For New Jersey families planning for college in 2026, finding reliable ways to reduce out-of-pocket costs is more important than ever.
Scholarships represent one of the best—and most underutilized—opportunities to offset rising tuition costs without taking on student debt.
At College Benefits Research Group (CBRG), we specialize in helping New Jersey families identify and secure scholarships that align with their student’s academic strengths, financial needs, and personal background.
This guide outlines the top opportunities available to NJ students, how to apply, and how CBRG makes the process easier and more effective.
Why Scholarships Matter More Than Ever in 2026
College costs in New Jersey and nationwide continue to outpace inflation. Even with state programs like TAG and Pell Grants, many families still face funding gaps. Scholarships offer:
- Free money that doesn’t need to be repaid
- Opportunities beyond income-based aid
- Recognition of merit, talent, or service
- A chance to reduce the need for loans
However, navigating the scholarship landscape can be overwhelming. Many programs have unique eligibility rules, deadlines, and documentation requirements.
CBRG helps families avoid missed opportunities and apply strategically for awards they are most likely to receive.
Overview of Major New Jersey State-Sponsored Scholarships
New Jersey offers several substantial scholarship programs through the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) and other state initiatives:
NJ STARS and NJ STARS II
- For top 15% of NJ high school graduates
- Covers full tuition at NJ community colleges
- Eligible for up to $2,500 per year at participating four-year NJ colleges through STARS II
- Requires maintaining a minimum GPA and full-time enrollment
- Learn more: NJ STARS
Tuition Aid Grant (TAG)
- Need-based grant for NJ residents attending approved in-state colleges
- Amount depends on family income, college attended, and student status
- Requires FAFSA submission and state residency
- Lean more: TAG
Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF)
- Supports low-income, first-generation students with academic and financial aid resources
- Offers grant aid, counseling, tutoring, and mentoring
- Available at 40+ NJ colleges and universities
- Learn more: EOF
Garden State Guarantee
- Covers up to four semesters of tuition and fees for eligible NJ students in their third and fourth year at public four-year institutions
- Income cap for full award is $65,000 AGI
- Learn more: Garden State Guarantee
These state programs form the foundation of financial support for many New Jersey families—and can be combined with merit and private scholarships.
Merit-Based Scholarships for NJ Students
Many New Jersey colleges and private organizations offer merit-based scholarships based on academic performance, standardized test scores, extracurricular achievement, or leadership.
Examples include:
- Seton Hall University Merit Awards: Up to full tuition based on GPA and SAT/ACT scores
- Stevens Institute of Technology: Merit scholarships for STEM excellence and leadership
- Rider University: Tiered merit aid for admitted students based on GPA
CBRG works with families to:
- Identify schools with strong merit-based programs
- Understand eligibility thresholds
- Strategize application timing to maximize merit aid
Merit aid can often be stacked with state and need-based aid, further reducing overall cost.
Need-Based and Community Scholarships in New Jersey
Beyond state and institutional programs, NJ is home to many community and private scholarship opportunities. These awards are often sponsored by local foundations, employers, civic organizations, or religious groups.
Examples include:
- The Community Foundation of New Jersey Scholarships
- NJACAC Scholarships for students pursuing post-secondary education in NJ
- Local Rotary Club or Lions Club awards
- Employer-based scholarships from companies like Johnson & Johnson, Prudential, and Horizon BCBS
These awards vary widely in amount, eligibility, and competition. Some are one-time awards, while others are renewable for four years.
CBRG helps students identify hyperlocal awards often missed in national searches—and provides support for personal statements, recommendations, and application submissions.
College-Specific Scholarships at NJ Institutions
Each NJ college has its own scholarship structure. Some offer automatic consideration; others require separate applications. CBRG tracks these differences to help families stay organized.
Noteworthy programs:
- Rutgers University: Multiple merit and need-based scholarships across its campuses
- The College of New Jersey (TCNJ): Offers Honors Program scholarships and school-specific awards
- Montclair State University: Red Hawk Advantage program for Pell-eligible students
- Stockton University: Foundation scholarships for specific majors and community service
We help families understand the stackability of aid—whether scholarships can be layered on top of need-based grants—or if they simply replace existing aid.
Common Mistakes Families Make When Searching for Scholarships
Too often, families leave money on the table due to avoidable missteps:
- Overlooking local and community-based awards: These awards are often less competitive and more accessible than national scholarships. Local businesses, civic groups, and school foundations frequently offer aid to students in their region, but families miss out because they focus only on well-known sources.
- Assuming they won’t qualify due to income or grades: Many scholarships consider a range of criteria—not just GPA or financial need. Leadership, community service, intended major, or personal challenges can all be qualifiers. Ruling yourself out without checking criteria is a costly mistake.
- Skipping the FAFSA or submitting it late: The FAFSA is often required to access not just federal and state aid but also many scholarships. Missing the priority deadline can mean missing out on thousands of dollars. CBRG helps families meet every critical deadline.
- Waiting until spring of senior year to search: By then, many major scholarships have closed. Scholarship searching should start as early as junior year or even earlier. CBRG works with families to build an early and strategic timeline.
- Only using large national databases: National sites are useful but can be overwhelming. They also miss smaller, local, or niche scholarships. CBRG curates local NJ-specific databases for better targeting and higher success rates.
CBRG helps avoid these mistakes by developing a targeted scholarship strategy based on the student’s timeline, goals, and strengths.
How CBRG Helps Families Maximize Scholarships in NJ
CBRG’s college funding advisors have deep experience working with New Jersey families and understand the full scholarship ecosystem.
We provide:
- Access to databases of NJ-specific awards
- Help managing scholarship calendars and submission deadlines
- Essay coaching for competitive scholarships
- Financial aid integration (FAFSA, CSS Profile, institutional aid)
Families working with CBRG have uncovered $10,000–$40,000 in previously unidentified scholarship opportunities—dramatically reducing out-of-pocket costs.
FAQs: Scholarships in New Jersey
Students must graduate in the top 15% of their high school class and meet GPA requirements at their community college to continue into NJ STARS II.
Yes, in most cases. However, some colleges may reduce institutional aid if outside awards exceed cost of attendance. CBRG helps families understand stacking rules.
Many deadlines are in the fall or early spring of senior year. Start searching in junior year and track deadlines carefully.
Most state-sponsored programs (like TAG or NJ STARS) apply only to in-state schools. Private or national scholarships may be used out of state.
You can appeal for additional aid or report changes to financial aid offices. Some scholarships allow mid-year application updates.
Private colleges often offer more merit aid to offset higher tuition—but families must still evaluate net cost. CBRG helps compare total aid packages.
Yes. We maintain databases of NJ community and regional awards and help families identify scholarships that align with their background and goals.
Navigating scholarships in New Jersey doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With expert guidance and a proactive strategy, families can uncover significant funding opportunities that make college more affordable and accessible.
CBRG is here to guide that journey every step of the way.