Grants and scholarships are free money options to help you pay for college. Unlike student loans, you don’t have to pay them back. This page lists available state resources.

What's the difference between a grant and a scholarship?

Scholarships are available to a wide variety of students where you typically apply and earn a scholarship. Scholarships can be offered by corporations, non-profit organizations and individuals, and tend to be competitive. To see a full list of scholarships, click here.

Tuition Aid Grant (TAG)

The New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) is a need-based grant awarded to New Jersey residents which is determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The award amount varies depending on financial need, cost of attendance and available funding. This grant is available to students who meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Resident of New Jersey for 12 month preceding enrollment
  • Full-time enrollment
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) or Free College Program

The Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) or Free College Program which provides assistance for tuition and approved fees for eligible students. This grant is available to students who meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Enrolled in at least six (6) credits during Academic Year 2019-2020
  • Does not have a prior college degree
  • Completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application prior to the deadline.
  • Make satisfactory academic progress
  • Have a total household adjusted gross income between $0 - $65,000

To learn more about the NJ free community college program, click here

New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship (NJ STARS)

The NJ STARS Program is an initiative created by the State of New Jersey that provides New Jersey’s highest achieving students with free tuition at their home county college.

The NJ STARS award covers the cost of tuition, less any State and/or Federal grants and scholarships, for up to five semesters. The award covers these charges for up to 18 credit hours per semester. Funding for NJ STARS awards is dependent upon annual state appropriations.To learn more about NJ STARS, click here.

Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF)

EOF 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 colleges in New Jersey. Undergraduate grants range from $200 annually to $2,650 annually depending on the type of institution and financial need. These grants are renewable based upon continued eligibility.

Candidates interested in applying for EOF should visit the EOF website.