New Jersey Financial Aid
State grants, eligibility, deadlines, and strategies for New Jersey students
New Jersey's Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) is one of the largest need-based state grant programs in the country, providing substantial aid to students attending New Jersey institutions. The state also offers the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) for free community college and the NJ STARS merit program.
New Jersey grant programs
Tuition Aid Grant (TAG)
Need-basedUp to full tuition at public colleges (approximately $13,000/year at Rutgers); up to $13,500/year at private institutions
Eligibility
- New Jersey resident for at least 12 months
- Demonstrate financial need via FAFSA
- Enrolled at an eligible New Jersey college or university
- U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
Deadline: FAFSA filing deadline: April 15 for renewal students; June 1 for new applicants (September 15 final deadline)
Official info →Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG)
Need-basedCovers remaining tuition and fees after other grants (last-dollar scholarship)
Eligibility
- New Jersey resident
- Family adjusted gross income of $65,000 or less
- Enrolled at a New Jersey county college
- File the FAFSA
Deadline: Apply through your community college — rolling
Official info →NJ STARS (Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship)
Merit-basedFull tuition and fees at a New Jersey community college; partial aid upon transfer to a four-year NJ institution
Eligibility
- Graduate in the top 15% of your New Jersey high school class
- Enroll full-time at your home county college
- Maintain a 3.25 GPA at county college for NJ STARS II transfer benefit
Deadline: Automatic eligibility — no separate application required
Official info →Tips for maximising New Jersey aid
New Jersey's TAG program is extremely generous — file the FAFSA as early as possible since it's one of the largest state grant programs in the nation.
If you graduated in the top 15% of your high school class, NJ STARS gives you free community college — and NJ STARS II can help when you transfer to a four-year school.
The Community College Opportunity Grant makes community college tuition-free for families earning under $65,000 — this stacks with federal Pell Grants, potentially giving you money back.
Educational guide only. State aid programs, amounts, and deadlines change annually. Always verify current information directly with Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) and your college's financial aid office before making decisions.
Put this into action
Find colleges in New Jersey that fit your budget, or learn more about the FAFSA process.