Sponsored by:
Senator VIN GOPAL
District 11 (Monmouth)
SYNOPSIS
Makes supplemental appropriation of $1.2 million for Community College Opportunity Grant.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Supplement to the annual appropriations act for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, P.L.2025, c.74.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. In addition to the amounts appropriated under P.L.2025, c.74, the annual appropriations act for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, there is appropriated from the General Fund the following amount for the purpose specified:
74 DEPARTMENT OF STATE
30 Educational, Cultural, and Intellectual Development
36 Higher Educational Services
2405 Higher Education Student Assistance Authority
GRANTS-IN-AID
45-2405 Student Assistance Programs .............................. $1,200,000
Total Grants-in-Aid Appropriation,
Higher Education Student Assistance Authority $1,200,000
Grants-in-Aid:
45 Community College Opportunity
Grant.................................................... ($1,200,000)
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill provides a supplemental appropriation of $1.2 million for the Community College Opportunity Grant program. This program provides grants to eligible students covering the remaining cost of tuition and approved educational fees, which is not covered by State, federal, or any other need-based grant or merit scholarship, for up to 18 credits in any semester. An eligible student: is enrolled in at least six credits; does not have a prior college degree; completes a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application; meets certain academic progress standards; and has a total household adjusted gross income between $0 and $65,000. In State fiscal year 2026, prior recipients of the grant with a total household adjusted gross income between $65,001 and $80,000 may receive up to one half of the maximum award. Meanwhile, previous grant recipients with a total household adjusted income between $80,001 and $100,000 may receive up to one third of the maximum award.