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Bill

A 5049

Requires county college to notify graduating high school students of acceptance into local county college.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Carter and 2 co-sponsors

County colleges must automatically offer admission to every county resident high school graduate by December 1, outlining steps to enroll, financial aid, and support.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Higher Education Committee
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Bill Summary · A 5049

Bill Overview

  • Jurisdiction: New Jersey
  • Bill Number: A 5049
  • Session: 222
  • Topic: Requires county colleges to notify graduating high school students of acceptance into the local county college
  • Status: Introduced May 11, 2026; referred to Assembly Higher Education Committee
  • Sponsors: Linda Carter, Carmen Morales, Heather Simmons (co-sponsors)

Purpose and Intent

The bill requires each county college to automatically extend an offer of admission to every graduating high school student in the county who is a resident of that county and enrolled in a public or nonpublic school. The objective is to streamline and publicize college access for local graduates, improve enrollment opportunities, and reduce barriers to applying for higher education by providing early, direct notification of admission.

Key Provisions

  1. Admission Offers
  2. Beginning with the graduating class for the academic year after enactment, every county college must offer admission to all qualifying graduating students (grade 12) who reside in the county the college serves.
  3. The admission offer must be communicated by December 1 of the student’s grade 12 year.

  4. The offer should include:

    • How to accept the offer
    • How to register for classes
    • How to apply for financial aid
    • How to access student support services
    • If applicable, preliminary financial aid information (based on FAFSA or other aid forms already completed)

  5. Non-Conditional Nature of Admission

  6. An offer of admission does not guarantee admission to any specific major, program, or specialized program.

  7. Application Process

  8. A county college may not require a separate admission application or application fee for the offer.

  9. The college may require standard enrollment forms and compliance with placement or orientation procedures.

  10. Implementation Guidelines

  11. The New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC), in consultation with the Commissioner of Education, must establish guidelines for identifying and notifying eligible students.

  12. Privacy and Data Handling

  13. Any data shared under the act is limited to student contact information and must comply with applicable state and federal privacy laws.

  14. Annual Reporting

  15. The NJCCC must submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature detailing:

    • The number of students offered admission (disaggregated by race, ethnicity, age, family income at admission, gender, and first-generation status)
    • An assessment of the impact on out-migration of high school graduates and enrollment among low-income students and other underserved populations
    • Recommendations for improving or expanding automatic admissions policies in New Jersey

  16. Effective Date

  17. The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Primary: County colleges and their administrative staff responsible for admissions and outreach.
  • Secondary: Public and nonpublic high school graduates in New Jersey counties, particularly recent high school seniors who reside in the county served by a county college.
  • Data privacy considerations: Limited data sharing, focusing on contact information in compliance with privacy laws.

Timeline and Procedural Details

  • Admission offers to be sent by December 1 of the graduating year (for the first class under the act).
  • Guidelines for identification and notification to be established by NJCCC in consultation with the Commissioner of Education.
  • Annual reporting cycle to Governor and Legislature, per statute, with specified data elements and assessments.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • May increase local college enrollment by providing early, low-barrier admission offers.
  • Could reduce information gaps for graduating seniors regarding enrollment and financial aid processes.
  • Keeps flexibility by not guaranteeing admission to specific majors or programs.
  • Requires coordination among NJCCC, public outreach, and school districts to identify eligible students and implement notification practices.
  • Privacy protections are emphasized; only contact information is shared under the act.

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

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