Q. Do I have to attend a community college first?
A. No. Keep in mind that GSG is only for students in their third or fourth year of college, regardless of how the qualifying credits were earned.
Q. Does this apply to adult students coming back to college?
A. Yes, as long as you are in your third or fourth year of college. The definition of a third year student is when a student has earned at least 60 credits.
Q. What are the academic eligibility requirements for GSG?
There is no minimum GPA you must maintain specifically for GSG, however, you must maintain Standards of Academic Progress (SAP) in order to maintain your eligibility. Each school has their own SAP policy. Please contact the financial aid office at your college or university for more information.
Q. If I am returning to college after previously earning some credits, will my past enrollment and previous grades impact my eligibility for GSG?
Yes. If you are a returning student to a four-year college or university, you should contact that institution’s financial aid office so your academic progress can be evaluated before receiving GSG. Your previous grades and academic progress may be factors in determining eligibility for GSG, so you may benefit from filing an appeal with the financial aid office that may include an academic plan.
Please note also: if you are returning to college by enrolling at a New Jersey community college, the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) has a special policy to support returning adult learners who have been out of school for a while. Returning students’ continuing CCOG eligibility is based on their more recent academic results, with no penalty for prior college experiences that ended with a non-satisfactory academic record. The CCOG program is the first stage of the New Jersey College Promise of a four-year pathway to a tuition-free bachelor’s degree, as eligible students can receive free tuition through CCOG while earning their first 60 credits at a community college and then transfer to a senior public institution where they can receive GSG in Years 3 and 4. Please contact the financial aid office at the college or university you plan on attending for more information.
Q. What is an AGI and how can I calculate mine?
A. AGI stands for “adjusted gross income” as reported on a federal tax return. GSG is determined by information supplied on the FAFSA, or if you qualify as an NJ Dreamer, the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application and uses “prior-prior year” income. For example, the adjusted gross income for the 2023-24 academic year will be determined by your 2021 Federal Income Tax return. If you are an independent student, submit your tax return. If you are a dependent student, your parent(s) must submit a tax return.
Q. Can GSG be applied to a study abroad program?
A. Yes, but it depends on the specifics of your selected program. Visit the financial aid office at your college or university to determine if the study abroad program qualifies under GSG.
Q. I think I am eligible. What do I need to do?
A. You will automatically be considered for GSG when you complete the FAFSA, or if you qualify as an NJ Dreamer, the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application. Your selected college or university will determine your GSG award amount after you complete the appropriate application by the applicable state deadline.
Q. If I enroll in a 4-year New Jersey public college right from high school, how does the GSG College Promise help me?
A. GSG is designed to support students in their third or fourth year of college. However, some New Jersey colleges and universities offer similar programs beginning in the first year. Plus, the NJ Community College Opportunity Grant provides tuition free assistance to eligible students.
Q. Can GSG help with housing costs if Pell and TAG already cover my tuition?
A. GSG is designed as a “last-dollar” tuition and fees program, which means the amount of the GSG is calculated after all other federal and grant aid is taken into consideration. If Pell and TAG already cover your tuition, you are not eligible for GSG.
