Requires high school students to complete financial aid applications.*

New Jersey's Bill A1181 requires public high school and charter school students (starting with the 2023-2024 grade 11 class) to complete and submit a financial aid application as a graduation prerequisite, unless they qualify for a waiver. Students or their parents/guardians may request exemption via a signed waiver form, or school counselors may authorize exemptions for under-18 students when parental consent cannot be obtained. Schools must provide resources (like webinars and guides) to help students and families complete the application, and must annually notify families of this requirement. The bill ensures no student faces academic penalties for using an approved exemption.