Governor’s Urban Scholarship (GUS) Program
The Governor’s Urban Scholarship Program is a merit-based scholarship that benefits students with financial need (as determined by their annual financial aid application) from designated New Jersey communities.
HESAA determines a student’s eligibility for the program based on rankings of the current junior class reported to our agency by New Jersey high schools. HESAA then notifies students of their eligibility for this award, which students can either accept or deny.
Student Eligibility
To be eligible for this scholarship, students who reside in one of the designated communities must:
- Be a U.S. citizen, eligible non-citizen, or eligible to file the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application;
- Be a permanent New Jersey resident for at least 12 months in a row immediately prior to enrolling;
- Rank within the top 5.0% of their class and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher at the end of their junior year of high school;
- Attend an approved New Jersey college, university or degree-granting proprietary school (as listed under the ‘GUS’ column here);
- Be enrolled full time in an approved degree or certificate program;
- Complete a financial aid application by the applicable State deadline each year (see below for more information) and meet all program requirements; and
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress throughout participation in the program.
Designated Communities
Additional Program Details
The amount and availability of this award is subject to funding in the annual State budget. HESAA will notify students if the amount or availability of their award changes.
GUS is available for a maximum of five (5) semesters for students enrolled at a two-year institution, eight (8) semesters for students enrolled at a four-year institution, or ten (10) semesters for students enrolled in a bona fide five-year degree program requiring five years of undergraduate study.
Half of the student’s annual award amount is sent to their college/university after classes start each semester.
Students must receive a payment each semester to remain eligible for the GUS program. If the student does not receive an award payment during either the Fall or Spring semester, they will permanently lose eligibility for future GUS awards. However, HESAA will review written requests for a one-time leave of absence/deferment for up to one year for study abroad programs, documented medical reasons, or extreme family financial hardship on a case-by-case-basis.
How to Apply
Students who are interested in applying for this scholarship must complete either the FAFSA or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application by the applicable State deadline.
- Go here to complete the FAFSA
- Go here to learn more about how to complete the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application
Please contact our Customer Care team if you have any questions about this scholarship opportunity.
