The unanimous passing of the Virginia Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2011 highlights the need to create a cost-effective pathway to baccalaureate degree growth. Using an exploratory case study design, this study compared the cost-effectiveness of two baccalaureate degree programs offered by institutions in the State University System of Florida and in the Florida College System. I found the total expenditure per student credit hour was less in the two baccalaureate programs in the Florida College System and their degree growth rate was higher than institutions in the State University System of Florida. The analysis of two Florida Statutes indicates support for community college baccalaureate programs. I conclude that the community college baccalaureate degree is a cost-effective pathway to increase degree growth and should be considered as a policy to enhance the goals of the Act. I recommend that the Virginia General Assembly and the Governor authorize a pilot project for one two-year public college to offer a baccalaureate degree program and to enact statutes similar to Florida. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]