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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.
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 (such as grants and scholarships).
The NJ Application must be received by NJ HESAA by their established deadlines to be considered for grants and scholarship.
NOTE: New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application is a confidential application that is used solely by the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) to qualify students for state financial aid. It is not used for federal financial aid purposes. Information that is shared with HESAA via this application is used only by HESAA and partner colleges, universities, and other state agencies in order to administer grants and scholarships. HESAA will do everything within its authority and jurisdiction to protect the ongoing confidentiality of this information.
More on NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application
To be considered for NJ state financial aid grants and scholarships the student must meet ALL of these requirements:
Demographic information:
Income information:
Students who have attended at least three years of high school in New Jersey and will graduate or have graduated from a New Jersey high school may file an affidavit pursuant to S2479 (NJ Dream Act). Please download, complete, and submit the form below to the appropriate admissions office.
In 2016, the university established the Rutgers University–Newark Talent and Opportunity Pathways financial aid program, (RU-N to the TOP), for newly enrolled undergraduate students. The university expanded its reach of the RU-N to the TOP program for students who are newly admitted for fall 2022. The expanded program continues to solidify our strategic plan and commitments to boundary-crossing scholarship, diverse talent cultivation, and engagement as an anchor institution. The RU-N to the TOP program enables us to build upon these commitments and recruit the most outstanding students from across the state of New Jersey.
The RU-N to the TOP program provides a “last-dollar” financial aid scholarship that covers the cost of in-state tuition and mandatory fees. The scholarship is offered after all federal, state, institutional, internal/external scholarships and grants have been applied. Students must meet the program’s eligibility and income requirements. There is no separate application that is required for this scholarship.
Newly admitted students for fall 2022 and beyond will automatically be considered with the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) or the NJ Alternative Application if you are a NJ Dreamer. Students who are unable to complete the required financial aid form due to ineligibility will need to complete a paper FAFSA and submit supporting income document to validate their AGI.
The Garden State Guarantee (GSG) is New Jersey’s promise to make a college degree more accessible and affordable. By reducing out-of-pocket costs for students and families, New Jersey is limiting the amount of debt that residents must borrow to attend an in-state, public college or university. This program further builds on Governor Phil Murphy’s commitment to improving college affordability.
You will automatically be considered for the GSG when you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or, if you qualify as a NJ Dreamer, the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application (NJAFAA), by the posted state deadlines. Please use school code 002629 for Rutgers University.
You can learn details by visiting the "At a Glance" site.
Garden State Gurantee (GSG) Fact Sheet
Rutgers University-Newark is pleased to announce an important partnership with The Dream.US, a scholarship fund for DREAMers across the nation. Scholarships of up to $14,500 are given to Community College Transfer applicants and up to $29,000 for High School graduate applicants are awarded to help cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, and transportation expenses for students who would otherwise be unable to attend college.
The Dream.US affirmed continued support via a statement for our Rutgers University-Newark scholarship recipients.
Potential applicants must have DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) or TPS (Temporary Protected Status) approval and must meet other academic and financial qualifications. TheDream.US scholar page will provide you information on deadlines and answers to other frequently asked questions. You can also get more information from the following sources:
If you are an undergraduate student and a Dream.US scholar:
Contact: Ingrid Renderos, Director of Academic Partnerships, Office of the Chancellor
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.
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.
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.
The Office of Financial Aid can assist with any questions in reference to federal, state and institutional aid.