This bill creates a program to help New Jersey agriculture teachers repay student loans. Eligible teachers who work full-time in approved agricultural science programs for five years can have up to $50,000 in student loan debt redeemed by the state ($10,000 per year). To qualify, teachers must be New Jersey residents, hold a teaching certification in agriculture, have completed an approved degree, and not be in student loan default. The program limits participation to ten teachers annually and requires a written service contract. The Higher Education Student Assistance Authority will manage the program and report annually on its impact.
This bill establishes a loan redemption program for New Jersey public school teachers who teach bilingual education or English as a second language (ESL) programs. To qualify, teachers must work full-time for four consecutive years in a school where at least 10% of students are enrolled in such programs, and they must be New Jersey residents. The program, administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, will redeem up to $20,000 in eligible student loan expenses (25% of the balance per year, capped at $5,000 annually) after four years of service. Priority is given to teachers working in schools designated as "low performing" based on student assessment data.
This bill establishes a three-year pilot program in New Jersey public schools to help 12th-grade students complete the federal financial aid application (FAFSA). Participating school districts must provide classroom instruction on FAFSA requirements - including required documents, key terms, eligibility, and deadlines - and send written information to parents or guardians. Schools must also make paper FAFSA forms available upon request to students or their families. The program will test whether this approach can be expanded statewide, requiring the Education Commissioner to report on implementation and feasibility after three years.
This bill creates the New Jersey Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship to cover tuition, fees, and required course materials for New Jersey residents enrolled in career-focused programs at county colleges or vocational schools. It directly affects students pursuing certificates, diplomas, or degrees in high-demand fields like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and education, as identified by the state's Labor Demand Occupation List. The scholarship covers costs after other aid is applied, up to $5,000 annually, with eligibility requiring residency, enrollment in an approved program, and either employment or completion of a financial literacy course. Students in associate degree programs may receive support for up to three years, while others get up to two years, all subject to maintaining a 2.0 GPA.
This bill (A1625) prohibits New Jersey colleges and universities from creating scholarship funds or student aid programs exclusively for students who are citizens or permanent residents of countries or territories controlled by terrorist organizations designated by the U.S. Secretary of State. It directly affects higher education institutions in New Jersey, requiring them to ensure all scholarship programs are available regardless of a student's nationality tied to such designations. Violations would cut off state funding, including operating aid, state bond proceeds, and student assistance program funds administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. The law takes effect immediately and does not apply to scholarships open to all students without nationality restrictions.
This New Jersey bill (A 855) requires all public high school students to receive mandatory financial literacy instruction covering four key areas: applying for financial aid, understanding higher education costs and funding options (loans, grants), student loan rights and payment choices, and cryptocurrency risks including "get rich quick" scams. It directly affects every public high school student in New Jersey by adding these topics to existing financial literacy curriculum requirements. The bill mandates school boards to integrate these specific lessons into secondary education programs, effective immediately for the next full school year after enactment. The policy aims to provide practical, real-world financial education without endorsing any specific financial products or services.
This bill allows New Jersey taxpayers with gross income of $85,000 or less to deduct certain higher education tuition and fee expenses paid during the year. The deduction applies to expenses for the taxpayer, their spouse, or dependents who are enrolled as matriculated students at accredited public or independent colleges or universities. It covers tuition and fees paid directly to the institution, not other education costs. The policy change takes effect immediately for taxable years after enactment.
This is a New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 103), not a bill with binding effect. It urges the U.S. President and Congress to continue the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, opposing its proposed elimination in the 2021 federal budget. The PSLF Program, established in 2007, forgives student loans for public servants (like teachers, firefighters, and social workers) after 120 on-time payments under income-driven repayment plans while working full-time for government or non-profits. The resolution cites data showing 1,565 borrowers received $100 million in forgiven debt as of 2019, emphasizing the program's role in recruiting public sector employees.
This bill requires New Jersey's Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) to stop interest from accruing on NJCLASS loans for borrowers approved for deferment or forbearance due to temporary disability, unemployment, or financial hardship between March 9 and September 9, 2020. It directly affects New Jersey college students with NJCLASS loans who qualify for these hardship-related repayment options during that specific period. The key provision mandates HESAA to suspend interest accumulation during approved deferment or forbearance periods - unlike standard practice where interest continues to accrue. This change provides immediate financial relief by preventing additional interest charges during the designated timeframe. The bill took effect immediately upon enactment.
This bill establishes the Teaching Scholars Loan Redemption Program to address New Jersey's educator shortage by offering financial incentives to top high school graduates. Eligible participants (NJ residents who graduated from NJ high schools, applied for all other grants/scholarships, and enroll in NJ higher education) receive student loans up to $40,000 for undergrad or $10,000 for grad studies. In exchange for a five-year teaching commitment in a NJ public school, the state repays up to $50,000 total in loans ($10,000 per year of service), with participants required to maintain academic standing. The program targets high-achieving students to recruit future educators while capping total state repayment per participant.
