Higher education in the U.S. is at a critical juncture, as institutions continue to face heightened scrutiny at the state and federal levels and shifting policy environments. While New Jersey ranks tenth in the nation among the top-performing states in higher education attainment, there remains room for improvement, as only 5 out of 21 counties in the state have achieved a 60% postsecondary degree attainment among their residents.
As the Garden State considers the future direction of higher education in the state, it would be beneficial for policymakers to examine the practices of peer states and New Jersey’s own current data trends to facilitate the continued development that best serves all residents.