(Matt Rainey/The Star-Ledger A photograph of Rochelle Hendricks)
New Jersey Legislators have left the issue of free college unanswered ever since the topic was brought up in debate; Many think the discussion is unnecessary, according to state lawmakers.
Rochelle Hendricks, the state secretary of higher education, told Nj.com that, in terms of financial aid, she thinks “we are cutting edge in a lot of ways.” The general consensus of lawmakers seems to be that New Jersey’s financial aid program is already doing an acceptable job assisting student with their tuition.
Gabriel Charette, executive director of the student loan program, said “I don’t think we are prepared to discuss the New York plan,” at the state’s annual senate hearing on higher education, “I think that there is a lot that needs to be studied.” However, citizens in others states appear to have a different stand.
“I don’t think college should be at the rate that it is,” said Almasi, a Life Safety Technician from D.C. “You pay so much money to get in; How are you supposed to pay for housing and all?”
New Jersey’s Most Expensive Colleges
| University Name: | Net Price ($): |
| Thomas Edison State University | 37,200 |
| Stevens Institute of Technology | 37,100 |
| Caldwell University | 32,800 |
| Georgian Court University | 31,600 |
(not accounting for books, rooms, board, etc.) Source: nj.com
New Jersey’s terms for student loans and financial aid have been deemed the strictest in the country by a ProPublica and New York Times investigation. The state also has some of the most expensive schools in the country.
With the average income per capita in New Jersey being around $57,900, and the average tuition fee for public colleges being $37,600, financial aid will become a need for most students who apply.