The state of New Jersey offers several grants and scholarships to resident students planning to stay in the state for college! Below is a list of some of them, plus additional resources and information you can take advantage of to make college more affordable for you and your family.
New Jersey State Grants
1. Community College Opportunity Grant
The Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) covers the cost of tuition and approved educational fees for students and families who have an annual adjusted gross income (AGI) of under $100,000. For students whose families make less than $65,000, they may qualify to have all college expenses paid, while those above can receive money to put toward the cost of attending school.
In order to apply, students must:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application by the grant’s deadline.
- Be a New Jersey resident.
- Be attending a community college within the state at least part-time
- Have not already earned a degree.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress as determined by the school.
2. New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG)
For students who can demonstrate financial need, there is also the New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant, also known as TAG. This award can cover up to the cost of tuition, though the amount received depends on a variety of factors including the student’s individual financial need, the cost of attendance, and the availability of funding. The maximum a student can receive in a year depends on the type of school the student is attending. For example, a student attending an independent college or university could receive up to $13,590 in 2022-2023.
The reward is renewable as long as the student hasn’t received the maximum number of payments.
To apply, students should:
- Be attending college full-time at a participating college. Students attending a County College can be attending part-time.
- Have been a resident of the state for at least 12 consecutive months before applying.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress as determined by the school.
- Complete the FAFSA or NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application by the state deadline.
3. NJ STARS
The NJ STARS program is dedicated to students who rank in the top 15% of their class by the end of their junior or senior years of high school. Students who qualify can receive an award that covers the cost of tuition (up to 18 credit hours per semester).
To be eligible, students must:
- Be attending their home county college or another county college within the state if their home county college does not have their desired area of study.
- Complete their FAFSA or NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application by the state deadline.
- Have completed a rigorous course of study in high school.
- Be attending college full time.
- Have lived in NJ for at least 12 consecutive months before applying.
The award is renewable, but students have to have a 3.0 GPA or higher in order to be eligible.
4. And Others
Other grants and scholarship programs through New Jersey include:
- NJ STARS II
- New Jersey Governor’s Industry Vocations Scholarship for Women and Minorities
- World Trade Center Scholarship
- Survivor Tuition Benefits
- Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Scholarship
- Governor’s Urban Scholarship
- NJ Foster Care Scholars
- NJ Dreamers
Where Can You Find More Information on New Jersey State Grants?
For more information on the above-listed programs, students should visit the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority of New Jersey website. This state resource also has information regarding their various loan programs and state deadlines as well as information on planning for college.
Even with grants, scholarships, and federal student loans, affording college can be out of reach for some. Private student loans can help bridge the gap between your current amount and the cost to attend your dream college. To uncover and compare student loans that can help you better afford college, use our Student Loan Finder today.
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.34%-15.96%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
4.92% - 15.08% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.50% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.50% - 14.56% Variable
3.69% - 14.41% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
4.99% - 16.85% Variable
3.47% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
