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 $13,590 (for 2023-2024) 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 2024 or if you have never received state aid, your FAFSA must be filed by September 15, 2024 (or by February 15, 2024 if you're an incoming Freshman for spring 2024) if you wish to be considered for a TAG award. For renewal applicants, the FAFSA filing deadline is May 15, 2024. Note: If you are a New Jersey resident who is TAG eligible and you are transferring into Stevens for the Spring 2024 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, 2024. 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 $2,750 per 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

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 2024 or students who have never received state aid must file the FAFSA by September 15, 2024. If you're an incoming Freshman for Spring 2024, the deadline is February 15, 2024. Returning students applying for a renewal of their TAG grant should file the FAFSA by the returning student priority deadline of May 15, 2024. The deadline for submitting additional records to the State of New Jersey for your grant application is October 1, 2023 (or March 1, 2024 for spring semester applicants).

Important Dates 2023-24

  • May 15, 2023: FAFSA filing deadline for renewal TAG recipients

  • September 15, 2023: FAFSA filing deadline for new TAG applicants

  • October 1, 2023: Deadline for all TAG applicants to complete state record in NJFAMS

  • February 15, 2024: FAFSA filing deadline for new TAG eligible spring transfer students

  • March 1, 2024: 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. [email protected]
www.hesaa.org
www.njfams.hesaa.org