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Bill

Bill

A 2363

Requires public institutions of higher education to waive or reimburse application fees and transcript fees for veterans and members of military.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Vicky Flynn and 4 co-sponsors

New Jersey public colleges must waive or reimburse application and transcript fees for veterans and military members, reducing access barriers for this student population.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Higher Education Committee
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Bill Summary · A 2363

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 2363 would mandate that New Jersey's public colleges and universities waive or reimburse application fees and official transcript fees for veterans and active-duty military members. The bill applies to all public institutions of higher education in the state and represents a targeted financial support measure for military-connected students.

Why is this important

Veterans and military members often face financial barriers when transitioning to civilian education, and application/transcript fees—while individually modest—can accumulate across multiple schools. This policy directly reduces out-of-pocket costs for a population with demonstrated service and could facilitate smoother educational pathways. The measure also signals institutional commitment to military-connected student recruitment and support.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact on institutions: Public colleges would absorb these costs without specified state reimbursement mechanisms, potentially affecting already-strained budgets or requiring reallocation from other student services
  • Definition and verification scope: The bill requires clear definitions of who qualifies (active duty, reserves, National Guard, retirees) and verification processes, which institutions would need to implement
  • Equity considerations: Some may argue fee waivers should apply more broadly to other disadvantaged populations (low-income students, first-generation students) or question why military status receives prioritized treatment over other service-oriented groups

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

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