New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2711

Introduced
2/15/24  

Caption

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

Impact

The implications of S2711 are significant for both students and educational institutions. For students, the bill effectively locks in tuition rates, potentially alleviating financial stress and allowing for better financial planning during their college years. As for public institutions, the bill may require a reassessment of budgeting strategies, as they will have to manage operational costs within static tuition revenues during the four-year period. This could lead to challenges in funding if the institutions experience increased costs in other areas, such as faculty salaries or facility maintenance.

Summary

Senate Bill S2711, introduced by Senator Shirley K. Turner, seeks to protect resident undergraduate students at public institutions of higher education in New Jersey from tuition increases for a period of four continuous academic years following their initial enrollment. This legislative proposal reflects a growing concern over the rising costs of higher education and aims to promote affordability and accessibility for students. By ensuring that tuition rates remain stable for a specified duration, S2711 aims to provide students and their families with predictability in educational expenses.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its intention to safeguard students from tuition hikes, it is also expected to face scrutiny from various stakeholders. Critics may argue that such a prohibition could limit the financial flexibility of institutions, potentially impacting the quality of education offered. Additionally, there is concern regarding whether the bill adequately addresses the diverse needs of programs that might require more than four years to complete, and how it will adapt to the financial realities of each institution while still meeting the objectives of improving student affordability.

Companion Bills

NJ A853

Same As 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 S274

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

NJ A1009

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

NJ A853

Prohibits public institutions 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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