All applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually and submit it to the federal processor no later than March 15. The applications are available at Rutgers financial aid offices. Applicants are considered for all types of aid for which they are eligible. A separate application is required for assistantships. The FAFSA should be filed as soon as possible after January 1, but no later than March 15 to ensure full consideration for all available funds.

Letters announcing financial aid decisions are mailed to all students as soon as possible after admission. Funds are limited and awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, there is a definite advantage to submitting an early, accurate, and complete application.

Counseling is available by appointment at the financial aid office to all students whether or not they qualify for financial aid. When comparing aid offers from Rutgers with other institutions, students should remember that charges often differ significantly from school to school. Therefore, the important thing to consider is not the dollar value of a financial aid offer, but the difference between the total value of the financial aid package awarded by the institution and the cost of attending that institution.

Applicants completing the appropriate section of the admission application will be considered for those financial awards granted by the university for which they may be eligible. Only full-time students are considered for an assistantship or fellowship. Please keep in mind that applications for assistantships and fellowships are competitive and requests exceed availability.