Senator Robert Singer’s (R-Ocean, Monmouth) bill to save college students time and money through new credit transfer agreements between New Jersey and other states public institutions of higher education passed the Senate Higher Education Committee.

“Affording a college degree today is an economic burden,” said Senator Singer. “Allowing college credits from public institutions to transfer across state lines is a practical and overdue solution to reducing higher education expenses.”

A 2017 U.S. Government Accountability Office analysis found that one in three college students transfer schools as they pursue their degree. Of that one in three, an estimated 60% transfer between public schools. The GAO study revealed that transfer students lost an average of 43% of their college credits. Those who transferred between public colleges lost 37% of their credits.

“The loss of college credits causes significant expenses to students, their parents or guardians, and to state and private funding sources,” added Singer. “The credits that are lost need to be made up and paid for before the student receives a degree. My legislation, S-2552, allows students to transfer between colleges without a loss of credit hours and the accompanying financial burden.”