How to win New Jersey scholarships
In order to win New Jersey scholarships, you should be highlighting the unique aspects of New Jersey as well as yourself! Ultimately, New Jersey wants to give their scholarships to candidates who will better the state of New Jersey with their passions.
New Jersey’s proximity to big cities such as New York City and Philadelphia opens up countless scholarship opportunities, especially for New Jersey residents. Many organizations in these urban areas offer scholarships for students residing in neighboring states such as New Jersey. By tapping into the resources of nearby metropolitan areas, you are able to broaden your scholarship search and increase your chances of winning New Jersey scholarships.
Resources to help win NJ scholarships
Regardless of where you are in the scholarship search process, Scholarships360 has an abundance of helpful resources! Most scholarships require you to write an essay about yourself, but the most challenging part can be learning how to start a scholarship essay. Luckily, we got you covered! Be sure to also check out our Scholarships360 guides on how to write a 250 word essay, how to write a 500 word essay, and the ultimate guide to finding and winning scholarships.
New Jersey student debt snapshot
According to the Department of Education, New Jersey residents owe $42.5 billion total in federal student loan debt. Student borrowers owe $35,434 each on average (those numbers do not include private loans). 59.5% of these loan borrowers are under the age of 35.
When looking for ways to fund your higher education journey, remember that scholarships allow you to take fewer loans. Be sure to apply for as many as you’re qualified for. Keep on reading to learn more about top New Jersey scholarships, as well as merit scholarships from colleges in New Jersey!
Merit scholarships at New Jersey colleges and universities
Monmouth University
- Eligibility: Incoming freshmen’s academic performance, including GPA and standardized test scores
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Upon acceptance at Monmouth University
Montclair State University
- Eligibility: Incoming freshmen with an unweighted school GPA of 3.4 or higher
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Upon admission
New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Eligibility: Incoming freshmen to the NJIT
- Amount: $500 up to full tuition and fees
- Deadline: May 1
Rider University
- Eligibility: Incoming freshmen to Rider University with strong highschool academic performance
- Amount: $12,000 up to full tuition
- Deadline: January 15
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- Eligibility: Incoming first year students with an interest that aligns with the merit scholarship
- Amount: $500 up to full tuition
- Deadline: Varies
Stevens Institute of Technology
- Eligibility: Admitted students to Stevens who are considered outstanding students
- Amount: $5,000 up to full tuition
- Deadline: February 15
The College of New Jersey
- Eligibility: First year in-state applicants are automatically considered upon submission of their application
- Amount: $500 up to $12,000
- Deadline: Varies
Consider in-state tuition and tuition reciprocity
In-state tuition is the price that New Jersey residents get to pay for NEw Jersey colleges and universities. In-state tuition costs are often less than half regular tuition and can save you tens of thousands of dollars.
Here are a few well-known New Jersey universities and their in-state vs out-of-state tuition costs:
New Jersey Institute of Technology
- In-state tuition: $15,198
- Out-of-state tuition: $31,658
Rutgers University -New Brunswick
- In-state tuition: $12,900
- Out-of-state tuition: $30,600
The College of New Jersey
- In-state tuition: $17,980
- Out-of-state tuition: $23,636
How do you get New Jersey in-state tuition?
In-state tuition reduces the cost of New Jersey tuition significantly. Therefore, you are probably wondering how you can qualify for in-state tuition in New Jersey.
Establishing residency in New Jersey to qualify for in-state tuition includes physically residing in New Jersey for at least 12 consecutive months prior to enrollment at a New Jersey university or college. In addition to physically residing in New Jersey, you need to establish New Jersey as your primary domicile. This means that you should take the steps to make New Jersey your permanent residence such as getting a New Jersey driver’s license and registering your vehicle in New Jersey. Additionally, you should demonstrate financial independence in New Jersey, which includes having a job in New Jersey and filing New Jersey state taxes.
However, you should note that residency requirements vary from institution to institution within New Jersey. Therefore, be sure to review the specific requirements of your desired New Jersey schools to ensure you qualify for in-state tuition.
Does New Jersey have tuition reciprocity?
No, New Jersey does not currently participate in any tuition reciprocity programs.
Additional New Jersey resources
Educational Opportunity Fund
The New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) provides financial assistance and support services to students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds who attend participating higher education institutes in the state. Renewable undergraduate grants range from $200 annually to $4,900 annually depending on financial need.
FAFSA Guide
The FAFSA opens on October 1st of each year. The general deadlines for New Jersey students are April 15th for Tuition Aid Grant recipients, For all others, apply for the FAFSA by Sept. 15th for the fall and spring terms. For the spring term only, apply by Feb. 15th. Remember, though, the earlier you apply, the better!
New Jersey State Grants and Scholarships
Run by the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA), this website strives to support New Jersey students and families navigate their journey through higher education and beyond. The website includes information about the NJ STARs tuition grants and financial aid for NJ Dreamers. Bookmark this one!
Keep on reading
Many scholarships tend to focus on specific demographics. Demographics such as women, high school seniors and Black students can take advantage of these scholarship opportunities. Additionally, be sure to check out some no-essay scholarships, which make a quick and easy application process. Scholarships360 is here to provide you with important resources and scholarship information to help you in your educational journey!
Also see: Top Burlington County scholarships
Frequently asked questions about New Jersey scholarships
How can I find New Jersey specific scholarships?
Can out-of-state students receive scholarships to attend New Jersey colleges and universities?
Are there any New Jersey scholarships for minority students?
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