New Jersey Senate Bill S1532

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Applies provisions of "New Jersey College Student and Parent Consumer Information Act" to proprietary schools and limits eligibility for State student assistance programs to students enrolled in certain proprietary schools.

Impact

The legislative changes brought by S1532 are intended to ensure that only quality proprietary schools with acceptable graduation rates benefit from state funding. Under this bill, proprietary schools will no longer be able to receive direct state aid unless they provide certain educational metrics, including graduation rates, which will need to be transparently displayed on their websites. This adds a layer of accountability and consumer protection for students and families considering these institutions.

Summary

Senate Bill S1532, sponsored by Senator Shirley K. Turner, amends existing legislation regarding proprietary schools in New Jersey. The bill seeks to limit the eligibility for state student assistance programs only to those students enrolled in proprietary schools that meet a specific graduation rate determined by the Secretary of Higher Education. This is a significant move to address concerns about the high levels of student debt and low graduation rates associated with proprietary institutions, thus aiming to improve educational outcomes for students in these schools.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding S1532 include concerns from proprietary schools about the impact of these requirements on their enrollment figures and financial viability. Critics of the bill may argue that the stipulations could unfairly penalize schools struggling to achieve high graduation rates while still providing valuable vocational training. Proponents, however, argue that improving consumer information and requiring schools to demonstrate educational success can protect students from accruing excessive debt without a degree to show for it.