NJ Lawmakers Want To Make ‘Free College’ Program Permanent

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — An effort to make New Jersey’s “free community college” program a permanent part of the state’s future has taken a leap forward.

On Thursday, the state Assembly Higher Education Committee advanced A-4410, a bill that would codify the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) program into law.

Launched in 2018 under Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration, the CCOG provides free tuition for qualifying students in households earning $65,000 or less. The program is "last-dollar," meaning that the awards cover any balance of tuition and approved fees that remain after all other possible grants and scholarships are taken into account.

The program is now available at every community college in New Jersey.

Despite deep cuts to other state programs, funds for the grants were maintained at their FY 2020 levels in Murphy's "bare bones," three-month state spending plan in June.

Last year, the program helped an estimated 18,000 community college students pay for school, according to the bill’s primary sponsors, Assembly members Louis Greenwald (Camden, Burlington), Mila Jasey (Essex, Morris) and Daniel Benson (Mercer, Middlesex).

One of those students, Robert Okoro, pinched pennies and tried his best to save up to afford his final classes at Essex County College, which has campuses in Newark and West Caldwell. But despite his best efforts, the Irvington resident's financial well ran dry a few credits short of graduation.

"I didn't know how I was going to pay for that last microbiology class," the general science major recalled. "And then my prayers were finally answered."

• See related article: 'Free College' Program Boosted New Jersey, Will It Continue?
• See related article: NJ's 'Free Tuition' Program Is A Big Hit At Essex County College

Greenwald, Jasey and Benson issued a joint statement in support of the bill:

“The rising costs of college tuition, books and fees are often out of reach for many college students and their families. A college degree has become the standard for entry into many industries and workplaces, but too many students must take on enormous debt in pursuit of higher education and a successful career. The Community College Opportunity Grant closes the gap for middle class and low-income students, helping to balance costs not covered by state and federal aid. It makes college more affordable and accessible for students who may not otherwise be able to further their education. We’ve already seen this program’s outstanding potential to open doors for students across New Jersey. Our next step is to enshrine it into state law so it may benefit future generations.”

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