This bill amends the New Jersey College Student and Parent Consumer Information Act to enhance the transparency of information provided by four-year public institutions of higher education. It mandates that these institutions publish comprehensive data on their websites regarding the cost of attendance, graduation rates, and faculty composition, specifically including details for students enrolled exclusively in online education courses and those in graduate degree programs. The bill requires that this information be calculated separately for students who live on campus, commute, and those enrolled in online courses, ensuring that prospective students and their families have a clear understanding of the financial and academic landscape.

Additionally, the bill updates the reporting structure by replacing references to the "Commission on Higher Education" with the "Secretary of Higher Education," who will oversee the guidelines for collecting and reporting this information. Institutions must submit their consumer information reports to the Secretary for inclusion in a comparative profile, which will be made available on the Secretary's website. This initiative aims to facilitate easier comparisons of student consumer information across institutions, thereby empowering students and families to make informed decisions regarding their education. The changes will take effect immediately and will first apply to the 2024-2025 academic year.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:3B-44, 18A:3B-45