New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3955

Introduced
5/12/22  

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 study will involve various components, including surveys of high school seniors in public and private schools, reviews of academic and socio-economic characteristics of students and their families, and comparisons of the academic quality of out-of-state institutions versus in-state options. This strategic inquiry seeks to provide insight not only into student preferences but also into potential deficiencies within New Jersey's higher education system. By gathering and analyzing such data, the Secretary will be positioned to advise on potential reforms that could help retain local students.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3955 directs the Secretary of Higher Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Education, to conduct a comprehensive study on the outmigration of New Jersey high school graduates to out-of-state colleges and universities. The objective of the study is to determine the extent and causes of this outmigration, which has implications for both the state's education system and its broader socioeconomic landscape. The ASSEMBLY aims to understand why students are opting for educational institutions outside New Jersey, a factor that could reflect on the local higher education offerings and state policies.

Contention

While the bill appears to be a proactive measure to address educational trends, there may be contention surrounding the findings and subsequent recommendations derived from the study. Some stakeholders might argue that external factors, such as college affordability and the desirability of living away from home, are influencing student decisions more than institutional quality itself. This bill may also incite debate regarding the appropriate state response—whether to enhance local education offerings, increase financial support for in-state institutions, or implement outreach strategies to attract students back to New Jersey institutions.

Companion Bills

NJ S1723

Same As Directs Secretary of Higher Education to conduct study to determine extent and cause of outmigration of high school graduates to out-of-State colleges.

Previously Filed As

NJ S1998

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to conduct study to determine extent and cause of outmigration of high school graduates to out-of-State colleges.

NJ A1963

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to conduct study to determine extent and cause of outmigration of high school graduates to out-of-State colleges.

NJ A1102

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish performance-based funding plans for public institutions of higher education.

NJ S3359

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

NJ S3294

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to develop career and education guide for post secondary students with disabilities.

NJ A1430

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to develop career and education guide for post secondary students with disabilities.

NJ S1456

Establishes commission to advise Secretary of Higher Education on student issues of concern.

NJ S3298

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish common course numbering system for public institutions of higher education.

NJ S2532

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to appoint special auditor to investigate claims of abuse of public funds at public institutions of higher education.

NJ HB1878

State Council of Higher Education for Virginia; renaming Director as Executive Director.

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NJ A2359

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NJ S1480

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CA AB2771

California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

NJ S1504

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NJ A2133

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TX HB5180

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CA AB1098

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