Grants
Like scholarships, grants are gift aid that does not need to be repaid. Grants are awarded to students based solely on financial need. To be considered for any Rutgers grants, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Federal Pell Grants
What is it:
Pell Grants are the foundation of federal student aid, to which aid from other federal and non-federal sources might be added. Pell Grants are generally awarded only to undergraduate students – those who haven’t earned a bachelor’s or graduate degree. In some limited cases, however, you might receive a Pell Grant if you’re enrolled in a post-baccalaureate teacher certificate program.
Who is eligible:
- US citizen or eligible non-citizen.
- Students who demonstrate exceptional financial need and an eligible Expected Family Contribution.
- Students not in default on a Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Stafford Loan (Subsidized or Unsubsidized) or Federal PLUS Loan.
- Students not owed a refund on a Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, or FSSIG received for attendance at any institution
- Students who have not borrowed in excess of loan limits‚ under the Title IV Program
- Students who have not yet received a baccalaureate degree.
- Students may be enrolled less than half time to be eligible.
- Students who expect to have a credit balance after their aid is paid will receive a credit on their RUConnect card to enable them to purchase books at the University bookstore. Students can opt out of this process and purchase their books from any vendor of their choosing.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
What is it:
Need, campus-based aid. Students who will receive Federal Pell Grants and have the most financial aid will receive FSEOGs first. The FSEOG does not need to be repaid. Eligible students can receive between $100 and $2,000 a year, depending upon level of need and availability of funds.
Who is eligible:
- Undergraduate students.
- US citizens or eligible non-citizens.
- Students who demonstrate exceptional financial need and an eligible Expected Family Contribution.
- Students not in default on a Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Stafford Loan (Subsidized or Unsubsidized) or Federal PLUS Loan.
- Students not owed a refund on a Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, or FSSIG received for attendance at any institution.
- Students who have not borrowed in excess of loan limits‚ under the Title IV Program.
- Students who have not yet received a baccalaureate degree.
New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG)
What is it:
A Tuition Aid Grant is a state financial aid program that is administered by the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. The award amounts are based upon the student’s need, the cost to attend the college, and the funds available for distribution.
Who is eligible:
- Students who have not yet received a baccalaureate degree.
- Students who have been legal residents of New Jersey for at least 12 consecutive months before enrolling in a New Jersey institution.
- Students who demonstrate financial need.
- Students who are enrolled as a full-time.
- Students who are not in default or owe a refund on any Title IV programs.
Educational Opportunity Fund Programs
What is it:
The New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund Grant is awarded to both undergraduate and graduate students from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds with demonstrated financial need. Grants are renewable annually based upon satisfactory academic progress and continued financial eligibility. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the “Renewal Application” is required to apply for this grant.
Undergraduate grants for on-campus residents depend on college costs and financial need.
Who is eligible:
- Students who have been New Jersey residents for 12 consecutive months prior to the award period.
- Students who demonstrate “historical poverty” as defined by EOF guidelines as well as adhere to family size and income cut–off.
- Students who are enrolled full-time.
- For Graduate EOF information contact The Office of EOF Administration at (848)445-1687.
NEW JERSEY STARS II
What is it:
A New Jersey state program, the NJ Stars II program offers NJ Stars recipients up to $2,500 per year at any New Jersey public or independent NJ TAG-participating four-year college or university.
Who is eligibile:
- Students who were NJ Stars recipient during their semester of graduation.
- Students who graduated from a New Jersey county college with an associate degree.
- Students who graduated with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 or higher.
- Students enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program full-time.
Disadvantaged Student Fund
* for Rutgers Health students only
The Disadvantaged Student Fund is a Rutgers Health grant program designed to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds or students who demonstrate “exceptional financial need” as defined by Rutgers Health.
Aid for Undocumented Students
Financial Aid Resources for NJ Dreamers
The State of New Jersey offers financial assistance for certain undocumented students through the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. To qualify, the student must meet the requirements below:
- 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 from New Jersey
- Register for the Selective Service (male students only)
- Are able to file an affidavit stating that you will file an application to legalize your status or will file an application as soon as you are eligible to do so.
Students can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the NJ Alternative Application.