The New Jersey Commission on Higher Education (CHE) is a state agency responsible for overseeing and coordinating higher education policy, planning, and funding within the state of New Jersey. Established in 1994 by the New Jersey Higher Education Act, the Commission serves as the primary statewide authority for public and private post‑secondary institutions, as well as for programs that provide financial assistance to students.
Mandate and Functions
- Policy Development: Formulates statewide higher‑education policies, strategic plans, and performance metrics to improve access, affordability, and quality.
- Funding Allocation: Administers state appropriations and tuition aid programs, including the New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward (STAR) program, to distribute financial resources to eligible institutions and students.
- Institutional Oversight: Reviews and approves degree‑granting authority, program approval, and licensure for colleges and universities operating in the state.
- Data and Research: Collects, analyzes, and disseminates data on enrollment, graduation rates, workforce alignment, and other metrics to inform policy decisions.
- Public‑Private Collaboration: Facilitates cooperation among public, private nonprofit, and for‑profit institutions to address statewide educational and economic goals.
Governance
The Commission is chaired by a Governor‑appointed commissioner, who serves at the pleasure of the Governor and is confirmed by the State Senate. The commissioner works with a small staff of professional administrators and policy analysts. The agency reports to the Governor’s Office and collaborates closely with the New Jersey Department of Higher Education, the State Board of Education, and the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
Key Programs
- STAR Tuition Aid: Provides need‑based scholarships to eligible New Jersey residents attending approved post‑secondary institutions.
- NJ Transfer Initiative: Supports articulation agreements and credit transfer pathways between community colleges and four‑year institutions.
- College Completion Initiatives: Develops strategies to increase graduation rates, particularly for under‑represented student populations.
Historical Context
Prior to its creation, higher‑education oversight in New Jersey was fragmented among various state departments and boards. The 1994 Higher Education Act consolidated oversight functions into a single commission to improve coordination, fiscal efficiency, and policy coherence across the state’s diverse higher‑education landscape.
Relationship to Other Agencies
While the Commission on Higher Education holds primary authority over higher‑education policy and funding, it works in partnership with:
- New Jersey Department of Higher Education: Implements many of the Commission’s programs and provides administrative support.
- New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA): Manages student loan and grant programs, operating under the Commission’s policy direction.
Contact and Offices
The Commission’s headquarters are located in Trenton, New Jersey. It maintains a public website that offers access to policy documents, funding applications, data dashboards, and contact information for stakeholder inquiries.
