Financial Aid in New Jersey (2026–27)
Your FAFSA deadline, New Jersey's grant programs, and how to get every dollar you qualify for: federal, state, and scholarships.
New Jersey FAFSA deadline for state aid
TAG renewals: April 15, 2026. New applicants: September 15, 2026 for fall/spring; February 15, 2027 for spring only.
The FAFSA for 2026–27 opened October 1, 2025; the federal deadline is June 30, 2027. State and school funds often run out well before deadlines, so file early either way.
Not sure what you'll get? Estimate your federal aid in 2 minutes
New Jersey grant programs
Tuition Aid Grant (TAG)
One of the nation's most generous state grants: need-based awards at New Jersey public and private colleges.
NJ STARS
Covers tuition at county colleges for students who graduate in the top of their high school class.
Administered by Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. Filing the FAFSA is how you're considered for most state programs.
Scholarships for New Jersey students
Grants and federal aid have income cutoffs. Scholarships don't, and they stack on top of everything above. Award Scholar matches New Jerseystudents with scholarships they actually qualify for (including state-specific awards) and writes the application essays. It's free.
Common questions
When is the FAFSA deadline in New Jersey?
For 2026–27 state aid: TAG renewals: April 15, 2026. New applicants: September 15, 2026 for fall/spring; February 15, 2027 for spring only. The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, 2027, but state and school money often runs out far earlier, so file as soon as you can.
What grants does New Jersey offer?
Tuition Aid Grant (TAG): One of the nation's most generous state grants: need-based awards at New Jersey public and private colleges. NJ STARS: Covers tuition at county colleges for students who graduate in the top of their high school class. You're considered for most of these automatically when you file the FAFSA as a New Jersey resident.
How do I apply for financial aid in New Jersey?
File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It covers federal aid (Pell Grants, loans, work-study) and is how Higher Education Student Assistance Authority determines state awards. Then apply to scholarships separately; they stack on top of everything else.