Education (Higher Education) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 184: Expands volunteer tuition credit program to volunteers and eligible dependents enrolled in four-year public institutions of higher education and increases maximum value of tuition credit.

This bill expands New Jersey's volunteer tuition credit program to include enrollment at four-year public colleges and universities, previously limited to county colleges and vocational schools. It directly affects active volunteer firefighters, first aid/rescue squad members, and their dependent children and spouses. Key changes include raising the annual tuition credit from $600 to $1,000 (with a total maximum of $4,000 over four years) and requiring a four-year service commitment in exchange for the credit. To maintain eligibility, participants must maintain a "C" grade average and provide proof of service to the municipality.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 813: Requires public institution of higher education post bias intimidation statistics; requires governing board to adopt bias intimidation policy.

S 813 requires New Jersey public colleges and universities to post bias intimidation statistics and related policy information on their websites. It mandates these institutions to adopt a formal policy prohibiting bias intimidation (defined as offenses targeting protected characteristics like race or religion), including disciplinary procedures and reporting mechanisms. The bill also requires first-year students to complete a course module covering bias intimidation prevention, statistics, and campus resources. These requirements apply to all public institutions seeking state student aid funds, aiming to increase transparency and prevention efforts on campus.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 828: Establishes the New Jersey School Counts County College Scholarship Program.

This bill establishes the New Jersey School Counts County College Scholarship Program, which provides up to $4,000 in scholarships to eligible high school graduates attending county colleges. To qualify, students must earn a "School Counts" certificate by meeting strict attendance (95%+), academic (C+ GPA), and graduation requirements during high school, including completing Algebra I. The scholarship covers tuition, books, and fees up to the full cost of attendance per year (capped at $2,000 annually), requires students to apply for other aid first, and is funded through state appropriations, college contributions, and private donations. It directly affects New Jersey high school graduates who meet the School Counts criteria and participating county colleges.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Curriculum Higher Education Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SR 37: Urges Congress and President to enact "College Cost Transparency and Student Protection Act."

This is a Senate resolution (SR 37), not a bill with policy provisions. It urges Congress and the President to pass the federal "College Cost Transparency and Student Protection Act" (H.R. 9429), which would standardize how colleges report financial aid offers. The resolution cites a GAO report finding that most schools fail to clearly show net costs, total expenses, or itemized fees in aid offers. New Jersey supports this federal action as it aligns with the state's own "shopping sheet" law requiring clearer cost transparency for students.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2016: Requires public institutions of higher education to adopt test-optional admissions policy.

S 2016 requires New Jersey's public colleges and universities to adopt a test-optional admissions policy for undergraduate programs, meaning students can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Public institutions may still require tests for applicants to honors/specialized programs, those with equivalent high school instruction elsewhere, or for scholarship applications that specifically demand test scores. The bill does not prevent schools from considering voluntary test submissions and encourages private colleges to adopt similar policies. This directly affects public higher education institutions in New Jersey and their prospective undergraduate students.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education Testing & Assessment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 3064: Establishes "Minority-Serving State College and University Stabilization Program" in Office of Secretary of Higher Education; appropriates $20 million.

This bill establishes a $20 million grant program to support New Jersey's minority-serving public colleges and universities (defined as institutions where at least 50% of undergrads are racial/ethnic minorities). Eligible schools must submit detailed stabilization plans addressing at least a 10% decline in full-time undergraduate enrollment and faculty/staff reductions over two years. Grants require institutions to outline strategies for improving enrollment, restoring staff, enhancing instruction, and securing faculty/staff support letters. Funds must be spent per approved plans, with reporting requirements to the Higher Education Secretary, and unspent funds will be redistributed per student.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SR 21: Encourages institutions of higher education to address lack of representation of Hispanic and Latino leadership in higher education.

This resolution (SR 21) encourages New Jersey and U.S. higher education institutions to address the underrepresentation of Hispanic and Latino leaders in college presidency roles. It specifically urges schools to establish leadership development programs, diversify governing boards and search committees, and partner with organizations supporting Hispanic and Latino leaders. The bill highlights that while Hispanic and Latino students make up 20% of U.S. undergraduates (25% in New Jersey), only 6% of college presidents nationally identify as Hispanic or Latino. As a non-binding resolution, it does not impose legal requirements but aims to promote inclusive leadership that better reflects student demographics and supports student well-being.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 833: Requires degree-seeking students enrolled in public institutions of higher education to receive instruction on American government and civic engagement.

S 833 requires all degree-seeking students at New Jersey's public colleges and universities to complete a course on American government and civic engagement before graduating, starting with the 2024-2025 academic year. This applies directly to students enrolled in institutions like Rutgers or the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. The bill mandates that each public institution's governing board establish this course requirement as a graduation condition. The stated purpose is to ensure students gain foundational knowledge about U.S. democracy and civic participation to make informed decisions.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1831: Establishes Statewide youth apprenticeship program; appropriates $25 million annually.

New Jersey's S 1831 establishes a statewide youth apprenticeship program for students aged 16-21, directly affecting high school students (particularly 11th and 12th graders), employers, and low-income apprentices. The bill creates career-connected high school pathways, combines paid on-the-job training with community college dual enrollment, and prioritizes high-demand sectors like healthcare, IT, manufacturing, and green jobs. It appropriates $25 million annually starting in FY2026 to fund the program, including tax credits of up to $5,000 per apprentice for employers who pay at least 60% of journeyperson wages and meet diversity and reporting requirements. The program requires annual reporting on participation demographics, completion rates, and state savings from reduced reliance on student aid, while prohibiting duplication of existing apprenticeship programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Higher Education K-12 Education Apprenticeships Child Labor Workforce Development

All education bills