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New Jersey Financial Aid
The New Jersey Financial Aid Management System (NJFAMS) is now available for all New Jersey students who apply for NJ State aid.
Each student will need to log in and set up an NJFAMS account. NJFAMS is a user-friendly, real-time system.
To get started, visit hesaa.org/Pages/NJGrantsHome.aspx
The steps to applying for financial aid from the State of New Jersey are:
• Complete the FAFSA.
• Establish an NJFAMS account.
• Answer the NJ state-specific questions.
For additional information on loan programs, the NJCLASS Loan, or other financial aid programs available to New Jersey students, including grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and loan forgiveness programs, contact:
New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA)
PO Box 540
Trenton, NJ 08625
800-792-8670; (609) 584-4480
CustomerCare@hesaa.org
hesaa.org
Unless otherwise noted, information for all programs are available from the high school guidance counselor or HESAA.
Tuition Aid Grants (TAG) and Part-Time Tuition Aid Grant
Eligibility – legal residents who demonstrate financial need and intend to enroll as a full-time student in a New Jersey college, university or postsecondary institution. Must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or renewal application.
Awards – For current award amounts contact HESAA. The maximum awards for 2022-2023 were:
NJ County Colleges – $2,924
NJ State Colleges and Universities – $8,960
NJ Independent Colleges and Universities – $13,590
Public Research $10,344 (approved degree programs only)
Funding is also available for legal residents who demonstrate financial need and who enroll for 6–11 credits per term in an approved degree or certificate program at a New Jersey county college. Awards vary based upon financial need, cost of attendance and available funding.
New Jersey College Promise
The New Jersey College Promise offers an affordable pathway to a college degree. Together, the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) and the Garden State Guarantee (GSG) programs promise transparent, predictable pricing for up to four years of college in New Jersey.
Students enrolled in at least 6 credits per semester at any of New Jersey’s community colleges or at least 12 credits per semester at a New Jersey public four-year college or university and who have an adjusted gross income of $0 - $100,000 will be considered for this state grant.
There is no separate application. If you already completed the FAFSA® or the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application for NJ Dreamers, you are automatically being considered for this state aid.
Educational Opportunity Fund Grants (EOF)
Eligibility – legal residents who are economically and educationally disadvantaged and who are enrolled in at least 6 credits per semester at a college or university in the state of New Jersey.
Awards – vary depending on enrollment status, college costs and financial need.
For additional information, contact the college financial aid officer, campus EOF Director, or HESAA.
Governor’s Urban Scholarship Program
Eligibility – applicants must graduate from a traditional public, public charter, county vo-tech or nonpublic school and reside in one of the state’s designated hi-needs communities -- Asbury Park City, Burlington City, Bridgeton, Camden City, East Orange City, Elizabeth, Garfield, Gloucester City, Harrison, Hoboken, Irvington Township, Jersey City, Keansburg, Lakewood, Long Branch, Millville City, Neptune Township, Newark City, New Brunswick City, Orange, Passaic City, Paterson City, Pemberton Township, Perth Amboy, Phillipsburg, Plainfield City, Pleasantville, Roselle Borough, Salem City, Trenton City, Union City, Vineland City, West New York -- who rank within the top 5 percent of their class and have at least a 3.0 GPA at the end of their junior year of high school. Recipients must be legal residents of New Jersey and enroll at a New Jersey college or university as a full-time undergraduate. Financial need is not a factor in determining eligibility.
Awards – After classes start, HESAA will send half of your total annual award to your college/university.
New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship (NJ STARS)
Eligibility – New Jersey high school graduates who rank in the top 15.0% of their class during their junior or senior years of high school and choose to enroll in their local community college after high school graduation.
Students must attain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher by the start of the second year of county college enrollment to meet the academic requirement for NJ STARS renewal.
Students must graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher to qualify academically for the NJ STARS II program.
Students must apply for all other federal and state financial aid available to them.
Awards – tuition for full-time enrollment (minimum 12 credits) at one of New Jersey’s county colleges. NJ STARS will cover the remaining cost of tuition and approved fees after all other financial aid money has been awarded. Students must be enrolled in an associate degree program at a New Jersey county college and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA to be eligible for renewal.
NJ STARS recipients who earn an associate degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, meet income and all other program eligibility requirements may be eligible to receive an NJ STARS II award of up to $1,250 per semester to transfer to a New Jersey four-year public or private college or university to earn a baccalaureate degree.
New Jersey World Trade Center Scholarship
Eligibility – dependent children and surviving spouses of New Jersey residents who were killed in the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, or who died as a result of injuries received in the attacks, or who are missing and officially presumed dead as a direct result of the attacks.
Awards – The scholarship amount cannot exceed the actual tuition, fees, room and board charged. Scholarships can be applied for both in-state and out-of-state institutions.
Survivor Tuition Benefits Program (STB)
Eligibility – New Jersey residents who attend a New Jersey postsecondary institution at least half-time as an undergraduate and are dependents of emergency service personnel, firefighters, or law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty.
Awards – free tuition at any public institution of higher education in New Jersey. Recipients may also attend any approved independent institution in the State.
Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Scholarships (LEOMS)
Eligibility – dependent children of New Jersey law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty who are enrolled in full-time undergraduate study at an approved New Jersey institution of higher education.
Awards – up to the cost of attendance, less other scholarships, grants, benefits and other assistance awarded under HESAA statute.
Governor’s Industry Vocation Scholarship (NJ-GIVS)
Eligibility – a female or minority group member with an annual household income below $60,000 who enrolls in an eligible certificate or degree program in a construction-related field at one of New Jersey’s 19 county colleges.
Awards – up to $2,000 per year or up to the cost of tuition, less any federal, State, or institutional aid.
NJBEST Scholarship
Eligibility – a beneficiary of a NJBEST 529 College Savings Plan opened for at least four years with total contributions equal to at least $1,200 and be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible New Jersey Higher Educational Institution.
Awards – minimum of $1,000, maximum of $3,000.
New Jersey Foster Care Scholars
Eligibility – Current high school seniors who are, or were in foster care, were adopted or have entered Kinship Legal Guardianship through the New Jersey Division of Child Protection & Permanency (CP&P formerly DYFS) may also apply for a variety of competitive private scholarships funded and administered by embrella Embracing & Empowering Families.
For additional information contact:
1-800-222-0047
New Jersey Air National Guard Tuition Program
Members of the New Jersey Air National Guard or eligible surviving children or spouse, are eligible for free tuition for up to 16 credits per semester at any New Jersey public college or university. Benefits are also available for graduate study.
For additional information contact:
Education Services Office
Joint Force Headquarters New Jersey
2nd Floor, B 204
BLDG 3650
Saylors Pond Road
Fort Dix, New Jersey 08640
Fax # 609-562-0935
609-562-0906
New Jersey Dreamers
The New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application allows undocumented students enrolled in eligible New Jersey colleges and universities to apply for state financial aid. Contact HESAA for more information.
NJCLASS Undergraduate Loan
NJCLASS is a State of New Jersey supplemental student loan program providing students with an additional affordable source of funds for meeting college expenses not already covered by other forms of student aid.
NJCLASS provides fixed-rate loans for undergraduate students. There are several repayment options, subject to availability. The maximum repayment period is 20 years for undergraduate loans.
Eligibility - Students who are NJ residents attending eligible colleges worldwide. Non-NJ resident students attending eligible colleges in New Jersey.
Financial Aid Info
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