This bill (A 2349) requires New Jersey's four-year public colleges to publish detailed, up-to-date information about online and graduate programs on their websites. Specifically, institutions must provide clear data on costs (including tuition, fees, and projected total expenses for different living arrangements), graduation rates broken down by demographics and major, faculty composition, financial aid offerings, and student debt levels - all separately for online students, on-campus students, and commuters. The law applies to all public universities (like Rutgers or NJIT) and takes effect for the 2024-2025 academic year. Students and families will use this information to compare institutions and make informed decisions about enrollment and financial planning.
The "Combat to College Act" (S 3436) grants priority course registration at New Jersey public colleges and universities to military service members (on active duty) and veterans who live in New Jersey and attend these institutions. It defines "veteran" as someone honorably discharged from active duty and requires institutions to offer this priority using the same procedures applied to other student groups with registration preferences. The policy takes effect immediately for the first full academic year after enactment. This change directly affects New Jersey-resident military students and veterans seeking to enroll in public higher education courses.
This bill requires all public colleges and universities in New Jersey to provide free menstrual products (tampons and sanitary napkins) in all campus buildings, including women’s restrooms, all-gender restrooms, and at least one men’s restroom in locations like lecture halls, residence halls, and libraries. Institutions must offer a variety of products - regular to super-plus, ultra-thin to overnight, and allergy-friendly options - and install dispensers or maintain existing ones that provide free access. The bill also mandates educational materials about toxic shock syndrome and proper disposal, with the state covering all costs through an $85,000 appropriation to the Office of Higher Education. Public institutions must submit reimbursement requests for expenses incurred.
S 3387 allows New Jersey National Guard members to transfer part of their tuition benefit to a spouse or dependent child. Currently, Guard members receive up to 16 tuition-free credits per semester at New Jersey public colleges. Under this bill, a spouse can receive the full benefit (100%, up to 16 credits), while a dependent child receives half (50%, up to 8 credits). To qualify, the spouse or child must be enrolled as a student and have applied for other available financial aid, and the member can only transfer the benefit to one person.
This bill allows New Jersey high school students aged 16 or older who are in grade 12, maintain good academic standing, and have principal approval to enroll in career-focused courses at county colleges, provided space is available. It removes the requirement for students to hold a State-endorsed diploma or have completed the GED to take these courses toward career certifications. County colleges must permit such enrollment but are not required to waive existing course prerequisites or application rules. The policy aims to expand access to early career training for eligible high school students.
This bill creates a new pathway for certain students to qualify for in-state tuition at New Jersey's four-year public colleges, bypassing the current requirement of attending NJ high school for three years. It directly affects students who earned an associate's degree from a county college in their home county (where they were treated as a county resident for tuition) but did not meet the standard high school attendance criteria. Key provisions require these students to provide proof of their associate's degree and, for those without lawful immigration status, file an affidavit confirming they've applied for or will apply for immigration status legalization. The bill does not change existing in-state tuition rules for students meeting the standard high school requirements. The legislation is currently pending in the Assembly Higher Education Committee and would take effect for the first full academic year after enactment.
This bill (A 1315) establishes standardized credit transfer policies between New Jersey's public colleges and universities. It requires all public institutions to create a statewide transfer agreement ensuring general education credits and associate degrees transfer seamlessly to four-year programs, and a reverse transfer agreement allowing students enrolled at four-year schools to earn associate degrees from community colleges for credits completed there. The bill creates a new "New Jersey Transfer Ombudsperson" within the Higher Education office to resolve disputes over credit transfers and monitor compliance. It directly affects public colleges, students transferring between institutions, and community colleges offering associate degrees. The bill is pending before the Assembly Higher Education Committee.
Bill A 2750 establishes New Jersey's Tuition Reimbursement Program for Special Education Teachers, directly affecting current or prospective special education teachers in New Jersey public schools. The program reimburses eligible tuition costs for approved master's programs or graduate coursework in special education (leading to NJ certification), up to 100% of expenses, in exchange for a four-year teaching commitment in a NJ public school after completing the program. To qualify, participants must be NJ residents, hold a valid teaching certificate, enroll in an approved program, and agree to teach special education for four years. Failure to complete the service term or meet performance standards (like maintaining certification or residency) requires full repayment of the reimbursement to the state.
This bill requires New Jersey public colleges to provide a replacement scholarship to student-athletes who lose their athletic scholarship due to an injury or illness directly related to intercollegiate athletics. If a student-athlete becomes medically ineligible for sports participation (as determined by the institution's medical staff), the school must offer a scholarship equal in value for the rest of their undergraduate degree program or up to five academic years - whichever is shorter. It specifically covers injuries deemed "incapacitating" under the bill's definition, ensuring financial support continues after athletic eligibility ends. The policy applies only to public institutions of higher education in New Jersey and takes effect immediately upon passage.
This bill requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to offer discounted fares on tickets or passes for specific groups: K-12 students commuting to school, full-time college/university students, participants in workforce training programs, individuals receiving Work First New Jersey benefits, and newly employed residents meeting strict criteria (e.g., starting at minimum wage, working 20+ hours/week, unemployed 30+ days prior). The discounts apply to all NJT services, including buses, trains, and light rail. It takes effect immediately upon enactment. The bill directly affects eligible students, trainees, low-income recipients, and new workers seeking affordable transit access.
