In-State Tuition Bills- S1036/S1933 & A194/A990

The proposed In-State Tuition Bills would allow all residents (legal and non-documented) of New Jersey to qualify for in-state tuition rates at public institutions of higher education.  This bill would benefit the entire State of New Jersey by allowing all students that have graduated with good grades, demonstrated good character, and attended at least three years of high school in New Jersey to pay the same tuition regardless of citizen or immigration status.

Currently, undocumented  students who are residents of New Jersey are required to pay out-of-state tuition rates, which could be up to double the resident state tuition rates.  For many the higher rate goes beyond their financial means impeding their ability to attend college.  In addition, only U.S. citizens are entitled to Federal Student Aid for college.

This bill affects those individuals who have grown up in New Jersey, have attended and graduated from New Jersey public or non-public school system, and who are residents with New Jersey roots who are committed to becoming citizens. Very often these students came to this country because their family was fleeing political, religious or economic instability, a decision made by the parents not the student.  Yet, despite the many obstacles they have faced, these students worked hard and succeeded in school. 

This bill would reward them for their hard work, initiative and desire to pursue higher education to become productive members of our communities.  When talented students in our communities are prevented from reaching their full potential, we all suffer.  However, we are also opening the door for state and federal aid to be divided among a larger population, by allowing non-documented families access to these funds.  The bills have solid arguments on both sides of the coin and should be decided shortly.