PETOSKEY, MI -- Under a bill just passed by the state house, community colleges could soon be allowed to offer some new 4-year degrees.

The measure was approved by a 67 to 43 vote yesterday.

It would let the community colleges offer bachelor's degrees for nursing, culinary arts, cement technology, maritime technology and energy production technology.

The colleges traditionally offer two-year degrees.

But not all local colleges we spoke will take the state up on it's offer.

"North Central has a nursing program that could be eligible for a four year program, but we have great partners, Lake State University and others, that provide the third and fourth year so at least for now, our plan is to continue our two year program and then our students will move on to a four year school," said college spokesperson Charles McGinnis.

Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City says they definitely would start up some 4-year programs as soon as possible.

Likely for nursing and their maritime academy.