New Jersey Programs

If you live in the State of New Jersey, you may qualify for a variety of generous state-based grants and scholarships. These funds are different from New Jersey student loans and do not need to be repaid. Learn more about what types of grants are available and how to apply.

Available State Aid

The State of New Jersey’s Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) administers the majority of the state’s grants. Refer to the HESAA website for the most up-to-date information and deadlines about state-based scholarships and grants.

Tuition Aid Grant (TAG)

New Jersey’s TAG award program offers some of the most generous state-sponsored, need-based grants in the nation. If you demonstrate exceptional financial need, you may qualify for an annual award up to $14,404 for a maximum of nine semesters of full-time undergraduate study at Stevens. Your eligibility is based on the financial information supplied on your FAFSA, and you must be enrolled full-time in a Stevens bachelor's degree program and meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements to renew the award. If you're an incoming Freshman student for Fall 2025 or if you have never received state aid, your FAFSA must be filed by September 15, 2025 (or by February 15, 2026 if you're an incoming Freshman for spring 2026) if you wish to be considered for a TAG award. The FAFSA application renewal for continuing students is April 15, 2025 for the 25-26 academic aid year. Note: If you are a New Jersey resident who is TAG eligible and you are transferring into Stevens for the Spring 2026 semester, you must inform HESAA by logging into your NJFAMS account and selecting 'View and Update Your School'.  You can also update the FAFSA application by including our federal school code. The federal school code is 002639. Changes to the school must be submitted by March 1, 2026. Get more information on Tuition Aid Grant (TAG)

The Governor's Urban Scholars Program Award

This is a renewable merit-based award of $1,000 for high school seniors from high-need communities who rank in the top 5% of their class. There is no application process; your eligibility is determined by the high schools reporting the top 15% of their current junior class to HESAA. HESAA then identifies students who rank in the top 5% with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and sends a notice to you if you are selected for an award. For more information, and to see which communities are included, view the program’s brochure and fact sheet. Get more information on The Governor's Urban Scholars Program Award

Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Grant

New Jersey students admitted into the Stevens Technical Enrichment Program (STEP) program may qualify for the EOF Grant. To receive this need-based award of $3,050 for the 2024-2025 academic aid year, your family must meet income guidelines established by the State of New Jersey, and you must be from an educationally disadvantaged background. Get more information on Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Grant

NJ STARS II

The NJ STARS II Program is a continuation of the NJ STARS Program that provides successful NJ STARS students at New Jersey county colleges with funding to transfer to a New Jersey four-year college/ university to earn a bachelor’s degree.

The amount of the NJ STARS II award will be determined after applying all other State and Federal grants and scholarships to these charges. NJ STARS II awards are based on tuition only, with the exception of students receiving Tuition Aid Grants (TAG), who will receive awards based on both tuition and approved fees. The NJ STARS II award is calculated after all other state and federal grants and scholarships are applied with a maximum award of $1,250 per semester. NJ STARS II awards are contingent on annual state appropriations.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Students must be NJ STARS recipients or non-funded (tuition and approved fees fully covered by other State and/or Federal aid) during the semester of county college graduation.

  • NJ STARS students must have graduated from a NJ county college with an associate degree and a GPA of 3.25 or higher.

  • Family income (including taxable and untaxed income) must be less than $250,000

  • Enroll full-time (minimum of 12 credits) in a participating four-year NJ institution.

  • Apply for state and federal grants and scholarships by the state deadline.

Application Steps:

  • Meet admission and financial aid deadlines of the four-year institution.

  • Submit final county college transcript with a GPA of 3.25+.

  • File FAFSA or the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application each year prior to April 15th.

  • Log in to NJFAMS to complete the state grant record.

Additional information can be found here.

How Do I Apply for New Jersey Financial Aid?

Must complete the FAFSA application within the established state deadlines. Students who cannot file a FAFSA may complete the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application. The NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application is intended for New Jersey Dreamers who are New Jersey residents and are enrolled in eligible New Jersey colleges and universities. To view the status of your application or your state aid eligibility, you must create an account on the New Jersey Financial Aid Management System (NJFAMS). If additional information is needed, or if you are selected for state verification, you will receive an email notification from HESAA requesting additional information.*Information regarding New Jersey residency may be found online: https://www.hesaa.org/Pages/StateAidEligibilityFAQs.aspx

New Jersey Dreamers

The New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application allows NJ Dreamers, enrolled in eligible New Jersey colleges and universities, to apply for state financial aid. You may submit the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid application if you meet the following criteria:

  • You are not a United States Citizen or eligible non-citizen

  • You attended a New Jersey high school for at three (3) years

  • You graduated from a New Jersey high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma from New Jersey·

  • You are registered for Selective Service (male students only).

  • You 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

If you meet the criteria above, please visit HESAA to complete the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application.

Am I Eligible for New Jersey Financial Aid?

In order to be eligible to apply for financial aid from the State of New Jersey, you must:

What Are the Deadlines for State of New Jersey Grants?

To apply for the State of New Jersey grants listed above, incoming Freshman students for Fall 2025 or students who have never received state aid must file the FAFSA by September 15, 2025. If you're an incoming Freshman for Spring 2026, the deadline is February 15, 2026. Returning students applying for a renewal of their TAG grant should file the 25-26 FAFSA by the returning student priority deadline of April 15, 2025. The deadline for submitting additional records to the State of New Jersey for your grant application is October 1, 2025 (or March 1, 2026 for spring semester applicants).

Important Dates 2025-26

  • April 15, 2025: FAFSA filing deadline for renewal TAG recipients

  • September 15, 2025: FAFSA filing deadline for new TAG applicants

  • October 1, 2025: Deadline for all TAG applicants to complete state record in NJFAMS

  • February 15, 2026: FAFSA filing deadline for new TAG eligible spring transfer students

  • March 1, 2026: Deadline for new spring semester TAG applicants to complete state record in NJFAMS

For more information about NJ HESAA deadlines click here.

Contact HESAA

New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA)
p. 800.792.8670
f. 609.588.2228
e. clientservices@hesaa.org
www.hesaa.org
www.njfams.hesaa.org