Fun fact: the street names on a Monopoly game board are based on those in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Unless you plan to pay for college using Monopoly money, you may want to start your search for scholarships. For those living in New Jersey, these state-specific scholarships are a great way to help pay for college or grad school.
Even if you aren't a current resident of New Jersey but plan to attend a school in the Garden State, such as: Princeton University, Rutgers University, the College of New Jersey, Seton Hall University, Montclair State University, or the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), you may also be qualified for these scholarships for New Jersey students. Check out our directory of New Jersey scholarships, and apply online today!
Check out our list of 108,377 New Jersey Scholarships in 2024 worth $1B.
$8,250
Award Amount
15
Awards
Dec 11
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. high school seniors who are residents of New Jersey and are enrolled in a New Jersey high school. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.5 or above, or a minimum combined verbal, math and essay SAT score of 1260 or higher, or minimum average ACT score of 26 or higher.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 24
Deadline
This scholarship and internship opportunity is available for female communications and journalism majors residing in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 24
Deadline
This scholarship and internship opportunity is available for female journalism and communications majors who reside in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania.
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$6,250
Award Amount
20
Awards
Jan 24
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. female high school seniors and/or current college students who are permanent residents of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut or Pennsylvania. Students must have a grade point average of 3.2 or higher overall, and major in a communications-related field, such as advertising, broadcasting, communications, journalism, marketing, new media or public relations.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 24
Deadline
This scholarship is available for undergraduate women who have completed at least one year of study toward a degree in communications or journalism. Applicants must reside in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania and must show an interest in and commitment to magazine publishing or digital/online media.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 24
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Hispanic women who are majoring in journalism or communications. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement and must be residents of Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 24
Deadline
This scholarship is available for upperclass undergraduate women who are majoring in communications or journalism. Applicants must reside in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or New York, and must demonstrate participation in athletics and sports.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 24
Deadline
This scholarship is available for women in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania who are majoring in journalism or communications. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement and recognition for a talent in writing.
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$5,000
Award Amount
121
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
This grant is open to New Jersey residents who are returning undergraduate students at Centenary University in New Jersey. Students must demonstrate financial need.
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$7,500
Award Amount
2
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for New Jersey undergraduate and graduate students who plan careers in New Jersey in environmental science, natural resource management, conservation, horticulture, park administration, or a related field. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and must enroll full time.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
May 1
Deadline
This award is available for female incoming and current college freshmen whose home state is New Jersey. Students must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and plan to major in engineering or engineering technology.
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$10,000
Award Amount
13
Awards
Oct 25
Deadline
This award is for high school seniors with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher who demonstrate critical financial need and are residents of New Jersey.
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$837
Award Amount
9,907
Awards
Nov 15
Deadline
This grant is available for New Jersey residents who are attending a New Jersey county college on a part-time basis. Students must demonstrate financial need.
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$2,580
Award Amount
1,976
Awards
Nov 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for New Jersey high school seniors who rank in the top 15 percent of their high school graduating class. Students must plan to attend their home county college.
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$3,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Dec 31
Deadline
If you are a current resident of New York or New Jersey, and you have experienced a traumatic brain injury, you are eligible to apply to the Ricigliano & Filopei Scholarship for TBI Survivors. The scholarship is open to current college students, as well as prospective students.
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$28,000
Award Amount
28
Awards
Jan 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are currently enrolled as high school seniors. Students must have made a contribution to the Asian/Pacific American community and reside in one of the nine states or regions with an active Asian Pacific Islanders for Professional and Community Advancement (APCA) chapter.
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$20,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 21
Deadline
This award is for U.S. high school juniors and seniors who participate in a mathematical modeling challenge as part of a school-based group.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
Graduating high school seniors with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher who are residents of an eligible state may apply for this award. Applicants must be of Portuguese descent or be enrolled in a Portuguese language class in high school.
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$20,238
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
High school seniors and transfer students who are not residents of Idaho and are planning to enroll at Lewis-Clark State College for the first time are eligible for this award. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and must plan to enroll full time.
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$1,250
Award Amount
2
Awards
Mar 31
Deadline
This award is for full-time graduate and undergraduate students involved in the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) or of Greek heritage. Applicants must major in engineering, medical studies, or nursing and must be a resident of Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut, Deleware, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, or Washington, D.C..
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
U.S. high school seniors who have been involved with Becca's Closet are eligible to apply for this award. Students must enroll full time and have an unweighted grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 28
Deadline
The Reverend Servio R. Moscoso Foundation was founded in 2021 as a nonprofit organization to honor and celebrate the next generation of community Latino leaders.
The scholarship is named after the late Reverend Servio R. Moscoso in honor of his memory and legacy as a dedicated servant to his community. It will provide exceptional students who have dedicated their time to bettering their community with the resources needed to complete a higher level of education.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to international and U.S. students who are in their final two years of undergraduate study or are in graduate programs at a LAAB-accredited institution. Students must be studying landscape architecture with a demonstrated interest and aptitude in the design of play environments.
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$4,600
Award Amount
100
Awards
Nov 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for children and spouses of individuals who were New Jersey residents on Sept. 11, 2001 and: were killed in the terrorist attacks against the United States on Sept. 11, 2001; died as a result of injuries received in the attack; died as a result of illness caused by exposure to the attack sites; or are missing and officially presumed dead as a result of the attack. Eligibility is continued for eight years from the date of the child's high school graduation or eight years from the date of death for the spouse.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 29
Deadline
Rebecca was a passionate, bright, fun-loving young woman who loved being with her friends and felt that no one should miss a high school event because they couldn’t afford to be there. She saw the inequity in the situation and sought to change things. During the Spring of her sophomore year, Becca singlehandedly collected and donated over 250 formal dresses and helped hundreds of girls across South Florida attend their High School proms in style.
To keep Becca's dream alive, countless dedicated people throughout the United States have joined forces to provide opportunities for those who seek them. Although the core mission of Becca's Closet, located in the Festival Marketplace in Pompano Beach, FL, was to collect and distribute dresses to high school girls with financial need, our goals have expanded to offer additional opportunities for deserving young people. In the spirit of Rebecca's visions and aspirations, our foundation raises funds to award post-secondary educational scholarships recognizing the exemplary efforts of young men and women nationwide who demonstrate Becca's spirit of generosity in their own communities.
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Understanding Scholarships In New Jersey
338,495 students were enrolled at the Garden State’s 47 colleges and universities in the spring of 2024.
It is important to understand how much going to school in New Jersey can cost before looking at the grants and scholarships that are available to New Jersey students, to make college-going affordable!
New Jersey residents can expect to pay approximately $ 16,000 in tuition and fees at any of the Rutgers University campuses while out of state students will pay approximately $ 36,000. Tuition can vary slightly depending on what you major in at Rutgers. In-state residents will pay about the same to attend Montclair State and NJIT but slightly more in tuition and fees at College of New Jersey. Other public schools such as Thomas Edison State University generally have more affordable tuition and fees.
A good number of students in New Jersey are eligible for federal, state, and institutional grants that can make the cost of college much more affordable. Even so, students often will find they will still incur out of pocket costs associated with pursuing their education in the state of the Garden State. This is why private scholarships play an important role for many students in keeping college costs affordable!
New Jersey Scholarships for College
If you plan to go to college in New Jersey, here are some grants and scholarships to consider.
New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant
The Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) is a need-based grant with annual awards of up to $ 14,404 for 2024-25. Your actual award amount will be based on your family income, the type of college or university you attend, the school you are attending, and whether you are attending part or full-time. TAG funds may be used at eligible private and private colleges and universities in New Jersey.
Garden State Guarantee
The Garden State Guarantee (GSG) helps keep college affordable for students from low and moderate income families in New Jersey. GSG ensures certain families will not have to pay any remaining or a reduced level of tuition and fees that remain after other federal and state financial aid a student has been eligible for has been applied. The exact amount of this benefit will be determined based on your family’s income and other financial aid you receive. The GSG only applies to New Jersey’s public 4 year colleges and universities.
Community College Opportunity Grant
Similar to GSG, the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) helps cover remaining tuition and fees students who attend community colleges in New Jersey may owe after other financial aid is considered. CCOG is available to New Jersey residents who have adjusted gross incomes of less than $ 100,000.
Governor’s Urban Scholarship
The Governor’s Urban Scholarship (GUS) is a merit-based scholarship available to all New Jersey students who by the end of their junior year of high school rank in the top 5% of their class with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and live in certain designated high-need communities. Students who qualify for GUS are typically notified by the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA). Awards vary and are based on state funding. GUS awards may be used at eligible public and private colleges and universities in New Jersey.
Governor’s Industry Vocations Scholarship
The New Jersey Governor’s Industry Vocations Scholarship (NJ-GIVS) provides scholarship awards of up to $ 2,000 per year up to the cost of a students’s tuition after other state, federal, and institutional aid is applied. NJ-GIVS is a need-based scholarship that is available to women and students of color who are pursuing a certificate or degree program at an eligible institution in New Jersey in a construction-related field.
New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship for High School Graduates
The New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship (NJ STARS) is available to students who at the end of either their junior or senior year of high school were in the top 15% of their class and have a GPA of at least 3.25. NJ STARS is available to New Jersey residents who have household incomes of less than $ 250,000. Awards can generally only be used for full-time study at a student’s home county college in New Jersey. Actual award amounts vary and are based on available state funding.
New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship for Community College Transfers
The New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship (NJ STARS II) is available to students who attended a New Jersey community college and are transferring to an eligible 4 year college or university in New Jersey. Awards are up to $ 1,250 per semester in 2024-25. Students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 and family income of less than $ 250,000.
New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship for Community College Transfers
The New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship (NJ STARS II) is available to students who attended a New Jersey community college and are transferring to an eligible 4 year college or university in New Jersey. Awards are up to $ 1,250 per semester in 2024-25. Students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 and family income of less than $ 250,000.
NJBEST Scholarship
The NJBEST Scholarship is available to beneficiaries of a NJBEST 529 College Savings Plan and provides scholarships of up to $ 6,000 to eligible New Jersey students who are attending a public or private college or university in the Garden State.
Other Tuition Waiver and Scholarship Programs in New Jersey
Students who were in foster care or surviving children or spouses of New Jersey first responders killed in the line of duty are eligible for scholarships, waivers, and other benefits administered by HESAA.
Institutional Grants and Scholarships
Both public and private colleges and universities in New Jersey provide institutional grants and scholarships to students. Such grants and scholarships can be need or merit-based. They play an important role in reducing the gap between federal and state financial aid and what a student may still owe in tuition and fees as well as other educational expenses.
Federal Grants
Students in New Jersey who are legal US residents or U.S citizens who come from lower income households may qualify for federal grants such as the Pell Grant, with a maximum award for 2024-25 of $ 7,395. Pell and other federal grants are need-based and do not require repayment so they can make a big difference in keeping education costs low!
Private Scholarships for Students In New Jersey
While New Jersey has many state financial aid programs and scholarships for its students, many students find these opportunities do not always cover all educational expenses. Many programs also have income requirements that either disqualify certain students completely or minimize the awards a student is eligible for. This is where private scholarships can be a big source of support and why all students should consider applying for private scholarships.
Private scholarships do vary in criteria and eligibility, offering opportunities for students pursuing a college education at colleges and universities in New Jersey and across the United States. For this reason, you should plan to apply broadly for as many private scholarships as you may qualify. Websites like unigo.com provide comprehensive listings and application details for many private scholarships.
Tips for New Jersey Students Applying for Scholarships and Grants
If you want to pursue your college dreams in New Jersey, there are a multitude of grants and scholarships that can help make college more affordable. By applying for as many scholarships and grants as possible, you will increase your chances of being awarded scholarships and grants that can make funding your education possible. Here are some important tips to follow:
- Start Early: Many scholarships and grants have deadlines well before the academic year starts. It’s never too soon to begin your search and apply for scholarships.
- Get Organized: Keep track of deadlines, required documents, and application requirements. Using a spreadsheet or calendar can help you manage your scholarship and grant applications like a pro!
- Personalize Your Approach: Make sure and personalize your essays and applications to align with the specific criteria and mission of each scholarship or grant you are applying for.
- Ask for Recommendations: Ask your teachers, counselors, church leaders, or community leaders for letters of recommendation.These letters can help you shine. It is important to ask for these letters as early as possible as other students may also be asking for letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, etc.
- Put Yourself In the Spotlight: Be sure to highlight your various academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, community service, and future plans.
- Complete the FAFSA: You will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be considered for most grants and scholarships offered by New Jersey colleges and universities as well as the state or New Jersey. Since you will also need to complete the FAFSA in order to be considered for any federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, you should plan to submit your FAFSA as soon as you can.
How about student loans?
Grants and scholarships can play a big role in making college affordable, however, many students will find that they still need funds to pay for educational expenses. Taking a student loan can make the difference between being able to afford going to college or not. Deciding to borrow to cover your educational expenses is a decision that requires careful thought and consideration.
Student loans must be repaid and accrue interest until they are paid. That’s why scholarships and grants that do not need to be repaid are always preferable! Student loans are available through the federal government as well as private student loan providers. Federal student loans typically have more favorable terms as it relates to repayment and the amount of interest charged. At the same time, lower loan limits on federal student loans may require you and your family to consider private student loans, which are often more expensive.
Thanks to grants, scholarships, and other financial aid, a college education is within every student’s reach in the Garden State!
Our Scholarships
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$1,500 – I Have a Dream
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$10,000 – Unigo $10K Award
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$1,500 – Sweet and Simple
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$2,500 – Superpower
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$3,000 – All About Education
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$1,500 – Fifth Month Scholarship
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$1,500 – Do-Over
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$1,500 – Flavor of the Month
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$1,500 – Make Me Laugh
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$1,500 – Shout It Out
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$2,000 – Zombie Apocalypse
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$5,000 – Education Matters
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$1,500 – Top Ten List