New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A2135

Introduced
1/13/26  
Refer
1/13/26  

Caption

Requires institutions of higher education to collect and report employment data for certain graduates.

Impact

The implementation of A2135 will significantly affect how institutions of higher education communicate their performance metrics. By standardizing the collection and reporting of employment data, the bill will promote accountability among educational institutions. It will also provide valuable information that helps prospective students understand the practical outcomes of their educational investments. Furthermore, this can lead to a competitive landscape among institutions, encouraging them to improve their educational offerings and student support services to attract more enrollments.

Summary

Bill A2135 mandates that post-secondary educational institutions in New Jersey must collect and report employment data for their graduates. This legislation aims to enhance transparency regarding graduate outcomes by requiring institutions to provide comprehensive reports that detail employment outcomes and earnings data from the New Jersey Statewide Data System. The institutions are also required to present various statistics such as graduation rates, transfer rates, and the costs associated with attendance, thus allowing prospective students and families to make informed decisions about their education options.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Bill A2135 is positioned to bridge the gap between education and employment outcomes. By regularly updating employment data accessible to the public, the bill seeks to empower students with information that can lead to better career prospects and informed choices regarding their education. Monitoring the implementation and its impact on institutions and students will be crucial in assessing the success of this legislation.

Contention

While the bill is primarily viewed as a positive step towards improving transparency in higher education, potential points of contention could arise around the accuracy and timeliness of the data reported. Institutions may face challenges in collecting and standardizing employment data due to various factors, including differing graduate experiences and job markets. Additionally, concerns may be raised regarding the potential implications for institutions that may not perform favorably based on the data, which could affect their reputation and funding.

Companion Bills

NJ S1519

Carry Over Requires institutions of higher education to collect and report employment data for certain graduates.

NJ A5925

Carry Over Requires institutions of higher education to collect and report employment data for certain graduates.

NJ S229

Same As Requires institutions of higher education to collect and report employment data for certain graduates.

Similar Bills

CA AB850

Institutional Debt Transparency Act.

NJ A2359

Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.

NJ S1480

Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.

NJ S1504

Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.

NJ A2133

Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.

CA AB2771

California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

TX HB5180

Relating to the issuance of a diploma to a student graduating from a public institution of higher education that has undergone a merger, acquisition, or name change.

CA AB1098

California Education Interagency Council.