New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S1458

Introduced
1/13/26  

Caption

Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.

Impact

If implemented, S1458 would amend the existing New Jersey College Student and Parent Consumer Information Act, which mandates public disclosure of certain educational metrics. The bill extends these requirements to include data specifically for online education students and graduate programs, thereby addressing a growing demographic within the higher education landscape. By mandating the public availability of such information, the bill seeks to empower students to make informed decisions that best fit their educational needs and financial circumstances.

Summary

Bill S1458 is a legislative proposal introduced in the New Jersey Senate aimed at enhancing transparency in the higher education system. Specifically, the bill requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide comprehensive information about online degree programs and graduate degrees on their official websites. This includes essential details about the cost of attendance, graduation rates, and faculty composition, aimed at improving awareness among prospective students and their families regarding the educational offerings and financial commitments involved in obtaining a degree.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise concerning the logistics of accurately collecting and publishing this data. Institutions may need to ensure that their reporting frameworks are aligned with the new requirements, potentially incurring administrative costs. Furthermore, there may be debates regarding the sufficiency and accuracy of the data collected, particularly in light of the variations in online education offered across different institutions. Concerns about how this data might be perceived or used by prospective students could also be a focus of discussion among stakeholders in the educational sector.

Companion Bills

NJ A2133

Carry Over Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.

NJ S3083

Carry Over Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.

NJ A2349

Same As Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.

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.

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 AB2771

California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

CA SB372

California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009: exemptions.