RU-N to the TOP Program

• Registering without a Social Security Number: you can register at any U.S. Post Office.
• Registering with a Social Security Number: https://www.sss.gov/Registration/Register-Now/Registration-Form.

Award Type: First Year Student.

• Semesters of Eligibility: 8 semesters or up to 120 credits, whichever comes first. ALL semesters of enrollment are counted toward the 8 semesters.

Award Type: First Year with Transfer Credits.

• Semesters of Eligibility: Prorated up to 120 credits, whichever comes first.

Award Type: NJCC Transfer Student.

• Semesters of Eligibility: 4 semesters or up to 120 credits, whichever comes first. ALL semesters of enrollment are counted toward the 4 semesters.

If a health or family emergency, or similar good reason, prevents you from completing your degree within your award time limit. Please see appeal process for details.

No. RU-N to the TOP is intended to assist students in earning their first bachelor’s degree.

It is impossible to list all cases, which is why the determination ultimately is left to the RU-N to the TOP Committee. The reasons for granting an extension are primarily those that reflect a student’s effort to persist through adversity. These may include gaps in pre-college preparation, the need to work full-time and/or support a family, ill health, or similar unexpected or extenuating circumstances.

RU-N to the TOP is prorated at a rate of one semester for each full 15 credits that are transferred and accepted by the university.

• Recipients transferring to another undergraduate school at RU-N remain eligible to receive RU-N to the TOP.
• Students transferring to an undergraduate program elsewhere within other Rutgers universities or academic schools, including Camden, New Brunswick, School of Nursing, or RBHS, are no longer eligible to receive RU-N to the TOP. 
• Students matriculating in a graduate program anywhere at Rutgers (including RU-N) are no longer eligible to receive RU-N to the TOP.

Generally, you may not use RU-N to the TOP for summer or winter session courses, though exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Director of RU-N Office of Financial Aid. When such exceptions are made, the summer or winter session for which RU-N to the TOP is used shall count as one of the four or eight semesters of eligibility.

• The RU-N to the TOP award will be adjusted according to the university's official refund schedule.
• Details on the university’s refund schedule is available at https://studentabc.rutgers.edu/withdrawals

• A student may take a semester off, but we will need to appeal to evaluate if their RU-N to the TOP award can be reinstated. 
• The appeal application is available at this link: https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6Jz6cI5zsxRKRrn
• Students are required to meet all renewing conditions to have their RU-N to the TOP award.

There is no separate application required. Students are reviewed for the RU-N to the TOP award at the time of admittance to the university.

No. Students must have been admitted in the fall of 2016 or after to be considered for RU-N to the TOP.

Newark residency is determined by the permanent home address submitted on the student’s Admissions application and then confirmed by cross checking against their high school records.

• Newark residency is determined at the time a student submits their Admissions application.
• Students moving to the City of Newark between the time of their application and the first day of the semester may submit a letter of appeal to the Office of Admissions via email at: newark@admissions.rutgers.edu

Students must submit their final and official transcripts notated with the degree and graduation date to the Office of Admissions by the first day of classes in the semester RU-N to the TOP is offered. 

No. AAS recipients or other non-AA/AS associate degree recipients of NJCC's are eligible.

No. If you matriculated at RU-N before you earned an associate degree, you are not eligible for RU-N to the TOP.

Yes. It is only prior matriculation at Rutgers-Newark that disqualifies you from RU-N to the TOP.

Yes, all students must annually apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA or NJ Alternative Application by stated deadlines.

In-state tuition and all mandatory fees. Fee that are included are the technology, student, and school fees. 

Optional and variable fees such as the NJ PIRG, Student Health Insurance, or individual course fees are not covered.

No. A student who is in default will not qualify for RU-N to the TOP. 

No. The household income for RU-N to the TOP is determined during the first semester of eligibility.

No. Students may be enrolled at least halftime, which is the equivalent of (6) credits.

• Part-time enrollment counts as full semesters towards the award and towards the maximum eligibility. 
• Please see limitation for details on award maximums. 

Yes, if you are otherwise eligible and are matriculated at a Rutgers University–Newark school.

No. Eligibility is determined at the point of matriculation.

Yes.

Yes. Only prior matriculation at RU-N disqualifies you from receiving the RU-N to the TOP award.

Our team of financial aid professionals is ready to help you realize your goal of a Rutgers University-Newark degree. Through scholarships, grants, loans, student employment, and convenient payment plans, a Rutgers education is available and accessible.

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