NJ Bill Would Limit College Tuition Hikes To 2 Percent

NEW JERSEY — Tired of huge tuition hikes at colleges and universities in New Jersey? A proposed law that is working its way through the halls of the Statehouse could put a stop to that, its supporters say.

On Tuesday, a trio of state lawmakers made a push for A-4538 in the New Jersey Assembly. If it becomes law, the bill would cap tuition increases for undergraduates at public colleges and universities to 2 percent over the prior academic year.

The legislation was launched in response to concerns from students, families and education advocates who are worried about the affordability and accessibility of higher education, said its sponsors: Cody Miller (NJ-4), Margie Donlon (NJ-11) and Shanique Speight (NJ-29).

In one recent case, the state university – Rutgers – rolled out a 6 percent tuition and fee hike for the 2023-2024 academic year. The budget also included a nearly 7 percent increase for meal plan costs, and a 5 percent increase in housing costs for students who reside in Rutgers facilities.

According to the board of governors, the increases were the result of rising costs to the university, including general inflation, increases in salaries and wages, sharp increases in utilities and commodities, and “unprecedented increases” in the cost of employee benefits such as health insurance premiums and pension contributions. See Related: Rutgers Board OKs Controversial Medical School Merger, Tuition Hike

The proposed law would take effect immediately and apply to the first full academic year after it is enacted. The bill has been referred to the Assembly Higher Education Committee for further review.

“Education is the cornerstone of opportunity and economic mobility,” Miller said. “This bill is a step towards ensuring that our public colleges and universities remain within reach for every family in our state.”

The assemblyman said tuition rates have been climbing at an “alarming rate” for years, placing a heavy financial burden on students and their families.

The escalating costs have led to increased student debt, with many graduates entering the workforce already struggling with significant financial obligations, Miller added.

• Read More: Debt Lurks For Many Graduating NJ College Students, Advocates Say
• Read More: Student Loan Forgiveness Could Change Lives In NJ – Here’s How

For many students and their families, attending college comes down to one factor, Donlon said: money.

“Students should be able to pursue their degrees without the constant fear of affordability,” the assemblywoman said.

Speight agreed with her peers, saying that the bill is needed to “maintain the affordability of higher education in New Jersey.”

“This legislation allows students to concentrate on their studies and drive innovation, free from the worry of escalating expenses, ensuring a more inclusive and promising future for all,” Speight said.

• See Related: Murphy Greenlights $56B New Jersey Budget (See The Breakdown)

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