This bill aims to expand the Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) program in New Jersey to include part-time undergraduate students attending eligible institutions. Currently, TAG awards are only available to full-time students, but the bill recognizes the need for financial assistance for part-time students who also face challenges in accessing higher education due to rising tuition costs. The new provisions stipulate that part-time grant awards will be prorated based on the full-time grant amounts, ensuring that part-time students receive appropriate financial support.

Additionally, the bill includes specific amendments to existing law, such as allowing part-time students to be eligible for TAG awards and ensuring that appropriations for part-time grants are made separately to prevent any reduction in funding for full-time grants. The legislation emphasizes the importance of maintaining educational opportunities for all students, regardless of their enrollment status, and aims to implement these changes starting with the 2022-2023 academic year.