New Jersey Senate Bill S1723

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/22
• Refer: 2/28/22

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 mandated study is intended to provide insights into various factors influencing students' choices, such as the academic characteristics of both in-state and out-of-state institutions, the socio-economic backgrounds of the students, and the perceived academic quality of those out-of-state colleges. The findings from this investigation could serve as a foundation for future policy recommendations aimed at enhancing New Jersey's appeal as a destination for higher education.

Summary

Senate Bill S1723 directs the Secretary of Higher Education in New Jersey to conduct a comprehensive study to determine the extent and causes of outmigration among high school graduates to colleges located out of state. The bill highlights a growing concern that many students are choosing to pursue their higher education outside of New Jersey. This study aims to gather actionable data on why students make this decision, as well as the implications of this trend for New Jersey's educational landscape.

Contention

Notably, the bill aims to address issues related to potential solutions for reversing the flow of New Jersey graduates to out-of-state colleges. This raises questions about the effectiveness of existing in-state higher education institutions and whether modifications to policies or funding models could help retain students. Furthermore, input from high school guidance counselors will be sought to understand better the motivations behind students' inclinations to enroll in out-of-state colleges, making it a multi-faceted inquiry into educational trends within the state.