Brandon Bisbey: To protect higher education in Illinois, focus on collaboration, not competition

Chicago Tribune

28-04-2025

Higher education across the nation is under attack as federal officials target university funding in an effort to advance a sweeping political agenda. Particularly vulnerable are institutions that serve low-income students, which tend to have a higher number of students of color.
The implications of these actions are incredibly concerning, making four-year degrees increasingly out of reach for low- and middle-income students, especially Black and Latino students. Given that data routinely shows that those with bachelor's degrees earn significantly more than those with a high school diploma, these moves will further entrench the racial wealth gap brought about by generations of societal disparities.
This will undoubtedly have far-reaching impacts across Illinois, especially for institutions such as Northeastern Illinois University, which is one of the most diverse universities in the Midwest. Our student body represents more than 100 countries, and we are a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, which means that at least 25% of our student body identifies as Hispanic or Latino.
But no university across Illinois is without threat, as decades of underfunding by the state make institutions ill-equipped to weather the added federal financial chaos. Instead of exploring ways to buttress our state's public universities, we are now facing a threat from within as some want to further diminish resources for universities through a broad expansion of community college programs.
Let me be clear: I support efforts to increase access to quality, affordable education. NEIU prioritizes affordability and is among the nation's leaders at graduating students with the least amount of debt. However, the proposal currently before the Illinois General Assembly to greatly expand the ability of community colleges to offer bachelor's degree programs simply isn't the right approach.
As written, the plan goes far beyond expanding four-year degree programs in career paths with workforce shortages such as teaching, nursing and manufacturing. Rather, the proposal is so broad that it would allow community colleges to establish four-year degree programs at any of their institutions regardless of workforce need or student demand.
Such a dramatic expansion would require significant investments by community colleges, particularly for specialized programs that would necessitate infrastructure improvements and expert faculty and staff. Where does that money come from? Despite recent strides by Gov. JB Pritzker and the General Assembly, state funding for higher education is far below where it needs to be. While community colleges are largely funded through property taxes, recent efforts have rightly centered on ways to decrease the property tax burden on families and businesses, not increase it.
We need a more targeted approach that leverages our resources to drive real results and fosters collaboration among our higher education institutions, not competition. Through more than 3,000 successful partnerships and agreements, public and private universities are already offering four-year degree programs that can often be completed on community college campuses, through traditional pathways or online where students attend community college for two years, then transfer to complete their bachelor's at a college or university. These partnerships have fostered degree completion programs directly on community college campuses, further expanding access to higher education. Many students in these existing programs receive guaranteed scholarships, some of which ensure they pay no out-of-pocket costs for tuition and fees.
At the same time, universities are expanding online degree programs, Illinois is on track to spend $1 billion to improve broadband access throughout the state. This funding connects homes, businesses and community institutions to internet service in places that have long been underserved, from low-income neighborhoods in large urban centers to rural properties in our state's agricultural areas.
By linking these efforts, we can provide the flexibility and convenience students need to work, care for a child and provide for their families while they complete their degree. Commuting long distances or finding new housing close to campus is no longer a barrier to receiving the education necessary for a great career.
Instead of simply duplicating four-year degree programs, and the costs associated with them, we should consider a thoughtful expansion of these proven partnerships. This will ensure community colleges and four-year universities alike can continue to provide high-quality academic experiences that truly meet students where they are.
We can increase access and opportunity for students without pitting universities and community colleges against each other. And given the slash-and-burn approach to higher education from the federal government, it's more important than ever that we work together.
Brandon Bisbey is president of the University Professionals of Illinois Northeastern Illinois University chapter.