New Jersey Senate Bill S1582

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/22
• Refer: 2/14/22

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 bill's passage would significantly alter the landscape for proprietary schools in New Jersey, as it prohibits them from receiving direct State aid if they fail to meet the graduation rate requirements established. Students enrolled in these institutions will not be eligible for state-funded scholarships or grants unless their school achieves these benchmarks. This measure is intended to protect students from incurring excessive debt while attending institutions that have historically struggled to provide satisfactory educational outcomes, considering that data shows a high rate of non-graduation among students in proprietary schools.

Summary

Senate Bill S1582, introduced on February 14, 2022, is designed to apply specific provisions of the New Jersey College Student and Parent Consumer Information Act to proprietary schools. This legislation aims to enhance transparency regarding the performance and costs associated with educational programs at proprietary institutions. Additionally, it limits eligibility for State-funded student assistance programs to those enrolled in proprietary schools that meet specific graduation rate requirements set by the Secretary of Higher Education. This bill focuses on ensuring that students have access to critical information before making financial commitments towards their education.

Contention

While supporters of S1582 argue that it ensures students are better informed about the quality and financial implications of their educational choices, detractors could see this as an overreach that may limit access to education for students who might genuinely benefit from proprietary education, despite the schools' past performance. There is a concern that such regulations could lead to fewer educational opportunities for those who may seek training in specific fields that proprietary schools often provide, potentially affecting economic mobility for certain demographics.

Further_consideration

In addition to restricting state financial assistance, S1582 directs proprietary schools to provide comprehensive public disclosure of key performance indicators, such as graduation rates and student debt loads. The required annual updates to student consumer information reports could facilitate better comparisons for prospective students and their families, promoting informed decision-making. The Secretary of Higher Education is tasked with compiling these reports into a comparative profile, which is expected to serve as a valuable resource in evaluating educational institutions.