Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.
The bill's requirements include posting details such as overall graduation rates, demographic breakdowns, costs of attendance, financial aid availability, average student loan indebtedness, and the number of courses offered online. Institutions must update this information annually and make it accessible to the public. This shift could significantly influence decision-making for students considering attending New Jersey's public universities, especially those interested in online programs, thus ensuring better-informed choices.
Assembly Bill A2133 seeks to amend existing regulations under the New Jersey College Student and Parent Consumer Information Act by requiring four-year public institutions of higher education to provide comprehensive information on their websites regarding online degree programs and graduate degree students. This amendment is aimed at increasing transparency for prospective students and their families, aiding them in understanding both the costs and the outcomes associated with different forms of education, including those engaged in online studies.
While the intent behind A2133 is to enhance information access and consumer awareness, potential points of contention might arise regarding the administrative burden placed on institutions to collect, compute, and continuously update this information. Some may argue that the requirement to detail specific data, particularly relating to graduation rates by various demographics, could expose institutions to scrutiny or criticism, influencing enrollment patterns and institutional reputations. Balancing the need for transparency while ensuring institutions are not overwhelmed by administrative tasks will be crucial in the discussions surrounding this bill.