Funds are available from a variety of sources for scholarship awards and grants. These include university-endowed scholarships, federal grants, and state grants.

In most cases, it is not necessary to submit special applications for particular scholarships administered by the university, provided a financial aid application has been filed. However, a few forms of gift aid require separate application. More detailed information regarding scholarship awards follows in this section and can be found in the section entitled "University Scholarships and Grants" later in this chapter.

Federal Grants

Federal Pell Grants. These grants are available to students who are enrolled for a minimum of 6 credits per term. Eligibility for the Pell Grant extends to the time required for completion of the first bachelor`s degree, provided that the student is in good standing and is making satisfactory academic progress as defined by Rutgers. The award ranges from approximately $400 to $4,000. Students must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States. Application is made by submitting a completed FAFSA.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG). Grants are provided by the federal government through the university to assist undergraduates who have significant financial need. Application is made by submitting a completed financial aid form. Grants range from $200 to $3,000, depending on financial need and the availability of funds.

State Grants

New Jersey Tuition Aid Grants (TAG). These grants are restricted to New Jersey residents who are enrolled full time; that is, for a minimum of 12 credits per term in a degree program. The award amount varies, based on student need, from $400 to almost full tuition costs at Rutgers. Students who wish to be considered for the Tuition Aid Grant must file the FAFSA and release information to the state. The New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (NJHESAA) will send a Student Eligibility Notice (SEN) to the student with accompanying instructions. The filing deadline for incoming first-year students to be considered for a TAG is October 1 of each year. The deadline for returning upper-class students is June 1 of each year.

New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund Grants (EOF). These grants are restricted to students from educationally and economically disadvantaged families that have exceptional financial need. The award may range from $200 to $1,200 per academic year. Students must be enrolled full time in a degree program and be residents of the state of New Jersey. Students should contact the college EOF director, the Office of University Undergraduate Admissions, or the Office of Financial Aid for additional information. Each student is required to submit the FAFSA.

Beyond the grant, the EOF program offers significant support services in areas such as reading and writing skills development, tutoring, and individualized counseling.

Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished Scholars Program (DSP). This program, which began in the 1985-1986 academic year, awards outstanding high school students in New Jersey an annual $1,000 scholarship. Selection is made by a state-level committee and is based on nominations made by high schools throughout the state.

Students are notified of their eligibility directly by the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (NJHESAA). Although submission of the financial aid form is not necessary, students are encouraged to file the FAFSA in order to be considered for additional assistance. Receiving the Distinguished Scholars Program award does not preclude eligibility for other programs. Additional information is available at New Jersey high schools.

University Scholarships and Grants

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, has available a substantial number of scholarships and grants, both need-based and merit-based. Please refer to the University Scholarships and Grants heading in this chapter located after the Change in Financial Resources section.

Nonuniversity Scholarships and Grants

A number of companies, unions, civic groups, and other associations sponsor scholarships for students at Rutgers. Some of these awards, such as the New Jersey Golf Association Scholarship, are administered through Rutgers, and the Office of Financial Aid can provide application information about them.

Direct application to the sponsoring group must be made for many of the other sponsored awards. High school guidance counselors may be able to assist students in exploring various possibilities.

See the "University Scholarships and Grants" section in this chapter for information about specific employer-related scholarships. Students may contact the financial aid office for additional information about nonuniversity awards.