing Promise Grant funding, offering districts the flexibility to waive fees for baccalaureate degree students. By providing this option, the bill ensures that more students have the opportunity to earn a four-year degree without incurring significant debt, further supporting California’s commitment to fostering a more equitable and inclusive education system. The bill will also save the state millions of dollars in student financial aid because tuition costs are much 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 a variety of 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 (West Los Angeles College), respiratory therapy (Los Angeles Valley College and East Los Angeles College), biomanufacturing (Los Angeles Mission College), and biotechnology at (Los Angeles Pierce College).
Assembly Member Santiago has been a leader in expanding higher education for all Californians. In addition to authoring AB 19 in 2017, he also authored AB 2 in 2019, a law that expanded this program to cover two years, and AB 2266 to expand the program to returning students. AB 2093 would continue the logical evolution of this successful policy, extending free college to cover bachelor's degree programs in California community colleges. The successful implementation of AB 2093 could also set a precedent for other states to follow, furthering the cause of tuition-free education nationwide.
AB 2093 will be sent to the Governor who will have until September 30th to sign or veto the bill.
Assembly Member Miguel Santiago is the Assistant Assembly Majority Leader. He serves on the Arts, Entertainment, Sports and Tourism Committee, the Health Committee, and the Utilities & Energy Committee. He represents the 54th District composed of the cities of Los Angeles, Commerce, Montebello, and Vernon.
Source: Assemblymember Miguel Santiago
