Community colleges have begun offering baccalaureate (BA) degrees in fields such as education, health and technology, which raises a host of concerns. Unsurprisingly, these new programs have generated mixed reactions. The majority of community college officials, as well as industries and employers, welcome this addition. Some established institutions and state officials, however, express concern that community colleges are not prepared to embark on this new mission. Even proponents of community colleges fear that adding a BA degree will dilute the traditional community college mission and generate conflict with existing baccalaureate institutions. Baccalaureate degrees at community colleges also provide opportunities for students who have obtained associate degrees and are comfortable staying in the community college environment, and for older students who may be uncomfortable attending four-year institutions that enroll predominantly younger students. In addition, community colleges provide a conduit to higher education for students from low-income and rural communities. The community college BA has evolved at three types of institutions: (1) the community college that continues to offer primarily associate of arts (AA) degrees, but includes a few BA degree programs; (2) the community college that morphs into a four-year college and is renamed, even though it may continue to offer AA degrees; and (3) the four-year institution that offers BA degrees in partnership with a community college, with classes on the community college campus. This overview discusses community colleges that independently offer BA programs in education without a four-year university partnership.