Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities

Undocumented students can take advantage of several programs offered by Rutgers University–Newark. For more information please reach out to the Office of Financial Aid at Rutgers University–Newark to make an appointment with a Financial Aid counselor.

2024-2025 FAFSA Simplification & December 2023 Launch

NJ Financial Aid

Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA)

On Wednesday, May 9, 2018, Governor Murphy signed legislation that would make NJ State Aid available to NJ Dreamers. The New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application allows undocumented students in eligible New Jersey colleges and universities to apply for state financial aid.

For more information on eligibility and application process, please click here.

New Jersey Dream Act

For more information about qualifying for in-state tuition under the Tuition Equality Act, also known as the New Jersey Dream Act, contact the Admissions Office and/or the Office of Financial Aid.

RU Scholarships

Rutgers University-Newark Talent and Opportunity Pathways (RU-N to the TOP)

RU-N to the TOP program is a financial aid program that provides a “last-dollar” scholarship covering the cost of in-state tuition and mandatory school fees after all federal, state, and internal/external scholarships and grants have been applied.

Note: RU-N to the TOP scholarship is offered for both fall and spring enrollment. Click here for more information on RU-N to the TOP.

TheDream.US

TheDream.US affirmed continued support via a statement for our Rutgers University-Newark scholarship recipients.

RU–N partners with TheDream.US, a scholarship fund for DREAMers across the nation. The scholarship helps cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, and transportation expenses for those who would otherwise be unable to attend college.

Dream.US can provide you the details on the scholarship criteria. TheDream.US scholar page will provide you information on scholarship deadlines and answers to other frequently asked questions. You can also get more information from the following sources:

Email: TheDream.US@applyists.com (reference TheDream.US Scholarship Program)
Telephone: 1.855.670.ISTS (4787) (ask for TheDream.US Scholarship Program)

External Scholarships

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Hispanic Scholarship Foundation

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The Hispanic Scholarship Foundation is awarding scholarships to high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate students, and community college transfers. Awards range from $500 to $5,000. This scholarship opportunity is open to undocumented students with DACA.

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MALDEF

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Since MALDEF’s founding, the civil rights organization has supported the next generation of civil rights advocates for the Latino community. MALDEF currently offers a Scholarship Resource Guide for high school, college, and graduate students, plus a Law School Scholarship Program for law students.

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Golden Door Scholars

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Golden Door Scholars provides scholarships for DACA students and scholarships for undocumented students. High school seniors or recent graduates may qualify, but preference will be given to high school graduates from states that require undocumented students to pay out-of-state tuition.

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Still have questions about Undocumented Students?

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If I’m neither a United States citizen, nor a permanent resident of the United States, am I eligible for RU–N to the TOP?

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If you show that you have qualified for in-state tuition pursuant to New Jersey S2479 (the "NJ Dream Act") and also meet the student and income requirements, then you would be eligible. If you are an undocumented student and qualify for DACA, follow these steps:

Complete and submit the Affidavit for Nonresident Tuition Exemption for Eligible New Jersey High School Graduates.
In order to be considered for a RU–N to the TOP scholarship, the Office of Financial Aid will need to review your total household income. To accomplish this, we ask that you file a FAFSA. Students with a valid Social Security Number can complete the on-line FAFSA. All other students should complete a paper version of the FAFSA. The paper FAFSA should be submitted directly to the Office of Financial Aid.
Assistance with completing the FAFSA is available online. You may also schedule an appointment with the Office of Financial Aid for one-on-one advisement.

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Key Contacts

Office of Financial Aid

Blumenthal Hall3rd Floor

249 University AvenueNewarkNJ07102

Click here for office hours

The Office of Financial Aid can assist with any questions in reference to federal, state and institutional aid.

Click here to contact us