Student-centric advice and objective recommendations
Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.
Our reviews and recommendations are based on extensive research, testing, and feedback. We may receive commission from links on our website, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. You can find a complete list of our partners here.
Top 42 New Jersey Scholarships in June 2023
The state of New Jersey, known as the “Garden State,” embraces the motto “Liberty and Prosperity.” This makes sense given the bounty of scholarships and financial aid opportunities found in New Jersey!
Jump ahead to:
- Top NJ scholarships
- How to win NJ scholarships
- New Jersey student loan snapshot
- Merit scholarships at top NJ colleges
- In-state tuition and tuition reciprocity
- NJ scholarships spotlight
- Resources for New Jersey Students
- Frequently asked questions about NJ scholarships
Keep reading to find a wealth of resources to help fund your New Jersey education!
Top 35 New Jersey Scholarships in June 2023
The Scholarships360 Research Team reviews all scholarships individually and strives to exclude any scholarship where any of the below applies:
- The scholarship requires a fee to apply
- The scholarship provider’s privacy policy allows for the misuse of student data
- The scholarship requires paid membership in an organization (with certain exceptions for reputable trade organizations and others)
- Student are required to sign up for a site or service to apply*
- The scholarship seems primarily used for lead generation** or idea harvesting purposes***
- The scholarship website has many grammatical errors and/or advertisements
- The scholarship or scholarship providing organization seem untrustworthy
- There is no evidence the scholarship was previously awarded
- The scholarship has not been awarded in the past 12 months
- There is no available contact information
If you believe a scholarship has been published in error, please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll take a look!
* There are certain exceptions to this, for example if the sponsoring organization is a major corporation or nonprofit with its own scholarship application system.
** Lead generation scholarships will require students to sign up for an app or website and require minimal (if any) application requirements.
***Idea harvesting scholarships will require students to submit blog posts or other materials that companies may use for marketing purposes.
$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship
The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to…
Show More$2,000 Nitro College Scholarship – No Essay
Easy scholarship from Nitro College open to all high school, college, community and graduate students.
Niche $15,000 No Essay Scholarship
Open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year.
NJOEF Scholarship
The NJOEF Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for first-year medical students enrolled in any osteopathic medical school in the United States. The New Jersey Osteopathic Education Foundation is dedicated to…
Show MoreCSM Vincent Baldassari Memorial Scholarship Program
The CSM Vincent Baldassari Memorial Scholarship Program is open to the legal children of New Jersey National Guard Members who are also members of the Enlisted Association. Additionally, any drilling…
Show MoreJuvenile Diabetes Scholarship
Are you a graduating high school senior with Type 1 diabetes who has demonstrated exemplary academic performance? If so, you may be eligible for the Juvenile Diabetes Scholarship! The Juvenile…
Show MoreSWE New Jersey Section Scholarship
The SWE New Jersey Section Scholarship was established in 2008 to support incoming freshman engineering and engineering technology majors whose home state is New Jersey.
John Lepping Memorial Scholarship: Education Assistance for Disabled Youth
The John Lepping Memorial Scholarship is awarded each year to provide education assistance for disabled youth. Students living with spinal cord injuries, rare skin conditions, debilitating Lyme disease, cerebral palsy,…
Show MoreNational Association of Water Companies – New Jersey Chapter – Scholarship Program
The National Association of Water Companies - New Jersey Chapter - Scholarship Program offers two scholarships to high school students who will be attending a New Jersey college or university.…
Show MoreGreater Philadelphia Law Library Association Scholarships
The Greater Philadelphia Law Library Association Scholarships offer financial aid to library science students pursuing a graduate degree. Recipients will also receive a one year membership to GPLLA. This award…
Show MoreNJHOF Arete Scholarship Award
The NJHOF Arete Scholarship Award will be granted to one exceptional male and female student who are graduating from a New Jersey high school this academic year. The lucky recipients…
Show MoreSt. Andrew’s Society of Washington DC Founders’ Scholarship
"St. Andrew's Society of Washington DC Founders' Scholarship" applicants must be able to cite their Scottish descent and must submit a statement of their plans and goals. Other criteria applied…
Show MoreLouise Torraco Memorial Scholarship for Science
The Louise Torraco Memorial Scholarship for Science will be granted to two students currently pursuing a degree in the Physical Sciences including but not limited to Agro-Sciences, Astronomy, Chemistry, Earth…
Show MoreNew York Financial Writers’ Association Scholarship
Are you an undergraduate or graduate student in the New York tri-state area who is pursuing a career in business and/or financial journalism? If so, the NYFWA Scholarship might be…
Show MoreNew Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation Scholarship
New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation Scholarship applicants must be graduating high school seniors or freshmen in college, university, or trade school who have visited the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans'…
Show MoreSergeant John Basilone Graduate Scholarship
The Sergeant John Basilone Graduate Scholarship will be granted to two students beginning a full-time accredited graduate studies program at a campus based college/university in the United States. Candidates must…
Show MoreDr. Benjamin Cottone Memorial Scholarship
The Dr. Benjamin Cottone Memorial Scholarship will be granted to a senior at a campus based public or private college/university or an individual who holds a baccaulareate degree and will…
Show MoreBernard and Carolyn Torraco Memorial Nursing Scholarships
The Bernard and Carolyn Torraco Memorial Nursing Scholarships are open to students attending accredited pre-licensure or graduate nursing programs in the United States. This program is open to applicants of…
Show MoreAlphonse A. Miele Scholarship
The Alphonse A. Miele Scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior who will be attending an accredited campus based college/university program in the United States full-time. Recipients will…
Show MoreMajor Don S. Gentile Scholarship
The Major Don S. Gentile Scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior who will be attending an accredited campus based college/university program in the United States full-time. Recipients…
Show More- 1
- 2
-
Next
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.
New Jersey scholarship spotlight
NJCPA Scholarship
- Eligibility: College students with at least 3.2 GPAs interested in pursuing an accounting-related graduate program in New Jersey
- Amount: $2,000 up to $6,500
- Deadline: January 7
Janet Logan Daily Foundation Scholarship
- Eligibility: A graduating high school senior in New Jersey who enrolls full-time in an accredited university in the United States
- Amount: $10,000
- Deadline: April 1
Builder’s League of South Jersey Scholarship
- Eligibility: Students from southern New Jersey matriculating in an accredited, post-secondary school and planning to major in real estate and construction industry related fields
- Amount: $8,500
- Deadline: April 30
John Lepping Memorial Scholarship
- Eligibility: Students with physical or psychological disabilities
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: May 1
SWE New Jersey Section Scholarship
- Eligibility: Women studying in community college, baccalaureate, or graduate programs in preparation for careers in engineering, engineering technology, and computer science
- Amount: $2,000
- Deadline: May 1
John E. Kostic Juvenile Diabetes Scholarship
- Eligibility: High school seniors who are New Jersey residents with type 1 diabetes with strong academic and extracurricular activities
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: May 14
Harris Y. Cotton Memorial Scholarship
- Eligibility: Students interested in pursuing law enforcement
- Amount: $2,500, renewable
- Deadline: June 15
Meland Foundation Nursing Scholarship
- Eligibility: NJ-NY-CT-PA area nurses who already earned BSN degrees planning on earning to become pediatric specialty Nurse Practitioners
- Amount: $2,000 up to $5,000
- Deadline: August 31
New Jersey Foster Care Scholars Program
- Eligibility: Students who have been in foster care
- Amount: Varies year to year
- Deadline: September 1
Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Scholarship
- Eligibility: Child or surviving spouse of a New Jersey firefighter, emergency service worker or law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty
- Amount: Free tuition at any public institution of higher education in New Jersey.
- Deadline: Applications accepted each semester until October 1st and March 1st of each year
World Trade Center Scholarship
- Eligibility: Students who dependents or spouses of people affected by 9/11
- Amount: $5,000 per year
- Deadline: Applications accepted each semester until October 1st and March 1st of each year
New Jersey Governor’s Industry Vocations Scholarship for Women & Minorities
- Eligibility: Students who are women and minorities
- Amount: $2,000 per year up to full cost of tuition
- Deadline: Applications accepted each semester until December 1st and June 1st of each year
Governor’s Urban Scholarship
- Eligibility: Merit-based program that benefits New Jersey students in economically-challenged communities
- Amount: ½ off tuition
- Deadline: Applications accepted each semester until December 1st and June 1st of each year
Carolyn Thorn Kissel Environmental Studies Scholarship
- Eligibility: New Jersey students who pursue summer opportunities in environmental science
- Amount: $3,000
- Deadline: February 5
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!
Frequently asked questions about New Jersey scholarships
