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Bill

S 584

Establishes three-year pilot program in DOE to provide certain students with information and assistance regarding federal financial aid application.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Beach

New Jersey creates a three-year DOE pilot program providing students with federal financial aid application information and assistance to increase college affordability access.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Higher Education Committee
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Bill Summary · S 584

Legislative bill overview

S 584 creates a three-year pilot program within New Jersey's Department of Education to help students access information and receive assistance with federal financial aid applications. The program would provide direct support to students navigating the FAFSA and other federal aid processes.

Why is this important

Federal financial aid application processes are complex and many eligible students fail to complete them, leaving money on the table. Research shows that assistance with application completion—particularly for first-generation and low-income students—significantly increases college access and enrollment rates.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source unclear: The bill doesn't specify how the pilot will be funded or what budget allocation is required from DOE
  • Scope limitations: Bill is vague about which students are "certain students"—eligibility criteria and target populations aren't defined
  • Pilot sustainability: After three years, unclear whether successful programs would receive permanent funding or scaling authority
  • Duplication concerns: Existing free FAFSA assistance exists through schools and nonprofits; unclear how this pilot avoids redundancy or coordinates with current resources

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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