NEW JERSEY FINANCIAL AID
Although undocumented students and DACA beneficiaries are not eligible for federal aid, they may be considered for several state financial aid programs. On May 9, 2018, Governor Murphy signed legislation that made NJ State Aid available to NJ Dreamers. To apply, DACA and undocumented students should complete the *New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application. This application allows undocumented students in eligible New Jersey colleges and universities to apply for state financial aid. (DACA and undocumented students should not file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).)
New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application
The New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application allows NJ Dreamers enrolled in eligible New Jersey colleges and universities to apply for state financial aid.
Who should complete this application?
Complete this application if you are not a United States citizen or eligible non citizen and meet all of the following criteria;
- Attended a New Jersey high school for at least three (3) years
- Graduated from a New Jersey high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in New Jersey
- Registered for Selective Service (male students only)
- Are able to file an affidavit stating that you have filed an application to legalize your immigration status or will file an application as soon as you are eligible to do so
NJ Dreamers Can Renew Their State Aid. Complete the Alternative Financial Aid Application. Click here to apply NOW.
*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.
Renewal Students
Students who have received state financial aid for AY 2020-21 and want to renew their aid for AY 2021-22 are to meet the following deadlines:
Fall 2021 and Spring 2022
|
Apr 15 2021 |
Submit FAFSA |
|
Nov 1 2021 |
Complete State Record in NJFAMS* (State tasks, verification, corrections, reevaluations, adding a college, etc…) |
Spring 2022 only
|
Mar 1 2022 |
Complete State Record in NJFAMS* March 1 or 30 days from initial notification (State tasks, verification, corrections, reevaluations, adding a college, etc…) |
New Students and Non-Renewal Students
All high school seniors, first-time college students and students that did not receive state financial aid in AY 2020-21 are to meet the following deadlines:
Fall 2021 and Spring 2022
|
Sept 15 2021 |
Submit FAFSA |
|
Nov 1 2021 |
Complete State Record in NJFAMS* (State tasks, verification, corrections, reevaluations, adding a college, etc…) |
Spring 2022 only
|
Feb 15 2022 |
Submit FAFSA |
|
Mar 1 2022 |
Complete State Record in NJFAMS* March 1 or 30 days from initial notification (State tasks, verification, corrections, reevaluations, adding a college, etc…) |
New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) for NJ Dreamers
New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application Required
TAG is one of the most generous need-based financial aid programs in the nation.
Students must:
- Have a high school diploma or recognized equivalent
- Demonstrate financial need
- Students must be citizens, eligible non-citizens or eligible to file the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application.
- Be a resident of New Jersey for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to enrollment
- Be registered with Selective Service (if required)
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
- Be a full-time undergraduate student enrolled in an approved degree or certificate program
Awards range from $2,284 to $10,146 annually
Educational Opportunity Grant (EOF)
New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application Required
EOF is a state-funded program that supports New Jersey’s aspiring first-generation college students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds by providing financial aid, one-on-one and group academic counseling, academic support services, workshops, programs, events, and experiential learning and leadership opportunities to students enrolled in this comprehensive program.
What does EOF at Rutgers University-Camden Offer?
- Grant funding for up to 12 semesters of study.
- A five-week pre college Summer Institute for all entering first year students
- 1:1 academic coaching and student support services with your assigned EOF counselor
- Student-centered workshops to address professional development, academic success, and other educational topics
- Experiential learning and leadership opportunities to supplement and enhance your academic experience
- A family-like environment to ensure your academic success and on-time graduation
Apply to EOF in just 5 steps by clicking here.
Awards range up to $1,600 annually.
NJ STARS II Information for NJ STARS Graduates
New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application Required
NJ STARS students who graduate from a community college within five semesters with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or greater may qualify for NJ STARS II scholarships. Students earning Nursing or Engineering degrees are given an additional unfunded sixth semester to graduate.
- NJ STARS II will provide a $2,500 annual scholarship for NJ STARS students who earn their associate degrees at their community colleges with grade point averages of 3.25 or better and successfully transfer to any public or private New Jersey four-year college or university to earn their baccalaureate degrees.
- NJ STARS graduates must begin NJ STARS II program participation at a four-year college or university within one semester after graduation (no later than the second semester immediately following graduation) or they will no longer be eligible for NJ STARS II scholarships.
- Qualifying NJ STARS II students will continue to have four semesters of NJ STARS II eligibility
- NJ STARS II students must maintain a 3.25 grade point average in their junior year to receive the scholarship in their senior year.
- Financial aid review for both federal (FAFSA) and state-based (HESAA) must be completed by the four-year college/university and HESAA by the appropriate deadlines in order to be eligible for the NJ STARS II program.
- Students whose families’ income equals or exceeds $250,000 will not be eligible for NJ STARS II.
For more information, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at Rutgers University-Camden to make an appointment with a financial aid counselor.
[pardot-form id=”7987″ title=”Form-Website-Graduate School Arts and Sciences”]