New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A853

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

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

Impact

The implementation of this bill is expected to have an impact on the financial structures of public institutions and could lead to increased budgetary pressures. Institutions may have to adjust their financial planning to accommodate this mandatory freeze on tuition. While the bill is designed to protect students from sudden tuition increases, it might prompt discussions about funding sources and the overall financial viability of public colleges in New Jersey.

Summary

Bill A853 establishes a policy prohibiting public institutions of higher education in New Jersey from increasing resident undergraduate tuition for a period of four continuous academic years following a student's initial enrollment. This legislation is aimed at enhancing financial predictability for students and their families, as tuition rates are often a significant concern when choosing a college. By restricting tuition hikes during this critical early period of a student's academic career, the bill seeks to reduce the financial burden on students and improve accessibility to higher education.

Contention

The primary points of contention surrounding Bill A853 relate to the balance between maintaining affordable education and ensuring public institutions remain financially sustainable. Proponents believe that the bill enhances transparency and affordability, serving the public good by easing the financial strain on families. Conversely, critics may argue that such measures could inhibit the institutions' ability to respond to inflationary pressures and funding shortfalls. This debate may lead to further discussions on the role of state funding in higher education and how to best support both institutions and students.

Companion Bills

NJ S2711

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

NJ A1009

Carry Over 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 A1677

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

NJ S3248

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

NJ A3169

Prohibits public institutions of higher education from increasing resident undergraduate and graduate tuition and fees by more than four percent over prior academic year.

NJ A1320

Prohibits public institutions of higher education from increasing resident undergraduate tuition by more than two percent over prior academic year.

NJ A1798

Expands Tuition Aid Grant program to part-time undergraduates.

NJ S3354

Expands Tuition Aid Grant program to part-time undergraduates.

NJ S1638

Provides tuition benefits at public institutions of higher education to New Jersey residents who are members of reserve component of Armed Forces of United States.

NJ A3068

Permits certain students to qualify for in-State tuition at four-year public institution of higher education.

NJ HF2362

A bill for an act relating to tuition charged to resident undergraduate students enrolled at regents institutions. (Formerly HSB 549.)

NJ A4294

Establishes program to provide free tuition under State Tuition Aid Grant Program to certain students who are accepted to public four-year institutions of higher education and elect to attend county college for first two years.

Similar Bills

CA AB1098

California Education Interagency Council.

CO SB230

College Opportunity Fund Program

NJ A2359

Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.

NJ S1480

Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.

CA AB2572

California State University: joint degrees.

CA AB681

California DREAM Loan Program: limits.

NJ S3248

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

NJ A1677

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