TRENTON – The Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee today approved a bill sponsored by Senator Jim Beach and Senator Nia H. Gill that would require public institutions of higher learning to waive or reimburse application fees and transcript fees for veterans and members of the United States Armed Forces upon acceptance of admission to the institution.
“Applying for college is a lengthy and costly process,” said Senator Beach (D-Camden, Burlington), chairman of the committee. “If we can alleviate at least part of this burden for those who gave so much for our country and help to ease their transition back to civilian life, we absolutely should. This bill is a step forward in that effort.”
Some New Jersey colleges, such as Rutgers University, currently waive application and transcript fees for veterans. The bill (S-822) would make that practice a requirement.
“In this day and age, education is the key to a successful career and to financial stability,” said Senator Gill (D- Essex, Passaic). “That is why we need to facilitate access to higher education for everyone, and especially for those who sacrificed so much for our country.”
The Committee approved the bill by a vote of 5-0. It now goes to the Budget and Appropriations Committee for consideration.