Assemblywoman Nancy J. Pinkin has introduced legislation that limits tuition and fee increases at certain colleges and universities in New Jersey.
The bill (A-3173) would impose a 4 percent cap on tuition and fee increases from the previous academic year at the state’s public institutions of higher learning. The bill mirrors the cap on municipal spending which has helped slow the growth rate on expenditures.
“At the root of a strong New Jersey economy is a well-educated population able to meet 21st-century challenges,” said Pinkin (D-Middlesex), a member of the Assembly Higher Education Committee. “By reining in on these costs, this bill will help students achieve their academic and professional goals by keeping college affordable for all New Jersey residents.”
The legislation would apply to resident undergraduate and graduate students who attend a public college or university in state.
New Jersey ranks fourth highest in the nation in increases to in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students at four-year institutions of higher learning for the 2013-2014 academic year, according to a 2013 report from the College Board.
“I know first-hand how important it is that we make our public colleges and universities affordable,” said Pinkin, who attended Middlesex County College and Rutgers University. “I put myself through college, and I know the challenges today’s students are facing.”