The staff in the Office of Financial Aid at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is concerned with students' educational expenses. The impact of educational expenses upon the student and his or her family is sizable, in spite of the fact that tuition at Rutgers covers only a small portion of the actual cost of instruction for each student. In order to allow students with limited financial resources to attend college, every effort will be made to assist these students in finding the funds to finance their education.

Each year, more than half the number of the Rutgers students who apply for financial aid receive some form of assistance. Although most financial assistance processed through the Office of Financial Aid is available only to students who demonstrate need and who are enrolled in a degree program, other forms of assistance also are available.

Rutgers participates in the full range of state and federal financial aid programs and has a large number of university-supported programs. A brief description of each program follows. All students and parents are encouraged to file an application for financial aid.

Students with complex problems or those seeking detailed answers should request an appointment with an aid counselor. Generally, a student can expect to see a counselor within a few days of making an appointment, except during the first three weeks of each term. All information is kept confidential.

Financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to admitted students; the amount is dependent upon the availability of funds and is based on the student`s financial need as determined by federal and state guidelines. Assistance is generally offered in a "package," a combination of scholarships, loans, and campus employment. Renewal of all awards is dependent upon the student`s filing an annual application, continued financial need, satisfactory academic progress, and the availability of funds.