New Jersey mandates high school seniors complete FAFSA form before graduation

TRENTON, N.J. (PIX11) – It can save you money when going to college, but some New Jersey lawmakers said it can and will do so much more.

The FAFSA form has been optional, which gives students access to federal and state financial aid resources. Still, a new law requires Garden State high school seniors graduating next spring to submit it before receiving their diploma.

“It’s important to remember that even prior to this requirement being signed into law, New Jersey was always one of the top states in financial aid application completion,” said Margo Chaly, executive director of the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA). “This requirement will help us return to the lead of the pack; again, we’re hopeful.”

HESAA serves students and families pursuing higher learning by offering financial aid resources. Officials said last year, New Jersey saw a slight decrease in FAFSA submissions.

“Not only in New Jersey but nationwide, there was a dip in federal FAFSA completion given some of the glitches and some of the delays to the timeline on the federal level,” said Chaly.

The law applies to the 2025, 2026, and 2027 high school classes. Lawmakers who supported the bill say they’re working on spreading the word.

“I believe they are aware, but I think that we have opportunities to be a trailblazer in this particular area,” said Assemblyman Reginald Atkins, NJ-D, a bill co-sponsor. “One, it’s increased access to higher education. Number two, it’s going to promote financial literacy. Number three, it’s going to support low-income families. It’s going to, number four, reduce inequalities, and number five, it’s also going to strengthen our workforce.”

One of the bill’s sponsors, Assemblyman Bill Moen, NJ-D, told PIX11 News in a statement:

“As someone who personally knows the benefit of completing a FAFSA application to advance one’s education, I believe that we need to give students as many tools as possible to help them further their education. Requiring them to fill out financial aid forms in school, and providing resources to them and their parents, could be a game changer for students who want to continue their education but need financial aid in order to do that.”

Assemblyman Bill Moen, NJ-D

For students entering college this fall to whom this law does not apply, HESAA says the deadline to submit the FAFSA is Sept. 15.

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