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 establishes New Jersey's "College Ready Students Program," providing tuition-free dual enrollment courses at county colleges for eligible public high school students in grades 11 and 12. To qualify, students must meet financial need criteria similar to the state's Educational Opportunity Fund and maintain a college readiness GPA, with a limit of 3 tuition-free credits per semester (6 annually). The state covers all tuition costs, and students must earn a C or higher in courses to continue in the program. The Commissioner of Education must annually report participation rates, course completions, and outcomes to the legislature.
This bill requires undergraduate students at New Jersey colleges and universities to file a formal degree plan with their institution by specific credit milestones: 60 credits for four-year schools, 30 credits for county colleges or private colleges. Institutions must also create structured "pathway systems" that set graduation benchmarks, mandate early math and English courses (within first 24 credits), and ensure remedial course students immediately enroll in credit-bearing equivalents. Students changing majors or facing academic challenges must update their degree plan, and institutions must review progress regularly, requiring academic counseling for those falling behind. The policy directly affects all degree-seeking undergraduates and institutions offering academic degrees.
This bill creates tax exclusions for New Jersey taxpayers using "lifelong learning accounts" to cover education expenses. Eligible taxpayers (aged 18-70) can exclude up to $2,500 in employer contributions and account earnings from their gross income each year. Distributions used for qualified education expenses (e.g., tuition, books) are also excluded from taxable income, but nonqualified withdrawals incur a 5% penalty tax. The accounts must be administered by banks or approved entities, cannot invest in life insurance, and require strict reporting to avoid penalties. This directly affects New Jersey residents saving for education through these designated accounts.
This bill prevents New Jersey public colleges from raising tuition for in-state undergraduate students during their first four years of enrollment. It applies to all resident students who start at a public institution, freezing their tuition rate for four consecutive academic years (or longer if their program requires it). The policy takes effect immediately for students enrolling in the academic year after the bill's passage. It directly affects public higher education institutions and in-state undergraduates by guaranteeing stable tuition costs during their initial enrollment period.
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 bill requires New Jersey's public colleges and universities to adopt a standardized system for numbering general education courses (like math or writing classes needed for associate or bachelor's degrees). The Secretary of Higher Education and college leaders must create and implement this system by September 1 of the first full academic year after the bill takes effect. Independent colleges in New Jersey can choose to join the system voluntarily, but public institutions must participate. The goal is to simplify course transfers between public schools by using consistent course codes.
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 requires all New Jersey high school students to complete a one-semester financial literacy course as part of their curriculum. The course must cover budgeting, savings, credit, debt, taxes, college financial planning, and other personal finance topics, while excluding primarily business or economic instruction. Teachers must hold specific endorsements (e.g., in Finance, Social Studies, or Business) to teach the course, and school districts must integrate it into graduation requirements for state-endorsed diplomas. The requirement applies to students entering 12th grade in the 2027-2028 school year.
This bill requires New Jersey public and independent colleges to provide academic accommodations for students serving in the National Guard, Reserves, or active duty military. It gives students who miss classes due to military obligations (like deployments or drills) options to receive a pass/fail grade, incomplete, or withdrawal - plus refunds for tuition and fees if they withdraw. Institutions must notify students of these rights, create written contracts with professors to address missed coursework, and provide accommodations like lecture notes or tutoring. Additionally, schools must accept up to 30 college credits for undergraduate military experience (and 12 for graduate programs) based on American Council on Education evaluations. The law directly affects student veterans and military-affiliated learners enrolled in New Jersey higher education.
