Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Laurie M. Harrington, Executive Director, lharrington@ejb.rutgers.edu / 848-932-1694
For more information: https://njsds.nj.gov
New Law Enhances Student Access to Graduate Employment and Earnings Outcomes
Legislation Leverages the New Jersey Statewide Data System to Promote Transparency and Evidence-Based Decision-Making
New Brunswick, New Jersey — July 1, 2026 — The John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, applauds the enactment of P.L.2026, c.15 that expands access to graduate employment and earnings outcomes for prospective college students and their families. The legislation requires New Jersey institutions of higher education to provide students with employment outcomes information using data from the New Jersey Statewide Data System (NJSDS), giving students and families objective, evidence-based information to help inform college and career decisions.
The new law builds upon New Jersey’s longstanding commitment to transparency, accountability, and evidence-based policymaking. By leveraging the New Jersey Statewide Data System, students will have greater access to trusted information about employment and earnings outcomes associated with postsecondary education, helping them better understand the value of different educational pathways. The law also facilitates greater transparency for institutions of higher education to make informed decisions regarding their curriculum and program offerings based on student outcomes.
“We are grateful to the Legislature, the Governor, and our partners across state government for their longstanding commitment to advancing evidence-based policymaking,” said Carl Van Horn, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University and Director of the Heldrich Center. “For many years, the Heldrich Center and our state agency partners have worked to build the data infrastructure needed to provide meaningful, objective information about educational and workforce outcomes. This legislation represents a momentous step forward in that shared vision, ensuring that New Jersey students have access to trusted information that will help them make informed decisions about their education and careers while strengthening transparency and accountability across higher education.”
“This legislation demonstrates how integrated state data can directly benefit New Jersey residents,” said Stephanie Walsh, Ph.D., Director of the New Jersey Statewide Data System and Assistant Director at the Heldrich Center. “By making graduate employment and earnings information more accessible, we are equipping students with meaningful insights to compare educational opportunities, understand potential workforce outcomes, and make more informed investments in their futures.”
The Heldrich Center looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, the New Jersey Department of Education, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and institutions of higher education to ensure that high-quality, trusted data continue to inform student success and strengthen New Jersey’s education and workforce systems.