NJ A1963

Secretary of Higher Education must conduct a study, in consultation with the Commissioner of Education, on New Jersey high school graduates leaving to attend out-of-state colleges and universities.

Study components include surveying high school seniors at public and nonpublic schools about their college choice reasons, and consulting with guidance counselors on outmigration factors.

Analysis must examine academic and socio-economic characteristics of students choosing in-state versus out-of-state institutions, and compare academic rankings between destination schools and New Jersey institutions.

Study must assess whether New Jersey's small geographic size and students' desire for independent living away from family contribute to outmigration.

Report with findings and recommendations for potential state actions to reverse student outflow must be submitted to the Governor and Legislature within one year of the act's effective date.