I don’t think it is a coincidence that Rutgers is dropping the mandates; NJ colleges are getting crushed by out-of-state competition (due to much lower tuitions in much nicer environments) and many are struggling with enrollment. Out-of-state colleges advertise heavily here in NJ, and the state leaders understand that when young people leave here to go to school elsewhere, they often don’t return (most pastures ARE greener for young skilled workers).
This is also why neighboring NY is removing college degree requirements for many jobs; too many people who earn a degree won’t remain in the state for the slim opportunities available. NY even offers free tuition in the state system, and still has to remove the degree requirements! The brain drain here in the northeast is palpable, and the imported Mexicans/Venezuelans/Congolese/etc. are no substitute for a skilled workforce. The market can only absorb so many Uber drivers and prostitutes...
Well-reasoned and well said.
Now I remember how the joke goes:
Q: What is the state college of New Jersey?
A: University of Maryland.
I remember seeing a great many NJ license plates when I lived in the area.