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

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 2025-2026 requires 2023 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

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.

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Garden State Guarantee

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 at Scarlet Hub.

Garden State Gurantee (GSG) Fact Sheet