We hear about rural health and rural childcare deserts. Add skilled training & higher ed deserts. About half of US community colleges have added bachelor’s degree programs, at least in limited fields. The American Council on Education estimates 13M adults live beyond a reasonable commute from the nearest four-year university. There are over 900 community colleges, but they confer only 1% of the bachelor’s degrees.
Nationwide, a third of Americans hold a bachelor’s degree, but in rural America, fewer than 25 percent do. 
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Community Colleges pressured to offer BA/BS degrees