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    Colleges Top Affordable Colleges in New Jersey
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    Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Scholarships360 helps students and families make informed decisions about scholarships, financial aid, college, and student loans by providing research-based information, tools, and guidance. Our editorial content is created by our team and reviewed for accuracy, clarity, and usefulness. When appropriate, articles may be reviewed by editors or subject-matter experts. We work to keep our content current, but information such as scholarship deadlines, eligibility requirements, interest rates, fees, and partner offers may change after publication.

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    Top Affordable Colleges in New Jersey

    Varonika Ware
    By Varonika Ware
    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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     , reviewed by and Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman
    Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman

    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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    Posted: September 5th, 2024

    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

    Key Takeaways

    • Stevens Institute of Technology is a great affordable option for students from any state who have a strong academic record
    • In-state students will likely receive affordable financial aid packages from The College of New Jersey and Rutgers New Brunswick
    • If you’re looking for the best need-based aid and are able to gain admission, Princeton offers some of the strongest need-based aid in the country.

    Frequently asked questions

    How do I know how much demonstrated need I have?

    Demonstrated need is found by subtracting your Student Aid Index number from the cost of attendance for your desired school. Your SAI number is calculated when you complete your FAFSA, and it can change from year to year if your family’s financial situation has changed.

    What are the requirements to prove state residency?

    Requirements to prove state residency can vary depending on your school. At the Rutgers University system, requirements include a completed Residency Analysis Form, a certified NJ resident income tax return from the year prior to the student’s enrollment, a copy of a NJ ID, and/or a lease or deed to a NJ home.

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