NJ A440

Secretary of Higher Education must develop performance-based funding plans for county colleges and four-year public institutions to increase accountability, efficiency, and improve student outcomes

County college metrics include students earning 15 and 30 credit hours, progression from remedial to college-level courses, associate degree/certificate completion, and transfers to four-year institutions

Four-year institution metrics include graduation rates, retention, transfers, degree completion, job placement rates, STEM degrees awarded, and reducing achievement gaps for low-income, minority, and transfer students

State operating aid tied to performance increases gradually: 5% in FY2019, 10% in FY2020, 15% in FY2021, 20% in FY2022, and 25% in FY2023 and beyond, with a 2% maximum reduction cap in the first implementation year

Office of the Secretary of Higher Education must publish annual performance results, evaluation criteria, and funding amounts on its website by September 1 each year