New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S153

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to conduct study to determine extent and cause of outmigration of high school graduates to out-of-State colleges.

Impact

The study is designed to encompass various factors contributing to student decisions, including demographic influences, academic characteristics, and the perceived quality of education offered by out-of-state institutions compared to those in New Jersey. It will also highlight potential socio-economic elements that may lead students to pursue higher education elsewhere. The Secretary of Higher Education is required to consult with high school guidance counselors to gather insights directly from educators who influence student choices.

Summary

Senate Bill 153, introduced in the 221st New Jersey Legislature, aims to address the growing concern regarding the outmigration of high school graduates to colleges and universities outside of the state. The bill mandates the Secretary of Higher Education, in collaboration with the Commissioner of Education, to conduct a comprehensive study to determine both the extent and underlying causes of this phenomenon. The findings are anticipated to provide a clearer picture of why New Jersey students opt for out-of-state institutions over local options.

Structure

The bill stipulates that a report summarizing the findings of the study be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature within 18 months of the bill's enactment. This timeline indicates a sense of urgency regarding the issue and signifies the potential for legislative action depending on the study's outcomes. The bill aims to provide a foundational understanding that not only informs public policy but also seeks to enhance the overall educational landscape in New Jersey.

Contention

While the bill itself does not propose immediate legislative changes, its results may generate significant discussions around the competitive positioning of New Jersey's higher education system. If the study reveals substantial weaknesses in local institutions, it could prompt policymakers to consider reforms or incentives aimed at retaining students within the state's colleges and universities. Critics might express concerns that focusing on outmigration diverts attention from other critical issues affecting local education quality and access.

Companion Bills

NJ A2476

Same As Directs Secretary of Higher Education to conduct study to determine extent and cause of outmigration of high school graduates to out-of-State colleges.

NJ S1723

Carry Over Directs Secretary of Higher Education to conduct study to determine extent and cause of outmigration of high school graduates to out-of-State colleges.

NJ A3955

Carry Over Directs Secretary of Higher Education to conduct study to determine extent and cause of outmigration of high school graduates to out-of-State colleges.

Previously Filed As

NJ S1723

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to conduct study to determine extent and cause of outmigration of high school graduates to out-of-State colleges.

NJ A2476

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to conduct study to determine extent and cause of outmigration of high school graduates to out-of-State colleges.

NJ A3955

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to conduct study to determine extent and cause of outmigration of high school graduates to out-of-State colleges.

NJ S1645

Requires Secretary of Higher Education to conduct study to determine causes of outmigration of high school graduates to out-of-State institutions of higher education.

NJ S3178

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish academic credit and reverse credit transfer standards; establishes New Jersey Transfer Ombudsman within Office of Secretary of Higher Education.

NJ SB00105

An Act Concerning Recommendations By The Office Of Higher Education And Extending The Time To Conduct A Sexual Misconduct Climate Assessment At Institutions Of Higher Education.

NJ A376

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish performance-based funding plans for public institutions of higher education.

NJ A440

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish performance-based funding plans for public institutions of higher education.

NJ S188

Requires Secretary of Higher Education to establish guidelines regarding best practices for student financial aid offers.

NJ S3690

Requires Secretary of Higher Education to establish guidelines regarding best practices for student financial aid offers.

Similar Bills

NJ S1645

Requires Secretary of Higher Education to conduct study to determine causes of outmigration of high school graduates to out-of-State institutions of higher education.

NJ A4970

Requires public institutions of higher education to submit annual fiscal monitoring report; authorizes Secretary of Higher Education to appoint State monitor of certain institutions; requires higher education chief financial officers complete training; annually appropriates $100,000.

NJ S3406

Requires public institutions of higher education to submit annual fiscal monitoring report; authorizes Secretary of Higher Education to appoint State monitor of certain institutions; requires higher education chief financial officers complete training; annually appropriates $100,000.

NJ A3955

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to conduct study to determine extent and cause of outmigration of high school graduates to out-of-State colleges.

NJ S1723

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to conduct study to determine extent and cause of outmigration of high school graduates to out-of-State colleges.

NJ A2476

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to conduct study to determine extent and cause of outmigration of high school graduates to out-of-State colleges.

CA AB710

Postsecondary education: cost of attendance: fiscal matters.

NJ A5181

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.