Requires institutions of higher education to distribute information on availability of allowance for dependent care expenses in determination of cost of attendance.
Impact
This bill amends existing laws concerning financial aid transparency by ensuring that higher education institutions disclose dependent care allowances. By including this information as part of the financial aid offer, the legislation aims to make it easier for students with dependents to access relevant financial support, ultimately helping to alleviate the financial burden of educational expenses. Additionally, institutions will need to make this information publicly available on their websites and include it with paper applications for admission, thereby promoting a more informed student body.
Summary
Senate Bill S1373 requires institutions of higher education in New Jersey to provide comprehensive information regarding the availability of dependent care allowances as part of the cost of attendance calculations. Specifically, it mandates that this information be included on a financial aid shopping sheet that prospective students receive. The intent is to enhance awareness among student parents about the potential additional financial aid they could receive to help cover the costs associated with dependent care while they pursue their education.
Contention
While the bill has received broad support resulting in a unanimous vote in favor (36-0), there may still be underlying concerns regarding the implementation of such measures at the institution level. Critics might argue that simply increasing awareness does not address the root issues related to the sufficiency of the dependent care allowance itself or the broader challenges surrounding the affordability of higher education. They may express concerns about the implications of students potentially incurring higher student loan obligations as a result of claiming these allowances.
Notable_points
The legislation will have a notable impact on how institutions of higher education communicate financial aid information to prospective and returning students. By mandating clear disclosures about dependent care allowances, S1373 aims to empower student-parents, potentially increasing their financial aid eligibility, and fostering a more supportive educational environment for those balancing family responsibilities while pursuing academic goals.
Same As
Requires institutions of higher education to distribute information on availability of allowance for dependent care expenses in determination of cost of attendance.
Requires institutions of higher education to distribute information on availability of allowance for dependent care expenses in determination of cost of attendance.
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.
Provides tuition-free credits to certain institutions of higher education for certain law enforcement officers and firefighters and their spouses and dependents.
Provides tuition-free credits to certain institutions of higher education for certain law enforcement officers and firefighters and their spouses and dependents.
Expands volunteer tuition credit program to volunteers and eligible dependents enrolled in four-year public institutions of higher education and increases maximum value of tuition credit.
Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.
Provides tuition-free credits to certain instituitions of higher education for certain law enforcement officers and firefighters and their spouses and dependents.
Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.
Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.
Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.
Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.
Relating to the issuance of a diploma to a student graduating from a public institution of higher education that has undergone a merger, acquisition, or name change.