Bill > A4418

This bill provides tuition-free credits for eligible veterans at county colleges in New Jersey. A "veteran" is defined as a citizen and resident of New Jersey who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or its Reserve components and received an honorable discharge. To qualify for up to 60 tuition-free credits at the county college serving their county of residence, a veteran must be accepted and enrolled in good standing, have applied for all available state and federal student grants and scholarships, and have applied for federal tuition benefits under the "Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008" (which provides educational benefits to veterans, including tuition assistance), unless these federal benefits are transferred by the veteran. Any credits awarded by the college for military experience will count towards the 60-credit limit. The college's financial aid office will inform veterans about available grants and scholarships, and while tuition is free, colleges may still charge other approved fees. This provision takes effect immediately and applies to the academic year following its enactment.