Qualifying for In-State Tuition

On December 20, 2013, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed into law the New Jersey Tuition Equality Act, commonly referred to as the New Jersey Dream Act.

The Law, now in effect, allows undocumented students who meet certain criteria to qualify for the in-state tuition rates at all of New Jersey’s public institutions of higher education. Undocumented students can pay in-state tuition if the student:

• Attended a high school in New Jersey for three or more years, and
• Graduated from a high school in New Jersey or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in New Jersey, and
• Registers as an entering student or is currently enrolled in a public institution in New Jersey, and
• Files an affidavit with the college or university stating that the student has filed an application to legalize immigration status or will file an application as soon as the student is eligible to do so. Student information submitted in affidavit is a part of the student’s record and kept private.