Recent historical trends (1977-1978 through 1982-1983) in tuition and required fee charges in New Jersey college and universities are presented. Differences among New Jersey collegiate sectors and among different types of student types are analyzed in terms of dollar and percentage increases between the current and base years. The effect of the most recent increases on the overall 6-year changes are examined, and the 6-year percentage increases are considered in the context of inflation and increases in family and per capita disposable income, as well as New Jersey student financial aid ceilings. An analysis of the financial data indicates the following: the growth in student charges at the state and community colleges in the past 6 years has been lower than the estimated inflation rate for the period; average tuition and fees in the independent sector during the same period grew in constant dollar terms; and gains in various measures of family and disposable per capita income in New Jersey, as well as increased financial aid ceilings, suggest that a relatively low cost to the student of attending college in New Jersey is being maintained. Appendices contain detailed historical data by college sector and student type (full- and part-time, undergraduate and graduate, state resident and nonresident). (SW)