New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A853

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Prohibits public institutions of higher education from increasing resident undergraduate tuition for four continuous academic years following student's initial enrollment.

Impact

The implementation of this bill is expected to have an impact on the financial structures of public institutions and could lead to increased budgetary pressures. Institutions may have to adjust their financial planning to accommodate this mandatory freeze on tuition. While the bill is designed to protect students from sudden tuition increases, it might prompt discussions about funding sources and the overall financial viability of public colleges in New Jersey.

Summary

Bill A853 establishes a policy prohibiting public institutions of higher education in New Jersey from increasing resident undergraduate tuition for a period of four continuous academic years following a student's initial enrollment. This legislation is aimed at enhancing financial predictability for students and their families, as tuition rates are often a significant concern when choosing a college. By restricting tuition hikes during this critical early period of a student's academic career, the bill seeks to reduce the financial burden on students and improve accessibility to higher education.

Contention

The primary points of contention surrounding Bill A853 relate to the balance between maintaining affordable education and ensuring public institutions remain financially sustainable. Proponents believe that the bill enhances transparency and affordability, serving the public good by easing the financial strain on families. Conversely, critics may argue that such measures could inhibit the institutions' ability to respond to inflationary pressures and funding shortfalls. This debate may lead to further discussions on the role of state funding in higher education and how to best support both institutions and students.

Companion Bills

NJ S2711

Same As Prohibits public institution of higher education from increasing resident undergraduate tuition for four continuous academic years following student's initial enrollment.

NJ A1009

Carry Over Prohibits public institutions of higher education from increasing resident undergraduate tuition for four continuous academic years following student's initial enrollment.

NJ S274

Carry Over Prohibits public institutions of higher education from increasing resident undergraduate tuition for four continuous academic years following student's initial enrollment.

Previously Filed As

NJ A1009

Prohibits public institutions of higher education from increasing resident undergraduate tuition for four continuous academic years following student's initial enrollment.

NJ S274

Prohibits public institutions of higher education from increasing resident undergraduate tuition for four continuous academic years following student's initial enrollment.

NJ S2711

Prohibits public institution of higher education from increasing resident undergraduate tuition for four continuous academic years following student's initial enrollment.

NJ S2727

Prohibits public institutions of higher education from increasing resident undergraduate tuition by more than four percent over prior academic year.

NJ S2165

Prohibits public institutions of higher education from increasing resident undergraduate tuition by more than 4 percent over the prior academic year.

NJ S3723

Prohibits public institutions of higher education from increasing resident undergraduate tuition by more than two percent over prior academic year.

NJ A4538

Prohibits public institutions of higher education from increasing resident undergraduate tuition by more than two percent over prior academic year.

NJ A1038

Prohibits public institutions of higher education from increasing resident undergraduate and graduate tuition and fees by more than 4% over the prior academic year.

NJ A2639

Prohibits public institutions of higher education from increasing resident undergraduate and graduate tuition and fees by more than 4% over the prior academic year.

NJ SB175

Relating to the automatic admission of undergraduate students to certain general academic teaching institutions and to scholarship and other programs to facilitate enrollment at institutions of higher education.

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