NJ A4294

Creates the "Two to Four Tuition Free Students Program" providing full tuition coverage for eligible students who complete two years at a county college followed by two years at a four-year public institution to earn a baccalaureate degree.

Eligibility requires acceptance to a four-year public institution, qualification for State tuition aid grants, a New Jersey Eligibility Index not exceeding 2499, and agreement to defer admission for two years while attending the county college in the student's county of residence.

Four-year public institutions must grant two-year deferments to participating students and fully transfer all county college credits toward the baccalaureate degree.

Independent four-year institutions may opt into the program, with grants covering full county college tuition but only the average public institution tuition rate for the final two years, allowing institutions to charge students the difference.

Requires the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to submit annual reports on participation numbers, graduation rates, student outcomes, and cost savings, with any savings reinvested to expand program eligibility.