Education (Student Financial Aid) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1458: Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.

This bill requires New Jersey's four-year public colleges to post detailed, publicly accessible information about online and graduate degree programs on their websites. It mandates specific data including costs (tuition, fees, housing, books), graduation rates broken down by demographics and major, student loan debt statistics disaggregated by race, income, and other factors, faculty composition, and online course offerings. The information must be updated annually and linked from application pages, with separate reporting for on-campus, commuting, and online students. This directly affects students researching degree options and families making enrollment decisions, providing transparency about program costs and outcomes.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SR 20: Urges Governor to take steps for State participation in federal tax credit scholarship program.

This non-binding Senate Resolution (SR 20) urges New Jersey's Governor to adopt the federal tax credit scholarship program created by the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (Pub.L.119-21). If adopted, the program would allow New Jersey taxpayers to claim a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 annually for donations to state-recognized scholarship organizations, which would then provide scholarships covering elementary/secondary education costs like tuition, books, and transportation. The resolution directly affects New Jersey families seeking educational options, as state participation would determine whether residents can access these tax benefits and scholarship funds starting January 2027. States have sole discretion to opt into the program, and this resolution formally requests the Governor take necessary steps to join it.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Higher Education School Choice Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 779: Requires students to complete free application for federal student aid as part of high school graduation requirements or request an exemption.

New Jersey's S 779 requires high school students in grade 11 and above to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as part of their graduation requirements, starting in the first full school year after the bill takes effect. Students may request an exemption by submitting a signed form from a parent/guardian or, if 18+, by their own request. The bill also mandates that the state education commissioner provide schools and families clear resources with step-by-step instructions for completing the FAFSA. This policy directly affects New Jersey public high school students and aims to increase access to federal financial aid by integrating FAFSA completion into graduation pathways.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SJR 45: Urges President and Congress of United States to enact student loan forgiveness program for teachers in military-impacted communities.

This New Jersey joint resolution urges the U.S. President and Congress to enact a federal student loan forgiveness program for teachers working in schools serving military-impacted communities. It specifically requests that teachers employed for five consecutive years in such schools receive up to $17,500 in federal student loan cancellation. A military-impacted community is defined as one where at least 20% of students have a parent on active duty. The resolution aims to help recruit and retain teachers who support military-connected students facing school transitions due to parental relocations.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1848: Establishes Volunteer First Responders Loan Redemption Program in Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.

This bill creates a program through New Jersey's Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to help volunteer emergency responders reduce their student loan debt. To qualify, individuals must be New Jersey residents who completed an in-state undergraduate degree or certificate after the bill's effective date, serve as a volunteer firefighter, first aid/rescue squad member, or emergency management volunteer (meeting specific hour or response rate requirements), and provide documentation of active service. The program provides up to $6,000 in total loan relief, disbursed as $2,000 per year for the second, third, and fourth years of active service, with no relief in the first year. Participants must maintain active service and submit proof of participation to receive payments.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2605: Establishes New Jersey Student Teacher Scholarship.

S 2605 proposes creating the New Jersey Student Teacher Scholarship Program to reduce financial barriers for aspiring teachers. It would provide eligible students up to $7,200 per semester (max two semesters) to cover costs during required clinical practice in approved teacher preparation programs. To qualify, students must be New Jersey residents enrolled full-time in an approved program, completing steps to access clinical practice, with potential focus on high-demand subjects like math or special education. The program, administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, requires students to maintain academic standing and terminates scholarships for dismissal or withdrawal due to illness/family emergencies without requiring repayment. The bill also mandates annual data collection on program participants.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Special Education Student Financial Aid Teachers

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1460: Requires public service employer to certify employment of qualifying employees under federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program; requires Secretary of Higher Education to develop materials to promote Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

This New Jersey bill requires public service employers (such as state/local governments, schools, libraries, and non-profits) to certify qualifying employees' employment for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. It mandates employers to complete necessary forms for employees, including a specific adjustment for educators (3.35 hours worked per lecture hour), and to provide annual materials about the program. The Secretary of Higher Education must develop and distribute clear resources - like fact sheets and FAQs - to help employees understand and access the federal loan forgiveness program. These requirements apply to all public service employers and directly affect employees seeking to reduce student loan debt through the federal program.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 511: Allows a gross income tax deduction for certain higher education tuition and fee expenses.

S 511 allows New Jersey taxpayers with gross income of $85,000 or less to deduct qualified higher education tuition and fee expenses paid during the tax year. The deduction covers costs for the taxpayer, their spouse, or dependents enrolled as matriculated students at accredited public or private colleges or universities. It applies to expenses paid for accredited institutions recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. This policy change directly affects low-to-moderate income families with students in higher education.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Income Tax Higher Education Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1297: Establishes scholarship program for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in field of fusion science.

This bill creates a New Jersey scholarship program for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers studying plasma physics or fusion energy science at state institutions. It authorizes $125,000 annually to award ten $12,500 scholarships, requiring recipients to secure matching funds from their institution and maintain academic standing. Applicants must provide proof of institutional commitment and a statement detailing their dedication to fusion science. The program aims to support education and career development in advancing fusion as a future energy source. The bill is pending in the Senate Higher Education Committee.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 827: Establishes New Jersey Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship.

S 827 creates the New Jersey Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship to support students at county colleges and vocational schools. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and required course materials up to $5,000 annually after other aid is applied, for up to three years in degree programs or two years for certificates/diplomas. It targets students pursuing credentials in high-demand fields like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and education, requiring NJ residency, enrollment in approved programs aligned with state labor needs, and either employment or completion of a financial literacy course. Priority is given to high-need fields, with 5% of funds reserved for dual-enrollment students. The program mandates annual reporting on scholarship usage and job placement outcomes.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Higher Education Student Financial Aid

All education bills