This bill requires New Jersey's Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) to stop interest from accruing on NJCLASS loans for borrowers approved for deferment or forbearance due to temporary disability, unemployment, or financial hardship between March 9 and September 9, 2020. It directly affects New Jersey college students with NJCLASS loans who qualify for these hardship-related repayment options during that specific period. The key provision mandates HESAA to suspend interest accumulation during approved deferment or forbearance periods - unlike standard practice where interest continues to accrue. This change provides immediate financial relief by preventing additional interest charges during the designated timeframe. The bill took effect immediately upon enactment.
This bill requires all New Jersey high school students to complete a one-semester financial literacy course as part of their curriculum. The course must cover budgeting, savings, credit, debt, taxes, college financial planning, and other personal finance topics, while excluding primarily business or economic instruction. Teachers must hold specific endorsements (e.g., in Finance, Social Studies, or Business) to teach the course, and school districts must integrate it into graduation requirements for state-endorsed diplomas. The requirement applies to students entering 12th grade in the 2027-2028 school year.
This bill requires New Jersey public and independent colleges to provide academic accommodations for students serving in the National Guard, Reserves, or active duty military. It gives students who miss classes due to military obligations (like deployments or drills) options to receive a pass/fail grade, incomplete, or withdrawal - plus refunds for tuition and fees if they withdraw. Institutions must notify students of these rights, create written contracts with professors to address missed coursework, and provide accommodations like lecture notes or tutoring. Additionally, schools must accept up to 30 college credits for undergraduate military experience (and 12 for graduate programs) based on American Council on Education evaluations. The law directly affects student veterans and military-affiliated learners enrolled in New Jersey higher education.
This resolution encourages colleges and universities to address the underrepresentation of Hispanic and Latino leaders in higher education leadership roles. It specifically urges institutions to establish leadership development programs, diversify hiring committees and governing boards, and partner with organizations supporting Hispanic and Latino leaders. The bill highlights that while Hispanic and Latino students make up about 20% of U.S. undergraduates (25% in New Jersey), only 6% of college presidents nationally identify as Hispanic or Latino, with just one in New Jersey. The resolution is non-binding and aims to promote inclusive leadership through actionable steps, not legislative mandates.
This New Jersey bill (A 3556) would allow employees to deduct from their gross income up to $5,250 annually in employer-paid educational assistance (like tuition, fees, or textbooks) and up to $5,250 in employer-paid student loan payments (principal or interest). It directly affects New Jersey employees who receive these benefits from their employers, matching the federal tax exclusion limit under Section 127 of the IRS code. The deduction applies to qualified higher education expenses (as defined by federal law) and student loans used for such expenses, excluding non-educational costs like hobbies. The bill is pending before the Assembly Higher Education Committee and would apply to taxable years starting after enactment.
This bill (A2216) requires New Jersey's Department of Agriculture, Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, and Department of Human Services to review and update income eligibility limits for specific public assistance, school nutrition, and student financial aid programs. It mandates that if agencies have the authority and funding, they must increase income thresholds by the total percentage rise in the state minimum wage since 2019 (from $8.85 to $15.13) plus a cost-of-living adjustment based on Social Security benefits. The change directly affects low-income residents qualifying for programs like the National School Lunch Program, Community College Opportunity Grants, and public assistance benefits. The bill ensures these eligibility limits better reflect rising costs of living and minimum wage increases, without creating new programs or altering existing funding structures.
This bill prohibits New Jersey colleges and universities from paying online program management companies (like third-party firms managing their online courses) incentive-based compensation (such as commissions or bonuses tied to student enrollment or financial aid) except for recruiting international students. It requires all new or amended contracts with these companies to be submitted to the state higher education office within 20 days and approved by the institution's governing board, banning provisions like tuition-based payments, involvement in curriculum design, or use of the school's branding. Institutions must also submit annual reports detailing how these companies spent funds across specific categories, including instruction, student support, and technology. The law applies to both public colleges and licensed for-profit schools offering degree programs.
AR 37 is a non-binding resolution urging all New Jersey institutions of higher education to protect freedom of expression and open debate on campus. It directly addresses colleges and universities, encouraging them to foster environments where students, faculty, and speakers can engage in robust dialogue without fear of censorship or punishment. The resolution recommends that institutions prioritize open debate to support students' educational development and preparation for democratic citizenship, referencing concerns about self-censorship and campus speech restrictions. It does not create new legal requirements but directs copies to the Governor, Higher Education Secretary, and campus governing boards for consideration.
This bill expands New Jersey's Tuition Aid Grant Program to cover eligible workforce training programs, directly affecting students seeking non-degree credentials in high-demand fields. To qualify, programs must require 150+ classroom hours, offer industry-valued credentials, and maintain 70%+ completion and job placement rates. The Higher Education Student Assistance Authority will designate eligible programs and set participation rules, while institutions must report program success metrics. This change allows workforce training participants to access state aid previously limited to degree-granting programs.
This bill caps annual tuition increases for resident undergraduate students at New Jersey's public colleges and universities at no more than 2% above the previous year's rate. It directly affects public higher education institutions and in-state undergraduate students by limiting how much tuition can rise each academic year. The key provision prohibits any institution from raising resident undergraduate tuition rates beyond this 2% threshold, regardless of existing laws or regulations. The law takes effect immediately for the first full academic year after enactment, applying to all public institutions of higher education in the state.
