S 3582 would establish a scholarship program for family members and legal guardians of New Jersey military personnel who died while on active duty. The program, initially funded by a $100,000 state appropriation, would provide undergraduate scholarships at New Jersey colleges and universities, with awards capped at the average tuition cost for four-year public institutions. The bill also creates two new funding sources: voluntary taxpayer contributions through state income tax returns and a $2 annual fee on personalized license plates.
This bill creates the Grow NJ Kids Student Loan Voucher Program, which provides monthly vouchers to New Jersey residents with student loans. Eligible participants must have a child enrolled in a Grow NJ Kids-rated child care program (minimum 3-star rating), meet income limits ($75,000 individual / $150,000 household), and apply through the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. The voucher amount equals the borrower's monthly student loan payment, funded by state appropriations. The program requires child care providers to publicize the program and participants to report enrollment changes.
This New Jersey bill creates a refundable tax credit of up to $5,000 per year for residents who owe at least $5,000 in student loans from a qualifying institution of higher education. To qualify, taxpayers must have accumulated $20,000 in student debt for education expenses and submit proof of loan payments with their tax return. The credit must be used to repay student loans within two years of receiving it, with priority given to low-income residents and New Jersey graduates. Annual funding is capped at $10 million to cover refunds when the credit reduces tax liability to zero.
This bill requires New Jersey's tuition aid grants to be equal for students at public and private four-year colleges based on financial need. Currently, students at private institutions receive higher grant amounts than those at public universities for similar need. The bill mandates equal award values but caps grants at the actual tuition cost of public institutions. It affects approximately 65,000-70,000 annual recipients of the state's largest need-based aid program.
This bill provides an additional $4.8 million in state funding to Jefferson Township Public Schools for operational costs. The supplemental appropriation directly supports the school district by closing a current budget shortfall in its day-to-day expenses. The funds will be added to New Jersey's education budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year under the Department of Education's operational aid category. This targeted financial aid helps the district cover essential costs like staffing and utilities without requiring local tax increases.
This bill allows cosigners on New Jersey's NJCLASS student loans to make voluntary payments beyond what the borrower pays, with those payments qualifying for a tax deduction. Cosigners earning $80,000 or less can deduct the full amount paid, while those earning more can deduct 50%. It also expands tax deductions for borrowers: those earning $80,000 or less can deduct all interest paid on NJCLASS loans, and higher earners can deduct 50% of interest. The policy directly affects NJCLASS borrowers and their cosigners by providing tax relief on loan payments and interest. It applies specifically to the New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students (NJCLASS) Program.
This bill allows New Jersey students receiving tuition aid grants (TAG) or opportunity grants (EOF) to use part of their annual award for summer courses that count toward graduation or their major. Students must notify the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (TAG) or the Secretary of Higher Education (EOF) before the academic year starts, and their regular academic year payments will be reduced proportionally. Institutions must annually report how many students used summer grants and their graduation rates within standard timeframes. The policy directly affects students in the state's grant programs and requires transparency in grant usage and outcomes, without counting summer use toward eligibility limits.
This bill requires New Jersey's Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to grant a 12-week payment pause on NJCLASS student loans for eligible borrowers who become parents. To qualify, borrowers must submit proof of a child's birth or adoption within 120 days, with the deferment starting once proof is received and ending 12 weeks later. During this period, no interest accrues on the loan, directly affecting new parent borrowers enrolled in the NJCLASS program. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
This New Jersey bill requires public service employers (like schools, local governments, and public libraries) to certify employees' eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. It specifically mandates that educators receive credit for 3.35 hours worked per hour of classroom time when calculating full-time status for loan forgiveness purposes. The bill also directs the state’s Secretary of Higher Education to create and distribute plain-language materials explaining the program to all public service employees annually. These materials include standardized letters, fact sheets, and FAQs to help employees navigate the federal program. The law directly affects public sector workers with federal student loans seeking forgiveness after 10 years of qualifying service.
This bill expands New Jersey's Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) program to include part-time undergraduate students at public and private colleges in the state, who are currently excluded. It amends statutes to allow part-time students to receive grants reduced proportionally (e.g., half the full-time amount) and counts their enrollment toward eligibility limits as half a full-time year. Funding for part-time grants must be separately appropriated, requiring dedicated budget line items. The change directly affects part-time students seeking financial aid for degree programs, aligning their eligibility with full-time peers under the state's existing financial aid framework.
