Education (Student Financial Aid) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2675: Establishes Volunteer Emergency Responder Loan Redemption Program in Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.

This bill creates a program to help New Jersey volunteer emergency responders (like fire department members and first aid squad volunteers) reduce student loan debt. To qualify, applicants must be state residents, have completed an in-state undergraduate degree or certificate, and provide proof of active volunteer status. The program redeems up to $16,000 of eligible student loans over three years of continued service: $4,000 in year one, $4,000 in year two, and $8,000 in year three (capped at specified percentages of the original loan balance). Participants must maintain active volunteer status each year to receive payments.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3750: Establishes New Jersey County College Remissible Student Loan Program; appropriates $1 million.

This bill establishes a New Jersey County College Remissible Student Loan Program to help students cover tuition, fees, and textbooks not covered by other aid. It directly affects eligible New Jersey residents enrolled part-time at county colleges who have applied for all other available grants and scholarships. The key provision allows borrowers to receive loans that are fully forgiven if they earn an associate degree within three years, with $1 million appropriated to fund the program. Loans cannot exceed tuition/fees costs, and repayment is deferred until after degree completion, though interest accrues.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 2, 2026

S 3300: Provides that former law enforcement officers who retired due to disability are eligible to receive tuition assistance to attend public institution of higher education or proprietary institution licensed to confer academic degrees.

This bill provides tuition assistance to New Jersey law enforcement officers who retired due to disability after serving at least four years. Eligible retired officers can attend public colleges (like Rutgers) or licensed private degree programs tuition-free for up to 16 credits per semester, covering costs not covered by federal or state grants they’ve applied for. To qualify, officers must have retired in good standing under specific disability retirement statutes and be enrolled as undergraduate or graduate students. The state will reimburse institutions for uncovered tuition costs after other aid is exhausted. The bill models existing tuition benefits for National Guard members.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3669: Requires institutions of higher education to distribute information on availability of allowance for dependent care expenses in determination of cost of attendance.

This New Jersey bill (A 3669) requires colleges and universities to provide clear information about the dependent care allowance to students with dependents. Specifically, institutions must include details on how to request this federal allowance - covering expenses for caring for dependents - on financial aid "shopping sheets," their websites, and paper application materials. The allowance increases a student’s calculated cost of attendance, potentially making them eligible for more financial aid. The bill directly affects student parents and institutions of higher education in New Jersey, aiming to improve transparency around this benefit.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 5, 2026

S 3361: Applies provisions of "New Jersey College Student and Parent Consumer Information Act" to proprietary schools and limits eligibility for State student assistance programs to students enrolled in certain proprietary schools.

This bill requires proprietary schools (private, for-profit institutions) to provide the same detailed consumer information to students as traditional colleges under New Jersey's existing "College Student and Parent Consumer Information Act." Schools must post on their websites annual reports including graduation rates by demographic and major, full cost of attendance, faculty composition, and student loan debt data - disaggregated by factors like race, income, and first-generation status. It also restricts eligibility for state student financial aid programs to students enrolled in specific proprietary schools meeting certain criteria. The bill directly affects proprietary schools by mandating transparency and state aid recipients by limiting program access.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1782: Modifies Community College Opportunity Grant Program to permit adult students enrolled in postsecondary career and technical education programs to receive financial assistance.

This bill expands New Jersey's Community College Opportunity Grant Program to include adult students enrolled in career and technical education programs at county vocational schools. It directly affects adult learners seeking licenses or certifications through programs like nursing or culinary training, allowing them to receive financial aid covering tuition and approved fees not covered by other grants. Key provisions define "adult student" and amend eligibility to include these programs (requiring at least four months of enrollment), while maintaining income limits ($0-$65,000) and requiring students to apply for other aid first. The program remains administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, targeting career-focused education without changing existing grant structures.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Higher Education Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 5, 2026

S 3358: Phases out State tuition aid grants for students enrolled in proprietary institutions of higher education; redirects State tuition aid grant funding for students enrolled in proprietary institutions to summer tuition aid grant program.

This bill phases out New Jersey's State tuition aid grants for students attending for-profit colleges starting with the 2026-2027 academic year. Current students enrolled at these institutions who received aid before that year will continue to receive it until their eligibility ends, but new students at for-profit colleges will no longer qualify. The redirected funds will instead support the state's summer tuition aid program, which helps students cover costs during summer sessions at public colleges, community colleges, and other eligible institutions. The change takes effect immediately for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1329: Establishes New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative Act.

New Jersey Bill A-1329 establishes the "New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative" to connect students, workers, and job seekers with training for high-demand careers. It creates Centers of Workforce Innovation at community colleges focused on 11 key fields like healthcare, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and manufacturing. These centers will develop public curricula, provide job-specific skills training, promote financial aid (including Community College Opportunity Grants), and expand apprenticeships. The bill was introduced in 2026 but withdrawn after being approved as P.L.2025, c.374.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid Workforce Development Cybersecurity

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 638: Requires public institutions of higher education to waive tuition and fees for Medal of Honor and Purple Heart Medal military recipients.

This New Jersey bill requires public colleges and universities to cover tuition and fees for residents who are Medal of Honor or Purple Heart recipients. It applies to undergraduate students enrolled full-time at good standing, provided they have applied for all available state and federal financial aid. Recipients may take up to 16 credits per semester tuition-free for a maximum of eight semesters (four years). The policy takes effect in the first full academic year after enactment, with eligibility verified by each institution's governing board.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid Veteran Education

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1640: Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to issue vouchers in amount of monthly loan repayment amount for loan borrowers who have child enrolled in Grow NJ Kids-rated child care program.

This bill (A1640) creates a Grow NJ Kids Student Loan Voucher Program through New Jersey's Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. It provides eligible parents with monthly vouchers covering their student loan payments if they have a child enrolled in a Grow NJ Kids-rated child care program (minimum 3-star rating). To qualify, applicants must be New Jersey residents with household income under $150,000 annually, provide proof of their child's enrollment, and apply through the Authority. The state will fund these vouchers through appropriations, and participating child care providers must publicize the program.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Sub-Topics School Choice Student Financial Aid

All education bills