STATE OF NEW JERSEY FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS
For more detailed information on state financial aid programs contact:
New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA)
P.O. Box 540
Trenton, NJ 08625 - 0540
1-800-792-8670
https://www.hesaa.org
The following are financial aid programs available to students who are residents of the state of New Jersey.
Tuition Aid Grant (TAG)
TAG is one of the nation's largest and most generous financial aid programs. One in every three full-time New Jersey students receives TAG, and awards may be used at nearly all New Jersey colleges and universities.Benefits
- May cover up to the cost of tuition
- Amount of an individual grant varies based upon financial need, cost of attendance and available funding
- Renewable annually based upon continued eligibility
- Estimate your TAG award with TAG Estimator
Eligibility
- Demonstrate financial need
- U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Permanent resident of New Jersey for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to enrollment
- Registered with Selective Service, if required
- Enrolled at an approved college, university or degree-granting proprietary school within New Jersey
- Full-time undergraduate student enrolled in an approved degree or certificate program
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
- Not have a baccalaureate degree, or an associate degree if enrolled at a two-year college
- Not have received the maximum number of grant payments allowable
- Not in default on a federal or state student loan
- Not owe a refund on a federal or state student grant
- Not enrolled in a program leading to a degree in theology or divinity
How Do I Apply?
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA) by NJ State Deadlines
Part-Time Tuition Aid Grant (TAG)
Part-Time TAG provides pro-rated awards to TAG-eligible, New Jersey county college students taking 6 - 11 credits per term.Benefits
- May cover up to the cost of tuition
- Amount of an individual grant varies based upon financial need, cost of attendance and available funding
- Renewable annually based upon continued eligibility
Eligibility
- Demonstrate financial need
- U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Permanent resident of New Jersey for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to enrollment
- Registered with Selective Service, if required
- Enrolled at a New Jersey county college
- Enrolled for 6 - 11 credits per term in an approved degree or certificate program
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
- Not have a baccalaureate degree or an associate degree
- Not have received the maximum number of grant payments permitted
- Not be in default on a federal or state student loans
- Not owe a refund on a federal or state student grant
- Not be enrolled in a program leading to a degree in theology or divinity
How Do I Apply?
- Complete the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by NJ state deadlines.
Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Grant
New Jersey students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds may be eligible to participate.Participating New Jersey Colleges and Unviserities.
Get more information on EOF from The New Jersey Commission on Higher Education.
Benefits
- Amount of an individual grant varies based upon financial need, cost of attendance and available funding
- Renewable annually based upon continued eligibility
Eligibility
- Demonstrate financial need and a background of historical poverty
- U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Permanent New Jersey resident for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to enrollment
- Registered with Selective Service, if required
- Enrolled as a full-time student
- Enrolled at a participating NJ college or university
- Not have a baccalaureate degree or an associate degree if enrolled at a two-year county college
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
- Not be in default on a federal or state student loan
- Not owe a refund on a federal or state grant
- Household income cannot exceed established guidelines
- Not have received the maximum number of payments permitted
- Not be enrolled in a program leading to a degree in theology or divinity
How Do I Apply?
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Contact the campus EOF Director to apply for admission to the program
NJ Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship (NJ STARS)
The New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship (NJ STARS) Program is an initiative created by the State of New Jersey that provides New Jersey’s highest achieving students with free tuition and approved fees at their home county college.NJ STARS Benefits
The NJ STARS award covers the cost of tuition and approved fees less any State and/or Federal grants and scholarships for up to five semesters. The award covers these costs for up to 15 credit hours per semester. Students must be enrolled full-time for a minimum of 12 college-level credits and may take up to 3 credits of remedial/developmental coursework per semester.
Student Eligibility
- New Jersey residents who graduate in the top 20 percent of their high school class.
- Students must have graduated from high school in 2005 or later
- Students who postpone college attendance must be enrolled full-time at their home county college by the fifth semester after high school graduation to retain eligibility. Note: 2005 high school graduates had to enroll full-time at a New Jersey county college by fall 2007.
- Students who have attended one semester at another college may be eligible for an NJ STARS award provided they enroll full-time in a degree program at their home county college the following semester.
- Students must enroll in a full-time course of study (minimum 12 college-level credits) in a degree program at their home county college, unless the student demonstrates that the home county college does not offer the desired program of study or the program is oversubscribed for at least one year.
- Students and parent(s) must be permanent New Jersey residents pursuant to regulations established by HESAA.
- Students must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens and legal New Jersey residents for a minimum of twelve consecutive months prior to high school graduation.
- Students must apply for all forms of State and Federal need-based grants and merit scholarships and submit any requested documentation to complete and verify application data within established State deadlines.
2007-08 FAFSA Filing deadlines:
June 1, 2007 for students who received a TAG award during the 2006-07 academic year. All other applicants:
October 1, 2007 – fall & spring terms
March 1, 2008 – spring term only
2008-09 FAFSA Filing deadlines:
June 1, 2008 for students who received a TAG award during the 2007-08 academic year. All other applicants:
October 1, 2008 – fall & spring terms
March 1, 2009 – spring term only
2007-2008 State Deadlines:
November 15, 2007- Fall 2007
March 15, 2008 – Spring 2008
2008-2009 State Deadlines:
November 15, 2008 – Fall 2008
March 15, 2009 – Spring 2009
Further Information
Contact the financial aid office at your home county college for additional information.
NJ Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship II (NJ STARS II)
The NJ STARS II Program is a continuation of the NJ STARS Program that provides successful NJ STARS students at New Jersey county colleges with funding to transfer to a New Jersey four-year public institution of higher education to earn a bachelor’s degree.NJ STARS II Benefits
A scholarship is paid to the four-year institution for each eligible student for up to four semesters. For the 2007-2008 academic year, the award amount is $2,068 per semester. The institution waives or provides an institutional scholarship for any remaining tuition and approved fees, for up to 18 credits per semester, not covered by State and/or Federal grants and scholarships, plus the NJ STARS II award.
Approved Fees
All fees charged by a NJ four-year public institution that are mandatory for attendance as well as any fees required for a specific program of study are approved.
Student Eligibility
- Student must be an NJ STARS recipient or non-funded (tuition and approved fees fully covered by other State and/or Federal aid) during the semester of county college graduation.
- NJ STARS students must graduate from a NJ county college with an associate degree.
- Student must graduate from a NJ county college with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.
- Student must be admitted to a NJ four-year public institution. (NJ STARS eligibility does not guarantee admission to a New Jersey four-year public college or university.)
- Student must be enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program at a four-year public institution no later than the second semester immediately following county college graduation.
- Student must be enrolled in a full-time course of study (minimum 12 college-level credits) each semester.
- Student must apply for all forms of State and Federal need-based grants and merit scholarships and submit any requested documentation to complete or verify application data within established State deadlines.
Application Process
- Must meet all admission or application requirements established by the New Jersey four-year public institution.
- Must meet all institutional deadlines for admission and financial aid.
- Once admitted, the student must submit to the NJ four-year public institution a final county college transcript that reflects a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually within established State deadlines.
- New Jersey four-year public institutions notify students of NJ STARS II eligibility.
2007-08 FAFSA Filing deadlines:
June 1, 2007 for students who received a TAG award during the 2006-07 academic year.All other applicants:
October 1, 2007 – fall & spring terms
March 1, 2008 – spring term only
2008-09 FAFSA Filing deadlines:
June 1, 2008 for students who received a TAG award during the 2007-08 academic year.All other applicants:
October 1, 2008 – fall & spring terms
March 1, 2009 – spring term only
2007-2008 State Deadlines:
November 15, 2007- Fall 2007
March 15, 2008 – Spring 2008
2008-2009 State Deadlines:
November 15, 2008 – Fall 2008
March 15, 2009 – Spring 2009
Renewal Eligibility
- Student must attain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 before the start of the third semester of study at the NJ four-year public institution to maintain eligibility for the third and fourth semesters. Summer courses are included in determining the GPA.
- Student must maintain continuous full-time enrollment unless on a medical leave due to the illness of the student, a member of student’s immediate family, or a family emergency. Any leave must be approved by the institution.
- Student may receive an NJ STARS II scholarship for up to four semesters, excluding summer sessions.
Further Information
Contact the financial aid office at the New Jersey four-year public institution for additional information.
Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished Scholars (DS)
Benefits- Annual awards up to $1,000
- Renewable annually based upon continued eligibility and available funding
- Scholarship program recognizes outstanding academic achievement of graduating New Jersey high school seniors
Eligibility
- Demonstrate academic achievement based upon secondary school records and SAT scores at the end of the junior year
- U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Permanent New Jersey resident for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to enrollment
- Registered with Selective Service, if required
- Enrolled full-time in an approved degree or certificate program
- Attend a New Jersey approved college or university
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress to qualify for renewal
How Do I Apply?
- Candidates are selected for consideration by their high school based upon standard academic criteria in the fall of their senior year in high school
- Award recipients are notified in November of their senior year in high school
- Interested students should see their high school guidance counselor for more information
- Students do not apply directly to this program
Urban Scholars Award (US)
Benefits- Annual awards up to $1,000
- Renewable annually based upon continued eligibility and available funding
- Awards not based on financial need
- Scholarship recognizes outstanding academic achievement of graduating New Jersey high school seniors attending public secondary schools in the State's urban, economically distressed areas
Eligibility
- Demonstrate academic achievement based upon secondary school records and SAT scores at the end of the junior year
- U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Permanent New Jersey resident for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to enrollment
- Registered with Selective Service, if required
- Enrolled full-time in an approved degree or certificate program
- Attend a New Jersey approved college or university
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress to qualify for renewal
How Do I Apply?
- Candidates are selected for consideration by their high school based upon standard academic criteria in the fall of their high school senior year
- Award recipients are notified of award eligibility in November of their high school senior year
- Interested students should see their high school guidance counselor for more information
- Note - students do not apply directly to this program
NJ World Trade Center Scholarship
This scholarship benefits dependent children and surviving spouses of New Jersey residents who were killed in or who died as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001.Benefits
- Recipients may attend an eligible post-secondary school in NJ or out-of-state
Eligibility
- Student must be a child or spouse of an individual who was a NJ resident on September 11, 2001 and was:
- killed in the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, or
- who died as a result of injuries received in the attack, or
- who died as a result of illness caused by exposure to the attack sites, or
- who are missing and officially presumed dead as a result of the attack
- U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Be a full-time, undergraduate student
- Eligibility is continued for eight years from the date of the child's high school graduation and eight years from the date of death for the spouse
How Do I Apply?
- Download an application or call 609-792-8670
- Application deadlines:
- Fall and Spring term - October 1 of the academic year for which aid is requested
- Spring term only - March 1 of the academic year for which aid is requested
Survivor Tuition Benefits
This scholarship benefits dependent children and surviving spouses of New Jersey firefighters, emergency service workers or law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty.Benefits
- Covers the cost of tuition at any New Jersey public college or university. Students enrolled at an independent New Jersey college or university may receive up to the highest tuition charged at a NJ public institution.
- Awards are renewable
Eligibility
- Student must be a child or spouse of a New Jersey firefighter, emergency service worker or law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty
- Eligible citizen or non-citizen
- Enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate program
- Attend an approved New Jersey college or university
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
- Not have received the maximum number of payments
- Eligibility is limited to eight years from the date of the child's high school graduation and eight years from the date of death for the spouse
How Do I Apply?
- Download an application or call 1-800-792-8670
- Application deadlines:
- Fall and Spring term - October 1 of the academic year for which aid is requested
- Spring term only - March 1 of the academic year for which aid is requested
Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship benefits dependent children of New Jersey law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty.Benefits
- Scholarship up to the cost of attendance, less other scholarships, grants, benefits and other assistance awarded under HESAA statute
- Renewable for up to four years
Eligibility
- Dependent child of a New Jersey law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty
- U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Enrolled full-time in an undergraduate degree program
- Enrolled at an approved New Jersey college or university
- Not have received the maximum number of payments
How Do I Apply?
- Download an application or call 1-800-792-8670
- Application deadlines:
- Fall and Spring term - October 1 of the academic year for which aid is requested
- Spring term only - March 1 of the academic year for which aid is requested
Dana Christmas Scholarship for Heroism
The Dana Christmas Scholarship was established to honor the Seton Hall student who is credited with saving lives and helping many students avoid serious injury during the tragic dormitory fire on January 19, 2001. Christmas, who was a resident advisor in the Boland Hall dormitory, passed up multiple opportunities to leave the burning building in order to help evacuate her fellow students.Dana's extraordinary actions, taken without regard for her personal safety, prevented what could have been an even more catastrophic loss of life. Her unselfish concern for others represents the ultimate example of personal responsibility.
In her honor and in this spirit, this scholarship recognizes and honors young New Jerseyans for exceptional acts of heroism.
Benefits
- Non-renewable one-time scholarship of up to $10,000
- Up to five scholarships are awarded each year
- May be used for undergraduate or graduate study
Eligibility
- Student must be 21 years of age or younger at the time of the act of heroism
- Must be a New Jersey resident at the time of the act of heroism and at the time of application
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Registered with the Selective Service, if required
- Provide proof of enrollment at an eligible school
- Funds will be held in escrow for recipients who are not yet of college age
How Do I Apply?
- Submit an application and at least one supporting nomination form - download application
- Application deadline is October 15 for awards for subsequent academic years
- Final selections are made by the Executive Committee of the HESAA Board
- Recipients will be notified in writing of their selection
Outstanding Scholars Recruitment Program
The OSRP was initiated in FY1998 as a pilot project, aiming to increase the enrollment and retention of the State’s highest achieving secondary school graduates. Students who met the eligibility criteria and enroll as first-time freshmen at participating New Jersey institutions received annual scholarship awards of up to $7,500.The program operates without underlying statute--authority is budgetary footnote language in the annual Appropriations Act and administrative guidelines developed as part of the contract with participating institutions.
Currently funding is only available for continuing juniors and seniors who already receive OSRP.
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