Higher education can be very expensive. Between the tuition, fees, books, housing, living expenses, and more, there are lots of elements pulling for your attention. But it’s at times like these that HESSA - The Higher Education Student Assistance Authority - in New Jersey can help you. They make the finding financial aid for college easier by offering financial and informational resources to prospective students like you. Some of these programs and resources are listed below.
New Jersey’s 529 college savings plan
Start saving early with a 529 College Savings plan, created for American families to encourage saving for higher education. These plans are implemented by state agencies, meaning each state is a little different. The NJBEST 529 College Savings Plan allows maximum flexibility and diverse investments to fit the needs of any investor. You can learn more by visiting NJBEST.com
The NJBEST Scholarship is for students who are part of New Jersey’s 529 College Savings Plan. They must have had an account open for at least 4 years, with their contribution greater than or equal to $1200. The scholarship will be $500 if the student has had their account with New Jersey’s 529 College Savings Program for 4 years, with an extra $250 available for each additional 2 years activity. Learn more on our page featuring information about the NJBEST Scholarship.
The Governor's Urban Scholarship Program
Created by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie in 2012, the Governor’s Urban Scholarship Program is a merit-based scholarship to help those in New Jersey’s Economically challenged communities. There are eligibility requirements including the area you reside in, being a US citizen and resident of New Jersey for at least one year, etc. You can find these requirements and more in our brochure.
New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students (NJCLASS)
The New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students (NJCLASS) is New Jersey’s supplemental student loan program for both New Jersey residents attending an eligible in or out of state school, or out-of-state students attending college in New Jersey. The purpose of the loan is to help pay for education expenses your scholarship, grants, and other loans don't cover such as tuition and fees, book and equipment, housing both on or off campus, and study abroad programs.
The New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG)
The New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) is one of the most generous need-based financial aid programs in the nation. Available for both full and part time students, TAG bases your reward amount on Financial need, cost of attendance, and available funding. These awards can be renewed annually as long as the student meets their eligibility requirements. Check out their brochure to learn more.
New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship (NJ STARS and NJ STARS II)
The New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarships are exclusively for New Jersey residents. There are 2 programs available, the NJ STARS cover the cost of tuition at New Jersey’s 19 community Colleges. This scholarship is for students who rank in the top 15% of their high school classes at the end of either their junior or senior year. Students are eligible for 5 semesters of tuition, and if they maintain a 3.25 GPA or higher, will be eligible for the NJ STARS II program. The NJ STARS II Program is for students who completed the NJ STARS program successfully and have transferred to a New Jersey four-year public or private college or university to earn a bachelor’s degree. This award is based on tuition only, except for those who are TAG recipients who may also be approved for assistance with other school fees as well.
The Governor's Industry Vocations Scholarship (NJ-GIVS)
Announced in 2013 by governor Chris Christie, the Governor’s Industry Vocations Scholarship is especially for minorities and women pursuing a certificate or degree program in a construction-related field. These degrees include Architectural engineering Technology, Carpentry, Civil Engineering Technology, Landscape Design/Build, Masonry, Plumbing, Quality Assurance Technology and more. This Scholarship pays up to $2,000/year or the cost of tuition minus any other financial aid the student may have. Click here for a list of available degree programs and eligibility requirements.
In New Jersey, there are resources designed to fit just about every need. You won’t have to put off going to college because of financial worries. HESAA is here to help find the program that is right for you.
