TRENTON, N.J. – New Jersey high school students would be permanently required to complete a financial aid application before graduation under a new bill amending a 2023 state law.
The legislation removes the two-year expiration on the current requirement, making it a lasting condition for earning a diploma from any public or charter high school in the state.
Originally enacted in 2023, the rule applied to the class of 2024 and the following two graduating classes. It required students and their parents or guardians to fill out a financial aid form—such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the state’s alternative form—unless a waiver was submitted.
The new bill, however, strikes the sunset clause, extending the policy indefinitely.
Students remain eligible for exemptions by submitting a signed waiver form, and school counselors may authorize waivers when parental signatures cannot reasonably be obtained. The measure also reiterates that no student may face penalties or negative consequences for choosing to opt out through the waiver process.
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The Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA), in coordination with the Department of Education, will continue to provide schools with resources and guidance for completing financial aid forms, including webinars, presentations, and informational materials for parents and students. The agency is also required to report back to lawmakers within three years, detailing how many students completed the application process and how many received exemptions.
Supporters say the measure helps ensure more students access available state and federal financial aid opportunities for college and technical education. Critics of similar policies in other states have expressed concerns over privacy and administrative burdens on schools.
Key points:
- The bill makes FAFSA completion a permanent high school graduation requirement in New Jersey.
- Students may still opt out through a signed waiver without penalty.
- The state’s higher education authority will provide training and report participation data to the Legislature.
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