This bill (A1578, "Opportunity Scholarship Act") creates a pilot program allowing New Jersey taxpayers to receive state tax credits for donating to nonprofit scholarship organizations. These organizations then provide scholarships to low-income children (household income ≤2.5x federal poverty level) attending chronically failing public schools, defined as schools with high percentages of students scoring below proficiency in state assessments for two consecutive years. Scholarships cover up to $6,000 annually for K-8 students or 40% of average per-pupil spending in targeted districts for grades 9-12, usable at eligible public or nonpublic schools meeting specific non-discrimination and academic standards. The program is administered through the Department of Treasury and requires schools to accept scholarship students on a space-available basis.
This bill establishes the Garden State Guarantee Program, providing last-dollar financial aid grants to cover the net cost of tuition and fees for eligible students in their third and fourth years at New Jersey's four-year public colleges. It directly affects students with family or personal annual adjusted gross income between $0 and $100,000 (with possible annual adjustments), requiring them to apply for all other federal, state, and institutional aid first. The program covers up to 18 credits per semester after other grants are applied, ensuring students pay only what remains after other financial aid is deducted. It codifies an existing program while expanding income-based eligibility for the third and fourth years of study.
This bill (A 3795) provides tuition-free enrollment in New Jersey public colleges for dependent children of veterans who died, are missing in action, or are totally disabled due to service-related injuries (as certified by the VA). It covers up to 60 credits for associate degrees and 120 credits for bachelor's degrees at public institutions. To qualify, students must be New Jersey residents, meet academic progress standards, apply for all other available financial aid (including federal VA benefits), and have classroom space available. The state will reimburse public colleges for waived tuition costs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
