New Jersey Assembly Bill A2759

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Requires State Board of Education high school graduation requirements include instruction on tuition assistance programs and student loan debt; requires high school students to meet with guidance counselor to discuss tuition assistance and dual enrollment.

Impact

The implementation of A2759 will likely contribute to improved financial literacy among high school graduates in New Jersey. By educating students on the nuances of student loans, repayment options, and consequences of default, the bill is designed to mitigate the financial burden that students may face after graduation. In addition, by incorporating discussions on dual enrollment opportunities, the bill seeks to reduce higher education costs through college credit earned while still in high school, potentially leading to lower student loan debt overall.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2759 mandates that the New Jersey State Board of Education include instruction on tuition assistance programs and student loan debt as part of high school graduation requirements. Starting with the class of 2018-2019, high school students will learn about available state and federal financial aid options, including grants and scholarships, as well as the implications of student loan debt. This new educational requirement aims to equip students with the necessary information to make informed decisions regarding postsecondary education financing.

Contention

While the bill has been met with support from educators who see the value in financial literacy for students, there may be concerns regarding the practical implementation of such requirements at the district level. Educators and administrators may need additional resources or training to effectively deliver this content. Furthermore, the requirement for students to meet with guidance counselors raises questions about the accessibility of counseling services and whether districts can meet the demand effectively, particularly in under-resourced areas.