Aid for Undocumented Students

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.

New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application

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.

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Eligibility Criteria - NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application

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To be considered for NJ state financial aid grants and scholarships the student must meet ALL of these requirements:

Complete The Rutgers University Tuition Equality Act Application and Affidavit (Rutgers requirement) and
Attended a New Jersey high school for at least three (3) years and
Graduated from a New Jersey high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in New Jersey and
Registered for Selective Service (male born students only) and
Demonstrate financial need and
Be a resident of New Jersey for at least12 consecutive months immediately prior to enrollment and
Be a full-time undergraduate student enrolled in an approved degree or certificate program

Demographic information:

Student’s name, address, sex, marital status, and date of birth.
Dependent students parent information is required
Parent’s name(s), date of birth(s), and marital status
A dependent student is usually defined as unmarried, under 24 years of age, has no dependents that they are supporting, and not a veteran of the US Armed Services.

Income information:

School Year 2019-2020 requires 2017 tax information
Your/parent federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned.
Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
Records of untaxed income (if applicable)

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More on the Rutgers University Tuition Equality Act Application and Affidavit

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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.

Application and Affidavit

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RU-N to the TOP

The university has established the Rutgers University–Newark Talent and Opportunity Program (RU-N to the TOP) that solidifies our strategic plan and commitments to boundary-crossing scholarship, diverse talent cultivation, and engagement as an anchor institution. This scholarship enables us to build upon these commitments and recruit the most outstanding undergraduate students from the City of Newark and/or NJ County College Transfers (NJCC).

The RU-N to the TOP scholarship provides a “last-dollar” award. This award covers the cost of in-state tuition and mandatory fees. The award is offered after all federal, state, and internal/external scholarships and grants have been applied. The scholarship began in the fall of 2016 for students entering Rutgers University–Newark for the first time.

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TOP Student Eligibility and Requirements

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Student Eligibility and Income Requirements:

All qualified students must be an admitted, enrolled, and matriculated student at Rutgers University–Newark seeking the completion of their first bachelor’s degree, starting no earlier than the fall 2016 semester. Eligible students must qualify for in-state tuition and meet the following student, citizenship, and household income requirements:

1. Student Requirement

Be a resident of the City of Newark, NJ; or
Be a graduate with an Associate degree from a New Jersey County College

2. Citizenship Requirement

Be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National; or
Be a U.S. permanent resident who has an I-151, I-551, or I-551c (Alien Registration Receipt Card); or
Be a recipient of New Jersey S2479 (the Tuition Equality Act/NJ Dream Act)

3. Household Income Requirement

Student must have a household adjusted gross income (AGI) of $60,000 or less.
Household income is determined by the student’s responses reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or on the HESAA NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application (for NJ Dreamers).
Students selected for federal and/or state verification will need to submit additional documentation to validate their reported income.
The online FAFSA at fafsa.ed.gov or the HESAA NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application will guide you through the application process.

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The Dream.US

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.

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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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Key Contacts

Office of Financial Aid

(973) 353-5151

newark_aid@ofa.rutgers.edu

Blumenthal Hall302

249 University AvenueNewarkNJ07102

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