Office of the Secretary of Higher EducationU.S. Department of Education Announces Priorities and Notice for Applications for Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE)
Applications are due by December 3, 2025 for the FY 2025 FIPSE. The awards fall under four areas including: expanding the use of artificial intelligence (AI), protecting and promoting civil discourse, encouraging accreditation reform, and building capacity for high-quality short-term programs. The ,press release includes additional information and link to the Federal Register.
U.S. Department of Education Announces Final Rule on Public Service Loan Forgiveness
The U.S. Department of Education Announces Final Rule on Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) that will go into effect on July 1, 2026. The press release, final rule, and fact sheet are available here.
Attorney General Platkin Obtains Early Victory in Challenge to Trump Administration’s Demand that States “Undo” Issuance of Full SNAP Benefits
On November 10, 2025, Attorney General Platkin joined coalition of 22 other attorneys general and three governors in filing an amended motion for a temporary restraining order in lawsuit against Trump Administration for unlawfully suspending SNAP benefits. The press release and copy of the temporary restraining order are available here: Attorney General Platkin Obtains Early Victory in Challenge to Trump Administration’s Demand That States “Undo” Issuance of Full SNAP Benefits - New Jersey Office of Attorney General.
New Jersey Joins Multistate Coalition Suing Over Rule Change Restriction for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
In response to US ED finalizing a new rule on October 31, 2025 regarding PSLF that allows the administration to determine the definition of an organization that has a ‘substantial illegal purpose,’ New Jersey joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general for restricting eligibility. The coalition argues the rule in unlawful and political motivated. Read the press release and complaint here.
Attorney General Secures Order Requiring Federal Government to Use SNAP Contingency Funds
Attorney General Plakin joined a multistate coalition of 23 Attorneys General and 3 Governors in obtaining a court order that the USDA must use its SNAP contingency funds during the ongoing federal government shutdown. Additional details regarding the court order are available in the following press release: Attorney General Secures Order Requiring Federal Government To Use SNAP Contingency Funds - New Jersey Office of Attorney General
Governor Murphy Takes Action on Federal Suspension of SNAP Benefits
Beginning at 12:00 a.m. on November 1, 2025, Governor Murphy declared New Jersey will enter a State of Emergency due to the suspension of federal SNAP benefits. In addition, Governor Murphy released Executive Order No. 402 which establishes a coordinated statewide response to ensure food action during the shutdown. Additional resources regarding SNAP, including related press releases are available on this State website: Office of the Governor | SNAP Resources
Attorney General Platkin Joins Multistate Coalition Supporting TRIO Programs
Attorney General Platkin joined a coalition of 22 states in filing an amicus brief in support of the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) in two lawsuits challenging the termination of funding for federal TRIO programs and denial of Student Support Services grants. The amicus briefs are available to be viewed: https://www.mass.gov/doc/trio-4/download (TRIO) and https://www.mass.gov/doc/new-trio-1/download (SSS).
New External Resources
The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs released a new guide on “Supporting Students Through the November 2025 SNAP Cliff and Federal Government Shutdown.” This resource includes a summary of what’s happening and potential steps that both institutions and states can take to support students. The guide will continue to be updated.
Request for Updates on Federal Impact, if Applicable
The Office of the Secretary of Higher Education is continuing to compile information about any institutions who are experiencing issues with federal funding or other impacts due to federal action. Please submit a brief summary of issues to Stefani.Thachik@oshe.nj.gov if applicable to your institution. Updates and resources regarding federal actions continue to be provided on the NJ OSHE website.
Official Site of The State of New Jersey