New Jersey Senate Bill S1114

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/22
• Refer: 1/31/22

Caption

Requires institutions of higher education and proprietary degree-granting institutions that have agreements with online program managers to disclose online program information.

Impact

The implications of S1114 could drastically alter the landscape of online education in New Jersey. This bill is geared towards increasing accountability among institutions that offer online degrees, which in the past may have lacked adequate disclosure practices regarding their partnerships and the financial implications of their online programs. The expectation is that with these new transparency requirements, students will be better equipped to evaluate their options and choose programs that are aligned with their financial capabilities and educational goals.

Summary

Senate Bill S1114 mandates that institutions of higher education and proprietary degree-granting institutions which work with online program managers (OPMs) disclose specific information about their online programs. A significant component of this legislation focuses on ensuring that potential students have access to crucial data such as admission requirements, tuition costs comparative to on-campus programs, and available financial aid. By making this information publicly available on institutional websites, the bill aims to enhance transparency and empower students with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their education.

Contention

While the bill is anticipated to have a positive impact on student awareness, there is potential for contention regarding the definition and regulation of online program managers. Critics might argue that the additional requirements could impose burdens on educational institutions, particularly smaller ones, which may already face financial constraints. Furthermore, there may be debates about the adequacy of the disclosed information, particularly around how comprehensively institutions provide data on financial aid and tuition comparisons, potentially leading to discrepancies in practice.