Education (Student Financial Aid) in New Jersey

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

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2001: Establishes pilot program to provide guidance to students applying for federal financial aid.

This bill establishes a three-year pilot program in New Jersey to help 12th-grade students navigate the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Participating school districts must provide classroom instruction on FAFSA requirements, including documentation needs, key terms, eligibility, and deadlines, before students enter 12th grade. Districts must also share FAFSA information with parents/guardians via written or electronic means and provide paper copies upon request. The program will select four districts per region (southern, central, northern) and require a final report on feasibility for statewide implementation.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SR 47: Urges President Biden to cancel up to $50,000 per eligible borrower in federal student loan debts.

This Senate Resolution (SR 47) urges President Biden to use existing authority under the Higher Education Act to cancel up to $50,000 in federal student loan debt per eligible borrower. It directly addresses the 43 million Americans holding approximately $1.6 trillion in federal student debt, with the resolution citing the disproportionate burden on women, minorities, and low-income households. The resolution requests executive action to provide immediate financial relief and stimulate economic activity, though it does not create new law or mandate debt cancellation. As a non-binding resolution, it serves only as a formal request to the President.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

died · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1498: Establishes New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative Act.

This bill establishes the New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative, operated by the New Jersey Community College Consortium. It creates "Centers of Workforce Innovation" focused on high-demand fields like healthcare, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and manufacturing. These centers will develop publicly available job training curricula, provide skills for employment, promote financial aid access, and expand apprenticeships. The initiative directly affects students, workers, county colleges, employers, and educational institutions by connecting workforce development with regional economic needs. (Note: The bill was introduced in January 2026 but withdrawn the same day as it was already approved as P.L.2025, c.374.)

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Energy ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid Renewable Energy Workforce Development Cybersecurity

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2033: Requires Secretary of Higher Education to establish guidelines regarding best practices for student financial aid offers.

This bill requires New Jersey's Secretary of Higher Education to create guidelines ensuring colleges provide clear, standardized financial aid offers to students. The guidelines mandate that institutions disclose direct/indirect costs, total and net price of attendance, standardized terms for aid types, student rights to accept/decline offers, contact information for assistance, and ban the term "award" in offers. It directly affects all New Jersey colleges and universities (including proprietary institutions) that receive state funding, aiming to address transparency gaps identified in a 2022 GAO report where most schools failed to provide key cost information. The guidelines must align with federal requirements and existing state law on financial aid transparency.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

All education bills