Education (Higher Education) in New Jersey

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 2047: Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to consider combined income of all cosigners on application for participation in New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students (NJCLASS) Loan Program.

This bill (S 2047) changes how the New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students (NJCLASS) Loan Program determines eligibility for student loans. It requires the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to consider the *combined income* of all cosigners (like parents or guardians) when evaluating a student’s application, rather than assessing each cosigner’s income individually. This directly affects students who rely on multiple cosigners to meet the program’s income requirement - preventing denial when individual cosigners fall short but their combined income meets the threshold. The key provision amends the program’s rules to explicitly mandate this combined income calculation for eligibility decisions. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✗ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2218: Requires Secretary of Higher Education to create and maintain database of Educational Opportunity Fund student admissions.

This bill requires New Jersey's Secretary of Higher Education to create and maintain a database tracking available student spots in Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) programs at participating colleges. Colleges must notify the Secretary's office within one business day when a spot is filled, so the database stays updated. Campus EOF directors must share information about available spots at other colleges with students who haven't secured a placement. The goal is to improve communication and placement opportunities for eligible students seeking EOF program enrollment.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education

passed · New Jersey · Senate Mar 23, 2026

S 2457: Permits excused absence for students participating in college visits, visits to postsecondary technical institutions, and military recruitment-related activities.

This bill allows high school students in grades 11-12 at New Jersey public schools to miss up to three days per school year for college visits, visits to technical institutions, or military recruitment activities without penalty. Students must provide documentation to their school, and these absences will not appear on transcripts, job applications, or affect perfect attendance records. Military recruitment-related activities include required testing, medical evaluations, interviews, and fingerprinting for enlistment. The law aims to support students exploring college or military career paths while maintaining attendance accountability.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1027: "Opportunity Scholarship Act"; establishes pilot program in Department of Treasury providing tax credits to taxpayers contributing to scholarships for low-income children.

The Opportunity Scholarship Act (S 1027) creates a pilot program allowing New Jersey taxpayers to receive state tax credits for donating to nonprofit scholarship organizations. These donations fund scholarships for low-income children (from households earning ≤2.5x the federal poverty level) attending "chronically failing" public schools - defined as schools where 40%+ of students scored below expectations in both math and language arts for two consecutive years. Scholarships cover tuition at eligible public or nonpublic schools (that accept scholarship students without discrimination and meet state standards), with amounts capped at the per-pupil expenditure of the failing school. The program is currently pending in the Senate Education Committee and will be assessed over a pilot period.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Government Spending Higher Education School Choice Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2032: Prohibits State Board of Education from limiting number of certain two-year college credits that may be applied towards meeting teacher certification requirements.

This bill prohibits the New Jersey State Board of Education from setting limits on how many semester-hour credits earned at regionally accredited two-year colleges in professional education can count toward teacher certification requirements. It directly affects prospective teachers seeking certification who attend two-year colleges, ensuring their credits are fully counted if accepted by a state-approved four-year college program. The key provision removes any restriction the Board might impose on these credits, requiring them to be accepted as part of certification without arbitrary caps. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education Teachers

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 603: Establishes program to provide guaranteed admission to public institutions of higher education for certain public school students.

This bill establishes a program offering conditional admission to New Jersey public colleges for eligible high school seniors. It directly affects public high school students in grade 12 who are New Jersey residents for at least one year, applying full-time for the first time to a degree program. Admission is based on academic merit, including GPA, course rigor (like AP/IB classes), test scores, and state assessments, with colleges required to offer admission within their capacity. The program requires annual reporting on participant demographics and impact, but does not guarantee admission to specific majors or programs.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2608: Requires public institution of higher education to provide academic credit for certain examinations.

This bill requires New Jersey's public colleges and universities to grant academic credit to students who earned a score of 3 or higher on Advanced Placement (AP) exams or 50 or higher on College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) assessments while in high school. It applies to students pursuing associate or bachelor's degrees and mandates that institutions post their credit policies online and report changes to the Higher Education Secretary 60 days in advance. Institutions may seek limited exemptions for specific courses if they provide data showing higher score thresholds are necessary for student success in advanced coursework. The law takes effect immediately for the first full academic year after enactment.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2020: Establishes New Jersey Grow Your Own Teacher Pilot Program.

This bill establishes a four-year pilot program to address teacher shortages and diversify school staff in New Jersey. It creates "Grow Your Own Partnerships" between school districts (prioritizing high-need SDA districts), charter schools, and colleges, which would recruit minority students who graduated from those schools. The program covers tuition, fees, and room/board for participating students at partner colleges, in exchange for a three-year teaching commitment in their home district upon graduation. The state would fund three selected partnerships annually, with the Department of Education overseeing implementation and reporting on progress. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Education Committee.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education Teachers

All education bills