New Jersey Assembly Bill A4869

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/26/24
• Refer: 9/26/24

Caption

Phases out State tuition aid grants for students enrolled in proprietary institutions of higher education; redirects State tuition aid grant funding for students enrolled in proprietary institutions to summer tuition aid grant program.

Impact

The bill is significant as it alters the landscape of financial support for students in proprietary institutions, which often serve a niche market of vocational and technical training. By restricting access to state-funded grants, the bill may push students towards more traditional colleges and universities or negatively impact proprietary institutions' enrollment. The reallocation of funds towards summer tuition is intended to assist students who want to continue their education during summer sessions, although this shift raises questions regarding the financial viability of proprietary institutions in New Jersey.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4869 aims to phase out State tuition aid grants for students attending proprietary institutions of higher education. Under the proposed legislation, starting from the 2026-2027 academic year, State tuition aid will only be available to students who have received awards prior to that academic year. Existing grants for those students will continue until they are no longer eligible, ensuring a transition period for current recipients. Importantly, the funds that would have supported new applicants from proprietary institutions will be redirected towards a summer tuition aid grant program.

Contention

Notably, there may be opposition to this bill from stakeholders in proprietary education, who argue that this phase-out could limit educational opportunities for students seeking non-traditional pathways. Supporters of the bill might posit that it is a necessary step to ensure state funds are used to support more rigorously regulated institutions. Moreover, the effectiveness of summer tuition grants as a mechanism to aid students in achieving their educational goals may also provoke debate, as it redirects existing funding without addressing the root issues faced by students in proprietary programs.