The Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy and the Office of Financial Aid at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, are committed to assisting students with funds to help defray educational expenses. Since a student`s financial resources often determine whether or not he or she attends college, every effort is made to assist each student in finding alternative resources to finance an education.

The majority of graduate students at the university, like most graduate students in the United States, receive some measure of financial aid. The amount of support each student receives depends in part, of course, upon the availability of funds. The availability of support is often dependent upon the specific graduate program and degree status. Support ranges from grants covering tuition charges to awards sufficient to pay all educational and living expenses. The sources of support include university funds, federal and state government funds, corporate and individual bequests to the university, and grants from educational and scientific foundations.

Limited funds are available from scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, grants, low-interest loans, and part-time employment to students at the school. To apply for grants, loans, and employment, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available from most college and university financial aid offices. At Rutgers, contact the Office of Financial Aid, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 620 George Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1175. Applicants who file by March 15 may expect a reply by June 1.

Information about fellowships and assistantships can be found under the heading Sources of Financial Aid. The awarding of fellowships and assistantships is handled by the school and individual academic programs. In all cases, applicants are considered for all forms of aid for which they are eligible. More information about aid for graduate students is listed in the publication Graduate Financial Aid at Rutgers University, which can be obtained through the Office of Financial Aid.