Grants are awarded based on financial need, and they do not have to be repaid.
Grants
In This Section
Grants, a form of aid based on your financial need, often have specific eligibility requirements. The information below can help you understand your grant options; however, to find out for certain if you are eligible, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's degree.
Eligibility Requirements for the Pell Grant
To be eligible for a Pell Grant, you must
- Be a U.S. Citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Demonstrate exceptional financial need and an eligible Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
- Not be in default on any federal loan (Perkins, Direct, or PLUS)
- Not owe a refund on any federal grant received for attendance at another institution
- Not borrow in excess of loan limits, under the Title IV Program
- Have not yet received a bachelor's degree
Note: For a Pell Grant, you are still eligible if you are enrolled less than half-time.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
This grant is need-based, campus-based aid, and it does not have to be repaid. The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) depends on your level of need and the availability of funds. For eligibility requirements, see above requirements for the Pell Grant.
Note: For an FSEOG grant, unlike the Pell Grant, you must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible.
New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG)
The Tuition Aid Grant (TAG), is a state grant administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA). This grant is based on your financial need, the cost to attend the college, and the funds available for distribution. For the 2018–2019 academic year, the state grant deadline for filing the FAFSA as a first year student is September 15. If you are a continuing student, you must file before April 15.
Eligibility Requirements for the New Jersey TAG
To be eligible for the New Jersey TAG, you must
- Have not yet received a bachelor's degree
- Have been a legal resident of New Jersey for at least 12 consecutive months before enrolling in a New Jersey institution
- Demonstrate financial need
- Be enrolled full-time
- Not be in default or owe a refund on any Title IV Programs
Educational Opportunity Fund Programs (EOF)
The New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) grant is awarded to both undergraduate and graduate students who are from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds and demonstrate financial need. This state grant is renewable annually based on satisfactory academic progress and continued financial eligibility. The grant is administered by HESAA, and it requires you to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility. For the 2018–2019 academic year, the state grant deadline for filing the FAFSA as a first year student is September 15. If you are a continuing student, you must file before April 15. Learn more about EOF eligibility.
New Jersey STARS II
A New Jersey state program, NJ STARS II offers NJ STARS recipients up to $2,500 per year. The award can be used at any New Jersey public or independent four-year institution that participates in NJ TAG. For the 2018–2019 academic year, the state grant deadline for filing the FAFSA as a first year student is September 15. If you are a continuing student, you must file before April 15.
Eligibility Requirements for the New Jersey STARS II Grant
To be eligible for the New Jersey STARS II grant, you must
- Be an NJ STARS recipient during your semester of graduation
- Have graduated from a New Jersey County College with an associate degree
- Have graduated with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.25 or higher
- Be enrolled in a full-time baccalaureate degree program
Key Contacts
Blumenthal Hall3rd Floor
249 University AvenueNewarkNJ07102
The Office of Financial Aid can assist with any questions in reference to federal, state and institutional aid.