IL HB4386

Establishes the Online Degree Pathway Pilot Program, a 120-credit-hour bachelor's degree combining 60 hours at any Illinois community college with 60 hours of online coursework from a participating university, with the University of Illinois as the primary degree-granting institution.

Students pay the community college tuition rate for all 120 credit hours regardless of whether courses are delivered by community colleges or universities, with applications opening March 15, 2027 for the 2027-2028 academic year.

High school students in grades 9-12 may enroll in dual enrollment courses at public community colleges, with the Illinois Community College Board paying tuition for up to 30 credit hours per eligible student (subject to appropriation).

Mandates seamless credit transfer with no reevaluation, additional prerequisites, or duplicative coursework requirements, and prohibits universities from circumventing the Act through internal policies, course reclassification, or fees on program participants.

Caps annual program enrollment at 2,000 students, requires joint annual reporting to the General Assembly beginning March 15, 2028, and automatically repeals the Act 5 years after its effective date.