Education (Higher Education) in New Jersey

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

A 1778: Exempts certain students with disabilities from requirement to take college credits during Bridge Year Pilot Program; modifies age eligibility criteria under program.

This bill modifies New Jersey's Bridge Year Pilot Program to exempt students with disabilities from the requirement to take college credits during their bridge year. Instead, these students may participate in vocational programs or transition services as outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP), determined by their IEP team and parent/guardian. It also adjusts age eligibility to allow students who would turn 20 during the program to participate if their IEP requires it. The bill applies to students in the 2021 and 2022 graduating classes enrolled in the pilot program.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education Special Education

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

A 1780: Makes supplemental appropriation of $3.5 million for Community College Opportunity Grant-Adult Postsecondary Career and Technical Education.

This bill provides a $3.5 million supplemental appropriation to fund the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) program for adult students in career and technical education. It directly affects eligible adult students enrolled in county vocational school programs (minimum four months) who are New Jersey residents, have household incomes between $0-$65,000, and have applied for all other available grants/scholarships. The funding covers remaining tuition and approved fees after other state, federal, or institutional aid is applied, acting as "last-dollar" support. Eligibility requires good academic standing, enrollment in programs leading to industry certifications or licenses, and meeting residency requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Appropriations Higher Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 5, 2026

S 3362: Phases out State tuition aid grants for students enrolled in proprietary institutions.

This bill phases out New Jersey's state tuition aid grants for students attending proprietary (for-profit) colleges. Starting with the first full academic year after enactment, new students at these institutions will no longer qualify for state aid grants. Current students who received aid before the phase-out period can continue receiving it until they are no longer eligible under existing rules. The policy directly affects students at licensed for-profit colleges seeking state financial assistance for tuition.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes ✗ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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

A 393: Establishes Career and Technical Education Dual Enrollment Grant Program; appropriates $5 million.

This bill establishes a $5 million grant program to expand dual enrollment opportunities in career and technical education (CTE) for New Jersey high school students. Public colleges and universities can apply for competitive grants to offer college-level CTE courses on their campuses or in high schools, allowing students to earn college credits while still in high school. Institutions must submit detailed applications outlining their program plans, capacity, and expected student participation, with grants prioritizing programs designed to continue beyond the initial funding period. The Secretary of Higher Education must annually report to the Governor and Legislature on program participation, impact on workforce needs, and recommendations for future funding.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Higher Education K-12 Education

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

A 3291: Establishes process for county colleges to offer baccalaureate degree programs in certain critcal-need applied science fields.

This bill allows New Jersey county colleges to apply for permission to offer bachelor's degrees in applied science fields where there is a critical shortage of qualified workers in the local area. To do this, a college must submit a detailed proposal covering program design, facilities, costs, curriculum, and enrollment plans to the New Jersey Presidents’ Council for review. The council reviews the proposal, recommends approval or denial to the Higher Education Secretary, and the college can only launch the program if it receives accreditation. County colleges are limited to offering no more than three such programs, and must report on student enrollment and completion seven years after launch to determine if the program should continue.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Curriculum Higher Education

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

A 2732: "Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act"; requires institutions of higher education to implement mental health programs and services.

New Jersey colleges and universities must implement comprehensive mental health programs under this bill. Key requirements include annual student orientations on mental health, online screenings for conditions like depression and anxiety (starting three years after enactment), peer support networks using federal recovery models, and partnerships with local providers to meet a 1:1,250 clinician-to-student ratio benchmark. Institutions must also train advisors and security staff in mental health first aid and reduce administrative barriers for students seeking mental health leave. These changes directly affect all public and private higher education institutions in New Jersey, aiming to increase access to campus and community mental health resources.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Higher Education Mental Health Substance Abuse

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

A 449: Requires institutions of higher education to have automatic external defibrillator on premises and maintain supply of naloxone hydrochloride.

This New Jersey bill (A 449) requires all colleges and universities to place automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in unlocked locations within athletic facilities and student centers, accessible during normal operating hours. It also mandates that institutions maintain a supply of naloxone nasal spray near each AED for opioid overdose emergencies, with designated staff trained to use both devices. Institutions must ensure at least two staff members are CPR- and AED-trained during facility hours and regularly test/maintain equipment, while also designating a campus medical professional to oversee naloxone use. The bill provides liability protection for institutions and staff acting in good faith when implementing these requirements.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Higher Education Substance Abuse

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

A 3829: Requires school districts classified as child care deserts to provide preschool education vouchers for certain students.

This bill (A 3829) requires New Jersey school districts classified as "child care deserts" (where preschool seats are less than one-third of needed for residents aged 3-4) to provide preschool education vouchers to parents of eligible students. Eligible students are those who qualify for free preschool under existing law but cannot enroll in their district's program due to lack of seats. Vouchers equal the state's per-pupil preschool aid amount and can cover private preschool tuition, homeschool materials, or be deposited into a New Jersey Better Educational Savings Trust account. The law takes effect immediately, applying to the first full school year after enactment.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Higher Education School Choice

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 5, 2026

S 3350: Establishes gross income tax credit for full-time tuition cost at certain New Jersey institutions of post-secondary education.

S 3350 creates a New Jersey tax credit for residents with gross income under $150,000 who pay full-time tuition at qualifying in-state institutions. It provides a 10% credit on tuition costs, capped at $1,000 per year, for either the taxpayer’s own education or for dependents under age 22. The credit applies to four-year public colleges, county colleges, and accredited vocational schools in New Jersey. Taxpayers cannot claim this credit if they already deducted the tuition for the dependent or if a parent claimed it for them. The credit is available for taxable years starting January 1 after the bill’s enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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

A 1383: Establishes New Jersey Student Educator Tuition Remission Program.

This bill establishes the New Jersey Student Educator Tuition Remission Program to help future teachers reduce education costs. It provides tuition remission for eligible students completing clinical practice in approved educator preparation programs at public New Jersey colleges, covering up to two academic semesters of eligible tuition expenses. To qualify, students must be NJ residents, enrolled full-time in an approved program, meet citizenship requirements, and complete necessary steps for clinical practice. The program requires repayment only if a student is dismissed from their program, disqualified from teaching due to criminal history, or loses eligibility for their teaching certificate - withdrawals due to illness or family emergencies do not require repayment. The Higher Education Student Assistance Authority will administer the program with annual state funding.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Higher Education Teachers

All education bills