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Top Affordable Colleges in New Jersey
By
Varonika Ware
Varonika Ware is a content writer at Scholarships360. Varonika earned her undergraduate degree in Mass Communications at Louisiana State University. During her time at LSU, she worked with the Center of Academic Success to create the weekly Success Sunday newsletter. Varonika also interned at the Louisiana Department of Insurance in the Public Affairs office with some of her graphics appearing in local news articles.
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Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman is the Director of Content at Scholarships360. He has written over 300 articles on college admissions, financial aid, and scholarships, in addition to spearheading research projects for Scholarships360's Top Colleges resource. Gabriel graduated from Kenyon College with a degree in sociology.
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If you’re looking for affordable schools in New Jersey, there are plenty of great options to consider. Your education is worth it, but that doesn’t mean it has to be expensive! So, keep reading for insights into affordable in-state options and best merit and need aid schools!
Affordable in-state options
The College of New Jersey
While the College of New Jersey automatically considers students for merit awards, this school also offers need-based aid to supplement these awards, such as the Lions Pride Need Award. It was also ranked as the 9th highest public 4-year graduation rate in the nation in 2022 by IPEDS.
Rutgers New Brunswick
If you’re interested in Rutgers, you’ll be happy to know that 72% of students receive financial aid, which comes out to about $66 million for first-year students. This school also offers the Scarlet Guarantee, which provides students with “last dollar” financial aid to cover the cost of tuition and fees.
Best merit aid
Stevens Institute of Technology
At Stevens, only incoming students are offered merit scholarships, and there are seven scholarships that they can be considered for. Those scholarships are the Ann P. Neupauer Scholarship, the Edwin A. Stevens Scholarship, the Martha Bayard Stevens Scholarship, the Presidential Scholarship, the Clark Scholarship, the ROTC Matching Scholarship, and the Global Scholarship.
These awards range from $5,000 to full tuition and are renewable for all four years as long as you meet eligibility requirements. Merit scholarships also require full-time attendance, and some will require you to submit both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.
Best need-based aid
Princeton University
Princeton, like other Ivy League colleges, is dedicated to covering 100% of student need, which is why they don’t offer merit scholarships. The average grant covers 100% of tuition, which is about $60,000 per year. Surprisingly, this approach to financial aid can actually make Princeton your most affordable option!
Key Takeaways
Frequently asked questions
How do I know how much demonstrated need I have?
What are the requirements to prove state residency?