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 findings from this study are anticipated to provide critical insights into the demographics and motivators of students who opt for colleges beyond state borders. It encompasses various dimensions, such as the academic characteristics of students who favor in-state versus out-of-state institutions, their socio-economic backgrounds, and a comparative analysis of the academic quality of the institutions involved. The implications of this research could lead to strategic recommendations aimed at enhancing the appeal of New Jersey colleges and universities, thereby retaining more graduates.
Summary
Senate Bill 1998 (S1998) seeks to address the phenomenon of New Jersey's high school graduates choosing to attend out-of-state colleges. The bill mandates the Secretary of Higher Education, in collaboration with the Commissioner of Education, to conduct a comprehensive study aimed at understanding both the extent and causes of this outmigration. This study will gather data through various methods, including surveys of high school seniors and consultations with guidance counselors, to ascertain the factors influencing students' decisions to pursue their higher education outside of New Jersey.
Contention
While the bill aims to better understand student migration trends, it may also attract debate regarding the underlying reasons for this outmigration. Factors could include perceptions about the quality of education, cost of attendance, or the desire for independence that lead students to seek educational experiences outside their home state. These discussions involve educators, policymakers, and community stakeholders alike, especially as they assess potential strategies to improve local higher education systems and their competitiveness in attracting students.
Carry Over
Directs Secretary of Higher Education to conduct study to determine extent and cause of outmigration of high school graduates to out-of-State colleges.
Carry Over
Directs Secretary of Higher Education to conduct study to determine extent and cause of outmigration of high school graduates to out-of-State colleges.
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.
Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.
Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.
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.
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.
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.