Expands Tuition Aid Grant program to part-time undergraduates.
Impact
If enacted, the A1798 bill would allow part-time students to receive tuition aid grants; however, the awards would be prorated relative to the full-time grants to ensure that funding remains available for both categories of students. Current stipulations for determining eligibility based on financial need and other criteria would continue, thus maintaining a uniform framework for assessing applicants. Furthermore, appropriations for part-time grants would be managed separately, preventing any diversion of funds earmarked for full-time grants.
Summary
Assembly Bill A1798 proposes an expansion of the Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) program in New Jersey to include part-time undergraduate students attending eligible institutions. This is a significant modification to the existing program, which traditionally only covered full-time undergraduates. The intent behind this expansion is to acknowledge the growing educational costs and ensure that part-time students, who are equally in need of financial assistance, are not excluded from accessing higher education opportunities. The bill aims to amend existing statutes, specifically N.J.S.18A:71B-20 and N.J.S.18A:71B-21, to make this adjustment effective from the 2022-2023 academic year.
Contention
The proposed bill is likely to generate dialogue regarding the potential limitations of appropriations. Concerns may arise about whether sufficient funds will be allocated to meet the anticipated demand from part-time applicants without detracting from existing full-time grant funding. Legislators could also debate the appropriateness of financial support for part-time students, particularly in light of increasing tuition rates and the overall economic landscape affecting higher education. The expansion signals a commitment from the state to support a broader spectrum of students, although it may need to address concerns about funding sustainability.
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.