New JerseyNew Jersey would fund emergency grants for public college undergraduates
If enacted, New Jersey would offer grants, as funding allows, in the first full academic year afterward to public college undergraduates facing unexpected financial crises who need help with living expenses.
What it does
Public colleges would give grants, as funding allows, to undergraduates facing unexpected financial crises who need help with living expenses, starting in the first full academic year after enactment. Grants could not cover unpaid tuition or fees or repay student loans.
New Jersey would set aside $1.5 million for the grant program. The higher education office would divide available money among public colleges, which would award the grants.
Argument forAs funding allows, grants could help students facing unexpected financial crises pay for housing or groceries and remain enrolled.
Argument againstStudents with unpaid tuition or fees might still struggle to stay enrolled because these grants could not pay those bills.
More detail
Public colleges would award emergency grants. Undergraduates at New Jersey public colleges would need an unexpected financial crisis and help with living expenses. The higher education secretary would set eligibility rules and award limits. Colleges could award grants only as funding allows. Grants would have to meet federal emergency aid rules and could not pay unpaid tuition or fees or repay student loans. Grants would become available in the first full academic year after enactment.
New Jersey would set aside $1.5 million from the General Fund for emergency grants. The fund would support grants for eligible undergraduates at New Jersey public colleges. The higher education office would decide how to divide available money among public colleges. The funding provision would take effect immediately if enacted.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Oct 5Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations CommitteeLatest
- Vote recorded Reported out of Senate committee with amendments. Result: pass.Upper
- Oct 5Reported from Senate Committee with Amendments, 2nd ReadingMinor
- May 11Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Higher Education CommitteeIntroduced
- Oct 5Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations CommitteeLatest
EducationTaxes & Budget