Programs would be developed jointly by the Illinois Community College Board and the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Supporters say the change would help students earn degrees closer to home while balancing work and family.

New academic models are appealing to a student population that is older, career focused and seeking flexibility beyond the traditional degree.

College students who work while in school are more than twice as likely to land a job after graduation, a ZipRecruiter survey found. Work experience also helps graduates secure jobs more quickly in a competitive market.

More recent high school graduates are choosing community college as students look for lower-cost, career-focused alternatives to four-year degrees. New data shows younger students now make up the largest share of first-time associate degree earners.