College Tuition Hikes a Priority for NJ Lawmakers [AUDIO]

New Jersey is one step closer to finding answers as to why it's becoming increasingly expensive to obtain a college education. The Assembly Higher Education Committee has approved a bill which would establish a Commission on Higher Education to study and make recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature about the rising tuition costs in New Jersey.

The commission would identify and examine the factors that contribute to tuition levels in each sector of higher education in the state, how tuition levels have changed over the last ten years in each sector, and why those levels vary across the different sectors. The commission would have six months to make recommendations to the legislature.

"New Jersey has some of the highest tuition rates in the country. In this day and age, if you don't get a college education, you're basically set to live your life in poverty," said bill co-sponsor Assemblywoman Celeste Riley. "I think it is in our best interest to provide parents and students with this type of access. It is the state's responsibility to provide access to a high quality, affordable college education."

"Soaring tuition costs are putting a serious financial strain on many New Jersey families. Some simply can't afford to send their kids off to school," said Assemblyman Thomas Giblin, who co-sponsored the measure. "Everyone should have the opportunity to pursue a college education. This commission will help us ensure that that opportunity is still available to all New Jersey families regardless of income."