What is TAG?

The Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) Program provides awards to financially needy New Jersey students that may be used at approved New Jersey colleges and universities. TAG may cover up to the cost of tuition. The amount of an individual grant varies based upon the student's need, the cost of attendance and available funding.

How do I apply for the Tuition Aid Grant Program?

To apply for TAG, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may use a paper form or apply electronically using FAFSA on the Web . The State of New Jersey, the U.S. government, and most colleges use the information you provide on the FAFSA each year to determine your eligibility for state, federal and institutional financial aid. Filing deadlines vary, so determine which deadlines apply to you and submit your application early. You don't want to miss out on any opportunities to receive assistance.


What are the deadlines to apply for TAG?

If you already receive TAG for college, you must file earlier -- June 1 preceding the academic year for which your aid is requested.

2009-10 State Application Deadlines:

Renewal TAG recipients - June 1, 2009
Non-renewals - October 1, 2009 for the fall or full-year award
March 1, 2010 for a spring award

2010-11 State Application Deadlines:

Renewal TAG recipients - June 1, 2010
Non-renewals - October 1, 2010 for the fall or full-year award
March 1, 2011 for a spring award

NOTE: These are the deadlines by which the FAFSA must be RECEIVED by the processor (not postmarked).

Additional Note: These deadlines also apply to the NJ STARS and NJ STARS II Programs.


What happens after I file the FAFSA?

Approximately two weeks after you complete the FAFSA, you will receive a SEN (Student Eligibility Notice) from HESAA reflecting your State grant eligibility at the first college listed on your FAFSA. If your application is incomplete and you listed an eligible institution as your first choice, you will receive an AIR (Applicant Information Request) form. See the additional information provided below.


What institutions are approved for the TAG Program?

New Jersey has many public and private colleges from which to choose -- two-year colleges (primarily county/community colleges) and four-year colleges and universities offering degree and certificate programs.


How do I change the college listed on my Student Eligibility Notice (SEN)?

After you log in to the HESAA web site, select "Students & Parents" and then click "School Code Change" to update the college you will attend or complete the bottom portion of the SEN noting the correct institution and mail the entire form to:

NJ HESAA
Grants & Scholarships
P.O. Box 540
Trenton NJ 08625

OR

fax the SEN to: 609-588-2228.


What is the deadline for submitting a college code change to HESAA?

November 15th for the fall term

March 15th for the spring term

NOTE: These deadlines also apply to the NJ STARS and NJ STARS II Programs.


The SEN has incorrect family income and/or household size information. How can this be corrected?

Contact the campus financial officer for assistance in submitting corrections to HESAA. The campus is required to submit changes to HESAA by November 15 for the fall term and March 15 for the spring term.

Note: These deadlines also apply to the NJ STARS and NJ STARS II Programs.


My SEN indicates, "Your record has been selected for institutional verification. . . ." What does this mean?

The college will contact the student to request the documents required to confirm the information reported on the FAFSA. All information must be submitted by the deadline specified.


What is an AIR (Applicant Information Request) form?

An AIR is used to request information required to complete your State grant record and to determine State grant eligibility. The AIR and any supporting documentation requested must be returned to HESAA at the address below as soon as possible, but no later than November 15 for the fall term and March 15 for the spring term.

NJ HESAA
Grants and Scholarships
P.O. Box 540
Trenton NJ 08625

OR

Fax the AIR to: 609-588-2228

Note: These deadlines also apply to the NJ STARS and NJ STARS II Programs.


If the AIR indicates the parent's signature was not provided on the FAFSA, what should I do?

A parent's signature is required for all dependent students. The parent(s) who completed the FAFSA must sign the AIR and return it to HESAA to determine TAG eligibility. The AIR and any supporting documentation requested must be returned to HESAA at the address on the AIR as soon as possible, but no later than November 15 for the fall term and March 15 for the spring term. To complete the federal application process, the required signature must be submitted to the federal processor.


What is the Garden State Scholarship Program (Distinguished and Urban Scholars)?

The State's merit-based scholarship program recognizes academic excellence and encourages applicants to continue their education at New Jersey's Colleges and Universities. There are two types of scholarships -- Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished and Urban Scholars. Both offer annual scholarship awards up to $1,000. Students do not apply directly for scholarship consideration. By October 1 each year, participating high schools provide HESAA with the names and junior class standings for all potentially eligible students. Students are notified of eligibility during November/December of their senior year in high school.


What is the “NJ STARS” Program?

The “New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship” Program is a State initiative designed to provide access to higher education for some of the State's high achieving students. Students who graduated in the top 15.0% of their high school class may be eligible to receive up to five semesters of tuition and approved fees at their local county college.

To be considered for NJ STARS, students must file a FAFSA each year within established New Jersey State deadlines. Contact your local county college for more information on eligibility requirements or click here to view more facts about NJ STARS.


What is the “NJ STARS II” Program?

The “New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship II” Program is a continuation of the NJ STARS Program that provides successful county college graduates with an opportunity to pursue a baccalaureate degree at a New Jersey four-year public institution of higher education. The amount of the NJ STARS II award varies depending upon the student's cumulative GPA, the amount of other Federal and State aid received and the tuition charges for up to 18 credits per semester.

Students must complete their associate degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher.

To be considered for NJ STARS II, students must file a FAFSA each year within established New Jersey State deadlines. Contact your four-year public college or university for more information or click here to view more facts about NJ STARS II.


What is the “EOF” Program?

The Educational Opportunity Fund Program provides access to a higher education to students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds who demonstrate exceptional need. Students must be enrolled at eligible New Jersey institutions and grant amounts are dependent on college costs and financial need. To be considered, contact the EOF Coordinator at the college or university you are interested in attending.