NJ A1102

Secretary of Higher Education must develop separate performance-based funding plans for county colleges and four-year public institutions, with an optional separate plan for public research institutions.

County college performance measures 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 measures 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 fiscal year 2019, reaching 25% by fiscal year 2023 and beyond, with a 2% stop-loss protection limiting funding reductions in the first year.

Office of the Secretary of Higher Education must post annual performance results, evaluation criteria, and funding amounts on its website by September 1 and submit annual assessment reports to the Governor and Legislature.