New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4814

Introduced
10/20/22  
Refer
10/20/22  
Report Pass
1/23/23  
Engrossed
1/26/23  
Refer
1/26/23  
Report Pass
12/14/23  
Enrolled
1/8/24  
Chaptered
1/16/24  

Caption

Removes expected family contribution from calculation of financial need under circumstances in which public institutions of higher education may reduce student's institutional financial aid.

Impact

If enacted, A4814 would directly impact institutional financial aid policies, allowing public colleges and universities greater flexibility in assisting students with their financial needs. This change is particularly significant for students who may have previously been deemed ineligible for aid due to their family's financial contribution. By removing EFC, institutions can potentially increase the amount of aid given to qualifying students, thus improving access to higher education for a broader demographic.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4814 seeks to amend New Jersey law regarding the calculation of financial need for students receiving institutional financial aid from public higher education institutions. The primary change proposed by this bill is the removal of the expected family contribution (EFC) from the financial need calculation. Under current law, financial need is defined as the cost of attendance minus the EFC. By eliminating the EFC from this equation, the bill aims to enhance the financial aid eligibility for students, especially those who receive private scholarships.

Contention

While the bill appears to promote accessibility to educational resources, there are concerns about the implications for state budgets and the potential financial strain it may place on public educational institutions. Critics argue that this could lead to increased costs for schools, which may ultimately be passed on to taxpayers or result in cutbacks elsewhere. The discussions surrounding A4814 have highlighted a divide between those advocating for expanded access in higher education financing and those wary of its financial ramifications on state funding and institutional resources.

Companion Bills

NJ S1023

Same As Removes expected family contribution from calculation of financial need under circumstances in which public institutions of higher education may reduce student's institutional financial aid.

Previously Filed As

NJ A2552

Requires public institutions of higher education to disclose all financial donors.

WI AB486

Permissible financial aid reductions in higher education. (FE)

WI SB868

Permissible financial aid reductions in higher education. (FE)

WA SB6209

Revised for 1st substitute: Concerning financial aid awards for students attending private four-year and two-year institutions of higher education.

VA HB471

Higher ed. institutions, public; financial aid for students with intellectual disabilities, etc.

CA SB416

Student financial aid: Cal Grants: qualifying institutions: financial aid offer letter template.

OH HB793

Regards cost of attendance at institutions of higher education

NJ A4645

Revises law permitting undocumented students to pay in-State tuition rate at public institution of higher education and receive certain student financial assistance.

TX SB2995

Relating to the displacement of student financial aid at a public institution of higher education.

NJ S3383

Requires tuition aid grant amounts to be equal for students enrolled in independent institutions of higher education and students enrolled in four-year public institutions of higher education.

Similar Bills

CT SB00005

An Act Concerning Higher Education Affordability And Accountability.

AZ HB2832

STOs; ESAs; student eligibility

WY HB0057

AN ACT relating to the use of Hathaway scholarships at private post secondary institutions; defining terms; creating a scholarship; establishing eligibility requirements; establishing payment of scholarship funds to private post secondary institutions; specifying success curriculum requirements; modifying the duties of the department of education; providing a sunset date; requiring rulemaking; requiring reporting; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date.

NJ S828

Establishes the New Jersey School Counts County College Scholarship Program.

NJ A1100

Establishes New Jersey School Counts County College Scholarship Program.

GA SB556

HOPE Scholarship; the inclusion of advanced placement and international baccalaureate fine arts courses in the calculation of grade point averages; provide

SD HB1306

Authorize the provision of charitable contributions to a scholarship granting organization.

GA HB1300

Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan Act; raise maximum amount of contributions allowed per beneficiary for savings trust accounts