Top 17 New Jersey Scholarships & Grants for 2026 - 2027

New Jersey Scholarship & Financial Aid Snapshot

This quick snapshot is built from CollegeWhale’s scholarship database and state-level resources. It shows how many scholarships we currently list for New Jersey, the total dollars represented, and a short overview of key state aid programs.

We currently have 117 scholarships in our database tagged for New Jersey. This includes statewide programs, school-specific awards, and private or foundation-based scholarships.

Across our Top 17 New Jersey Scholarship & Grant listings, the total advertised award value comes to roughly $41,500. Some programs are renewable or stackable, so your real lifetime value could be even higher depending on how long you remain eligible.

New Jersey students have access to one of the strongest need-based programs in the country: the Tuition Aid Grant (TAG), which provides substantial tuition funding for qualifying residents. Students attending community colleges may also benefit from NJ STARS and STARS II, which reward academic performance with significant tuition coverage. Additional state funds support STEM and teaching pathways. Public colleges like Rutgers, TCNJ, and Montclair add merit aid. New Jersey students should file the FAFSA early, determine TAG eligibility, and maximize NJ STARS benefits if academically qualified.

Top 17 New Jersey Scholarships (Scholarship FastFind™)

The CollegeWhale Scholarship FastFind™ makes it easy to discover the best New Jersey scholarships — fast. Filter by award amount, deadline month, and estimated time to apply, then instantly download your personalized list. No sign-ups, no personal info, no spam — just real, verified scholarships.

1

NJREA Scholarship for Minority Students in Education

The NJREA Scholarship for Minority Students in Education is designed to provide financial support to students from minority backgrounds who are pursuing a career in education. This scholarship aims to increase the diversity of educators in New Jersey’s public schools

Award: $2,500 Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Med (~63 min)
2

NJREA Scholarship for Future Educators

The NJREA Scholarship for Future Educators is designed to support students who are pursuing a career in education. This scholarship honors the vital role that educators play in shaping future generations. It is intended to assist high school seniors from

Award: $2,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Med (~63 min)
3

NJREA Scholarship for Academic Excellence

The NJREA Scholarship for Academic Excellence is designed to reward high school seniors who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance throughout their high school career. This scholarship honors students who have not only excelled in their coursework but have also shown

Award: $1,500 Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Med (~63 min)
4

NJREA Scholarship for Community Service

The NJREA Scholarship for Community Service is an award aimed at recognizing and supporting high school seniors from New Jersey who have demonstrated exceptional community service involvement. This scholarship honors students who have shown a commitment to giving back to

Award: $1,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Med (~63 min)
5

NJREA Scholarship for Retired Educators

The NJREA Scholarship for Retired Educators' Descendants is a special award designed to assist the descendants of retired New Jersey educators in furthering their education. This scholarship honors the legacy of New Jersey’s educators and is intended to support students

Award: $1,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Med (~33 min)
6

New Jersey State Scholarship Program

The New Jersey State Scholarship Program is a prestigious award designed to assist undergraduate students who are residents of New Jersey. This scholarship is intended to support students attending in-state colleges and universities, including The College of New Jersey (TCNJ).

Award: $12,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Low (~23 min)
7

Fred Aug Community College Scholarship

The Fred E. Aug Community College Scholarship is designed to provide financial support to students who plan to attend a community college in New Jersey. This scholarship honors Fred E. Aug, a dedicated educator and advocate for accessible higher education.

Award: $1,000 Deadline: February Est. Time: Low (~23 min)
8

Walter Krichling Jr Trade Program Scholarship

The Walter P. Krichling Jr. Trade, Vocational, or Career & Technical Education Program Scholarship is designed to assist students who are pursuing certification or a degree in a vocational or technical field. This scholarship honors Walter P. Krichling Jr., a

Award: $1,000 Deadline: February Est. Time: Low (~13 min)
9

Isabelle Hickman Scholarship

The Isabelle M. Hickman Scholarship is a merit-based award that provides financial support to high school seniors from New Jersey who are planning to attend college. This scholarship honors the legacy of Isabelle M. Hickman, a dedicated educator who valued

Award: $1,000 Deadline: February Est. Time: Med (~63 min)
10

Elizabeth A. Allen Scholarship

The Elizabeth A. Allen Scholarship is a highly esteemed award that provides significant financial support to high-achieving students from New Jersey who have demonstrated excellence in academics and leadership throughout their high school careers. This scholarship is named in honor

Award: $1,500 Deadline: February Est. Time: Med (~63 min)
11

The New Jersey Merit Scholarship

The New Jersey Merit Scholarship is awarded to students based on their academic achievements, leadership skills, and community involvement. This scholarship is designed to attract students who have demonstrated significant success in their high school coursework and who are expected

Award: $2,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Med (~48 min)
12

New Jersey Presidential Scholarship

The Presidential Scholarship is one of the most prestigious merit-based awards offered by The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), specifically designed to attract the most academically gifted and driven students to the university. This scholarship covers up to full tuition

Award: Varies Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Med (~78 min)

New Jersey Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid Overview

Article Read Time Is 6 Mins

What Is the NJ BEST Scholarship?

The NJ BEST Scholarship is a unique incentive program that rewards New Jersey families for saving early for college through the state’s official 529 plan, the NJ BEST College Savings Plan. This scholarship provides a financial boost of up to $3,000 for students who use their 529 savings to attend an eligible New Jersey college or university.

To qualify, students must meet specific requirements:

  • The NJ BEST 529 account must have been open for at least four years before the student begins college.
  • The beneficiary must attend an eligible New Jersey postsecondary institution.
  • The scholarship amount is based on total contributions to the 529 plan over the lifetime of the account.
  • Students must use the NJ BEST funds toward qualified higher education expenses.

Award amounts generally follow this structure:

  • $500–$1,500 for modest account contributions
  • Up to $3,000 for families who contributed larger amounts over time

The NJ BEST Scholarship is designed to:

  • Encourage early college savings
  • Reward long-term investment in higher education
  • Make college more affordable for New Jersey families

Because the scholarship is directly tied to a family’s 529 participation, it’s one of the few programs in the country that financially rewards saving, not just academic performance or financial need.

Who Qualifies for Free Tuition in NJ?

Many New Jersey residents may qualify for free tuition at the state’s community colleges through the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG). This last-dollar program covers the remaining cost of tuition and approved fees after other grants and scholarships (such as Pell or TAG) have been applied.

To qualify for free community college tuition in New Jersey, students must:

  • Be a New Jersey resident for at least 12 months.
  • Have a household income between $0–$65,000 (for full free tuition).
  • Enroll in an eligible program of study at a New Jersey community college.
  • Complete the FAFSA or the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application for undocumented students.
  • Maintain good academic standing and meet all satisfactory progress requirements.

In addition, students with household incomes up to $80,000 may qualify for partial tuition coverage depending on available state funding.

Benefits of CCOG include:

  • Two years of tuition covered
  • Eligibility for both recent high school graduates and adults returning to college
  • Support for part-time and full-time students
  • Opportunities to transfer to four-year universities after completing an associate degree

This program has become a cornerstone of New Jersey’s commitment to making college accessible and affordable for low- and middle-income residents.

What Scholarships and Grants Are Available for College Students in New Jersey?

New Jersey offers some of the most generous state-funded financial aid programs in the nation. College students in New Jersey may be eligible for a combination of statewide grants, institutional aid, and merit-based scholarships.

Major state programs include:

  • Tuition Aid Grant (TAG): One of the nation’s largest need-based programs, covering part or all of tuition at approved New Jersey colleges.
  • Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF): Provides financial assistance and academic/counseling support for economically disadvantaged students.
  • NJ BEST Scholarship: Rewards families who contribute to the state’s 529 savings plan.
  • Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG): Offers free community college tuition to eligible residents.

Additionally, many New Jersey institutions provide their own robust financial aid packages:

  • Rutgers University Scholarships for high-achieving residents and transfer students
  • Montclair State University Merit Awards
  • Rowan University Foundation Scholarships
  • Princeton University’s generous need-based aid that often covers the full cost of attendance

Combined, these programs help thousands of students pay for college each year without taking on significant debt.

What Scholarships Are Available for High School Seniors in New Jersey?

New Jersey high school seniors can apply for numerous state-level, institutional, and private scholarship programs. Many of these awards recognize academic achievement, leadership, or community engagement.

Top scholarships for New Jersey seniors include:

  • New Jersey Stars Scholarship: Provides free community college tuition for students who graduate in the top 15% of their high school class.
  • NJ Stars II: Offers up to several thousand dollars for NJ Stars students who transfer to a four-year New Jersey college.
  • Garden State Scholarship: Awards high-achieving students who plan to attend college in-state.
  • Local community foundation scholarships: Offered by New Jersey organizations, rotary clubs, banks, and nonprofit groups.

These awards often consider:

  • Academic course rigor
  • GPA and standardized test scores
  • Community service or volunteer hours
  • Leadership roles and extracurricular involvement

New Jersey seniors should begin applying early, as many programs have deadlines from December through April.

What Scholarships Are Available for College Students in New Jersey?

Once enrolled in college, New Jersey students can access additional scholarship programs from the state, institutions, and private organizations.

Notable examples include:

  • Bloustein Distinguished Scholars Program: Honors academically exceptional high school graduates entering college.
  • New Jersey State Golf Association Caddie Scholarship: Awards students who have demonstrated strong character and academic success.
  • Rutgers University Merit Scholarships: Automatically awarded to high-achieving applicants.
  • Montclair State Red Hawk Advantage Awards: Based on merit and financial need.
  • Private foundation scholarships: Offered by organizations such as the Community Foundation of New Jersey.

Some awards require separate applications, while others are automatically considered during admissions.

What Scholarships Are Available for Graduate Students in New Jersey?

Graduate students in New Jersey have access to a wide array of funding sources through state programs, university departments, and professional organizations.

Opportunities include:

  • EOF Graduate Grants: Additional funding for students who participated in EOF as undergraduates.
  • Rutgers University Graduate Fellowships: Full or partial tuition coverage plus research or teaching stipends.
  • NJCPA Graduate Scholarships: Awards for accounting students pursuing CPA certification.
  • Graduate assistantships: Tuition remission in exchange for research or teaching duties at major New Jersey universities.

Graduate students may also receive:

  • Departmental research grants
  • Professional development fellowships
  • Scholarships from industry associations

Are There Scholarships for Nursing Students in NJ?

Yes. New Jersey offers strong financial support for students pursuing nursing and allied health degrees.

Programs include:

  • New Jersey League for Nursing Scholarship: Supports nursing students enrolled in accredited programs.
  • Governor’s Industry Vocations Scholarship (GIVS): Provides funding for students training in high-demand fields like healthcare and biotechnology.
  • Hospital-based scholarships: Offered by health systems such as Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Hackensack Meridian Health.
  • Tuition reimbursement programs: Many New Jersey hospitals offer funding in exchange for a post-graduation work commitment.

These programs aim to address nursing shortages and support healthcare workforce development statewide.

What Are NJEA Scholarships?

The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) supports future educators and current teachers through a variety of scholarships and grants.

Key opportunities include:

  • NJEA Frederick L. Hipp Foundation Grants: Funding for innovative educational projects and professional development.
  • Local and county-level NJEA scholarships: Awards for high school seniors planning to major in education.
  • Graduate scholarships for educators: Support for teachers pursuing master’s degrees or additional certifications.
  • Annual recognition awards: Honoring students entering education-related fields.

These scholarships help strengthen the teaching workforce and encourage the next generation of educators in New Jersey.

College Scholarships By Category

Quickly navigate to some of our most popular scholarships, such as state-specific scholarships, major-specific scholarships, and other popular categories. Please search our Scholarship Database to get matched with many more scholarships specific to your personal criteria.