New Jersey Assembly Bill A3797

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/2/22
• Refer: 5/2/22

Caption

Expands Tuition Aid Grant program to part-time undergraduates.

Impact

The enactment of A3797 is expected to significantly alter the landscape of financial aid for students in New Jersey. By allowing part-time students to qualify for tuition assistance, the bill not only increases educational opportunities but also acknowledges the diverse circumstances of modern students who may need to balance work and education. The financial aid will be prorated, meaning part-time grant awards will be adjusted based on the full-time equivalent, thus ensuring fairness in distribution relative to the attendance status.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3797 aims to expand the Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) program in New Jersey to include part-time undergraduate students who enroll in eligible institutions. Originally, the TAG program primarily benefitted full-time students, providing grants based on financial need to help cover the cost of tuition at public and private universities. The bill seeks to rectify this gap by permitting part-time students to access these grants, highlighting the state's commitment to making higher education more accessible.

Contention

There are potential points of contention regarding the funding implications of this expansion. While the bill stipulates that appropriations for part-time aid grants will be made separately, concerns arise about the overall state budget and whether expanding the program could inadvertently divert resources from full-time grants or other educational initiatives. Stakeholders may debate the adequacy of funding to meet the expected demand, especially if tuition rates continue to rise.