State of NJ Student Aid
State of NJ-based financial aid programs administered by the NJ Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (“HESAA”) available:
- Tuition Assistance Grant
- NJ STARS
- Governor’s Urban Scholarship
- World Trade Center Scholarship
- NJ Survivor Tuition Benefits Program
- Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Scholarship
- Governor’s Industry Vocations Scholarship for Women and Minorities
- Community College Opportunity Grant
HESAA website provides details on student aid programs: https://www.hesaa.org.
“NJ Dreamers” - Applicants who are not a United States citizen or eligible noncitizen but have attended a NJ high school for at least three (3) years; graduated from a NJ high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in NJ; registered for Selective Service (male students only); and able to file an affidavit stating they have filed an application to legalize immigration status or will file an application as soon as eligible, are available to apply for student aid from the State of New Jersey using the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application: https://www.hesaa.org/Pages/NJAlternativeApplication.aspx.
Student aid available from the NJ Department of Children and Families through NJ Foster Care Scholarships: https://www.nj.gov/dcf/home/foster_scholars_program.html.
Funds are also available from the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF), a campus-based program from funds provided by the NJ Office of the Secretary of Higher Education that provides financial assistance and support services (e.g. counseling, tutoring, and developmental course work) to students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds who attend participating institutions of higher education in the State of New Jersey. For details, see College EOF webpage: http://www.essex.edu/eof/.
The Community College Opportunity Grant is a “last dollar” fund for which all students enrolled in at least 6 credits per semester in either the Fall or Spring and have adjusted gross income of $0 -$65,000 will be considered; no separate application needed. If the FAFSA® or NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application for NJ Dreamers has been filed, applicants will be automatically considered. This grant is only available if there is a remaining balance due after application of other federal and state aid for which the applicant is eligible. There are restrictions on types of fees that the program will cover. For complete details: https://www.hesaa.org/Pages/CCOG.aspx.
Information on programs noted above are available in the Financial Aid Office’s publication, Financial Aid Counseling Tips for Students (FACTS), available: http://www.essex.edu/fa.