New Jersey Senate Bill S2618

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/8/24
• Refer: 2/8/24

Caption

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to revoke proprietary school's license to award academic degrees if school fails to achieve certain minimum graduation rates.

Impact

The implementation of S2618 is expected to significantly affect the operational landscape for proprietary schools in New Jersey. By requiring a minimum graduation rate, the bill seeks to elevate educational standards in these institutions, compelling them to enhance student support services and instructional quality. Should they fail to meet these metrics, they risk losing licensure, which could lead to the closure of underperforming institutions that do not adequately prepare students for their careers. This change could ultimately reshape the higher education landscape, particularly for institutions primarily focused on profit rather than student education.

Summary

S2618 is a legislative measure introduced in New Jersey aimed at improving the accountability of proprietary schools, which are for-profit postsecondary institutions authorized to award degrees. The bill mandates that if a proprietary school does not achieve a minimum graduation rate—75 percent for four-year degree programs and 75 percent for two-year degree programs—within a specified time frame, the Secretary of Higher Education will revoke the school's license to grant academic degrees. This provision is set to enforce a more rigorous standard for educational institutions that operate for profit and thus emphasizes the importance of student outcomes in their operations.

Contention

While the bill's proponents argue that it is a necessary step towards ensuring quality education and protecting students' interests, it may face opposition from proprietary schools and their advocates who claim that the stringent graduation rate requirements could inadvertently harm institutions serving non-traditional students. Critics might argue that factors such as socio-economic challenges, and the diverse backgrounds of students in proprietary schools could affect graduation rates. Hence, some stakeholders might advocate for additional support rather than punitive measures. The bill's emphasis on one-size-fits-all graduation metrics could create disputes regarding fairness and educational equity.