CCBA Quality Framework for Community College Baccalaureate Degrees
CCBA is leading a national effort to strengthen quality standards for community college baccalaureate (CCB) programs by creating the CCBA Quality Framework. The Quality Framework addresses a growing need for clear, evidence-based measures that ensure community colleges offer bachelor’s degrees that are high quality, relevant, and connected to workforce and community needs.
The Quality Framework will be:
- Research-based, drawing on national evidence;
- Practical and easy to use for colleges and state systems;
- Focused on workforce and student success outcomes; and,
- Flexible, supporting both new and existing CCB programs.
A comprehensive User Guide will accompany the Framework, offering guidance to help institutions assess their programs, understand results, and plan improvements.
Quality Framework Development (Phase 1): Research Foundation & Thought Paper
Phase 1 focused on mapping the existing landscape of CCB quality. CCBA assembled a Quality Advisory Task Force in early 2023 to identify common measures, promising practices, and gaps in current quality assurance approaches. The 2023 thought paper, Measures of Quality in Community College Baccalaureate Programs, provides the foundation for developing a national Quality Framework.
Quality Framework Implementation (Phase 2): Developing & Testing the Framework
Phase 2 advances the work from research to action. In summer 2025, CCBA convened a national Advisory Task Force—including institutional leaders, state system representatives, policymakers, and subject-matter experts—to draft a comprehensive Quality Framework for CCBs. To ensure the tool is both practical and effective, CCBA is partnering with institutions nationwide to test and refine the draft framework.
Lead Colleges
In spring and summer 2026, six community colleges – in various stages of CCB development and representing colleges across the country – will serve as Lead Colleges. They will complete a full review of one of their baccalaureate programs using the draft Framework. Their feedback will help ensure clarity, alignment, and usability. Upon completion, Lead Colleges will be recognized with a CCBA Quality Framework Lead College designation.
The CCBA Quality Framework Lead Colleges are:
Lorain County Community College
Pilot Colleges
Following the Lead College phase, a broader group of institutions will participate as pilot colleges in fall 2026, applying the refined Framework to additional CCB programs. Their input will help ensure the final version reflects the diverse structures, missions, and student populations community colleges serve across the country.
Get Involved!
Interested in shaping the future of community college baccalaureate quality? CCBA is currently engaging institutions for participation in the pilot college phase.
Pilot Colleges must apply the Quality Framework to a CCB program with at least three years of outcome data, agree to the time commitment, and commit to providing feedback.
Colleges can:
- Apply to become a pilot college;
- Request a conversation to learn more about participation; or,
- Sign up for updates on the Framework’s development and upcoming opportunities.
For more information about Pilot Colleges, please click here.
To express interest in being a Pilot College, please complete this form.
Keep coming back for updates!
The Quality Framework project is supported by
