Best Scholarships in NJ

Quick Highlights:

College tuition in New Jersey has risen, increasing student loan debt.
Scholarships and grants are crucial alternatives to loans, offering financial relief without repayment stress.
Numerous scholarships are available specifically for New Jersey students in various fields of study.
Applying for scholarships and grants can significantly reduce college expenses and should be pursued by all eligible students.

New Jersey college tuition costs have risen significantly in recent years, and graduates are leaving college with increasingly staggering amounts of student loan debt. Despite seeking financial aid, student loans, considering the length of repayment terms and accruing interest, are clearly not the best option for paying for college.

The payoff for the time spent in getting scholarships and grants is well worth the effort. There are numerous New Jersey scholarships offered for students seeking degrees in a variety of majors at New Jersey colleges.

Featured Programs

All of the following NJ scholarships and grants are for New Jersey residents or students attending eligible New Jersey colleges. Help paying for college is available, and it’s easier to get than you think, so let’s get you headed off to school!

Working hard and getting good grades not only pays off on your report card, but can earn you cold, hard cash to pay tuition for your Jersey state school. The following NJ scholarship programs and grants will reward you for your dedication to your academic record.

Last updated: April 8, 2025

New Jersey Scholarships 2025-2026

1. NJ Stars Scholarship

The NJ Stars is one of the most popular college scholarships in NJ. The award picks up remaining tuition after any other State or Federal Grants. Students must attend their home county college with a few exceptions. This award is dependent upon annual State appropriations.

Amount: Tuition less other State or Federal Grants
GPA: 3.0 for renewal of award
Class Ranking: Top 15 percent at end of either junior or senior year
Scores: Required score on college placement test
Enrollment: 12 credits but will cover up to 18
Application: Apply to home county college and complete FAFSA.

2. NJ Stars II Scholarship

This scholarship is for NJ Stars students with an associate degree continuing on to a four-year college or university to acquire a bachelor’s degree.

Amount: Not to exceed $1250 per semester
GPA: 3.25 or higher
Enrollment: Full-time
Financial Eligibility: Family income less than $250,000
Application: FAFSA

3. NJSCPA High School Scholarship

This scholarship in New Jersey is offered by the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants. It is awarded annually to accounting students and may be renewed for up to three additional years. Students must be high school seniors at time of application and finalists will be required to interview in early January at Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey.

Award: $1,500-$2,500 annually
GPA: 3.0 or ACT score of 23 or higher or math, verbal and essay SAT combined score of 1,500 or higher

4. NJSCPA College Scholarship Program

This scholarship is awarded to college juniors and seniors who are majoring in accounting. It is offered annually and is non-renewable.

Amount: Up to $8,500
GPA: 3.2 or higher
Enrollment: Must be majoring in accounting or have at least 12 credits in accounting

5. Future Farmers of America Scholarship

These scholarships and grants will really help stretch the financial aid for New Jersey students interested in agriculture, ecology, or environmental studies. High school seniors who are members of the Future Farmers of America and are pursuing a four-year degree in animal nutrition, animal/dairy/poultry or equine/equestrian science or other agricultural degrees may apply for this scholarship. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, and community service. Two opportunities are available including:

Built Ford Tough- $1,000 scholarship
Grow Ag Leaders- $1,500 scholarship

6. GCA Caroline Thorn Kissel Summer Environmental Studies Scholarship

The Garden Club of America offers this non-renewable award annually to one student planning on majoring in ecology or environmental studies.

Award: $2,000
A short essay and letters of reference must be included with the application.

7. Winston E. Parker Scholarship

This renewable scholarship is available to students demonstrating an interest in the field of arboreal, forestry, ornamental studies, landscape architecture, or associated specialties.

Award: $1,000-$3,500
Financial Eligibility: Must demonstrate financial need.
Residency Requirement: Graduate of New Jersey high school in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Glouster, or Salem County

8. Woodrow Wilson New Jersey Teaching Fellowship

Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation

What better way to show your Jersey State pride than by giving back to students in need in home state! Future teachers can show their smarts by applying for one of the top NJ college scholarships for educators. this scholarship. The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation grants approximately fifteen awards at each partner university to students with bachelor’s degrees in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) field who intend to teach in a high-need New Jersey high school.

Award: $30,000 stipend, support and mentoring, guidance toward teaching certification, and lifelong membership in a national network of Woodrow Wilson Fellows
GPA: 3.0 or higher
Enrollment: Must teach for at least three years in a high-need New Jersey high school

9. Young Christian Leaders Scholarship

The following scholarship is available to New Jersey residents who wish to share their faith to better their communities.The law firm of Buttafuoco & Associates offers this scholarship for Christian students wishing to use their God-given to impact their communities and world. Applicants must be active members of their local church.

Award: $1,000
GPA: 3.0
Enrollment: Full-time undergraduate

10. Centenary University Specialty Awards

NJ scholarships to available to students who are experiencing financial need. Centenary University has several specialty awards available to incoming first-time freshmen and transfer students at this institution.

Award: Up to the full cost of tuition annually
Enrollment: Full-time at Centenary University
Financial Eligibility: Must demonstrate financial need.
Application: FAFSA

11. The New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Graduate Grant

The New Jersey EOF Graduate Grant is a grant for graduate students that is renewable for up to four additional years of schooling.

Award: $200-$4,900 annually
Enrollment: Must possess a bachelor’s degree and be enrolled full-time in a graduate or professional degree program
Financial Eligibility: Must demonstrate financial according to EOF income requirements
Application: Contact the EOF director at your college.

12. Governor’s Urban Scholarship Program

This scholarship is automatically rewarded to economically disadvantaged students from high-need communities who are in the top 5 percent of their graduating class.

Amount: VariesGPA: 3.0 or higher
Class Ranking: Top 5 percent
Enrollment: Full-time
Financial Eligibility: New Jersey Eligibility Index (NJEI) below 10,500
Residence: Must reside within designated high-need community in New Jersey
Application: HESSA sends notice to eligible students who then accept or deny the award.

13. Horatio Alger New Jersey Scholarship Program

Funded through the Walter and Suzanne Scott Foundation, this award is for students committed to earning a bachelor’s degree. Candidates must be involved in co-curricular and community activities.

Award: $7,000 total paid in installments annually for up to five years of an undergraduate program
GPA: 2.0 or higherEnrollment: Full-time as a high school senior
Financial Eligibility: $55,000 or less adjusted gross income per family preferred; written explanation required if higher
Application: Apply online

14. New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Undergraduate Grant

This grant is available for low-income students who are motivated to earn a degree but may not be prepared for college study. This is a campus-based program that provides outreach and support services to help participants succeed.

Amount: Up to $3,050 annually
Enrollment: Enrolled in associate’s or bachelor’s degree program
Financial Eligibility: Must demonstrate educationally and economically disadvantaged background

15. New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG)

This award may cover up to the cost of tuition based on several factors including financial need. It is not available for New Jersey students of theology or divinity or students who have already earned a degree.

Award: $2,924-$13,590 annually
Enrollment: Full-time
Financial Eligibility: Must meet eligibility requirements for receipt of state aid
Application: FAFSA

16. Part-time Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) for County College Students

This grant may be renewed annually for students who are attending college part-time. Students may not already possess a baccalaureate degree or be majoring in theology or divinity.

Award: Up to the cost of tuition
Enrollment: 6-11 credits per term in an approved program
Financial Need: As determined by FAFSA
Application: FAFSA

17. IOKDS Health Careers Scholarship

There are several different scholarships NJ students can apply for if they plan to pursue a career in health care. One of those is made available by the International Order of the King’s Daughters and Sons (IOKDS). Students must be entering at least their third year of college or at least their second year of medical or dental school.

Award: $1,000
Enrollment: Full-time
Application: Email name, course of study, and college

18. New Jersey Foster Care Scholars

Students between the ages of 16 and 23 who were in a CP&P out-of-home paid placement or currently reside in a transitional living program of independent living arrangement, were adopted through CP&P, or entered Kinship Legal Guardianship may be eligible to receive help with tuition, books, laptops and tablets, and room and board.

Award: Tuition, supplies, child care, room and board, computer, and transportation
Application: Apply online

19. New Jersey State Golf Association (NJSGA) Caddie Scholarship

The NJSGA awards this renewable scholarship to New Jersey golf caddies. Consideration is given based on SAT scores, demonstrated leadership, and financial need.

Award: $2,000-$4,000
Scores: SAT scores must be submitted.

20. Frank D. Visceglia Memorial Scholarship

Male students who are Eagle Scouts and live in New Jersey are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. Preference is given to those doing environmental community service projects and seeking careers in development-related fields.

Award: $1,000
Enrollment: Planning to attend an accredited four-year college
Application: Download

21. Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Scholarship (LEOM)

The LEOM Scholarship is for dependent children of New Jersey law enforcement officers killed while in the line of duty.

Award: Up to the cost of attendance less other assistance received through HESAA
Enrollment: Full-time
Application: Apply online

22. Survivor Tuition Benefits Program

Providing free tuition at public schools of higher education and some independent schools in New Jersey, this award is for children and surviving spouses of New Jersey firefighters, emergency service workers, and law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Eligibility is limited to eight years from the date of high school graduation or eight years from the date of death of the spouse.

Award: Cost of tuition
Enrollment: At least half-time
Application: Apply online

23. State of New Jersey World Trade Center Scholarship

The WTC Scholarship is for children or spouses of New Jersey residents who died as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, or who died due to exposure to the attack sites. Eligibility is limited to eight years from the date of high school graduation or eight years from the date of death of the spouse.

Amount: Varies
Enrollment: Full-time
Application: Apply online

24. Ann Liguori Foundation Sports Media Scholarship

In honor of Ann Liguori, a sports radio and television personality, the New York Women in Communications offer this award for a female college junior or senior hoping to pursue a career in sports broadcasting, reporting, programming, or production in a related field.

Amount: $2,500 annually, non-renewable
Enrollment: College junior or senior majoring in journalism or communications
Application: Apply online

25. CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship

This scholarship is for African-American or black students majoring in the field of visual arts. Students must submit an essay and samples of their art.

Award: varies
GPA: 2.5 or higher
Enrollment: Full-time undergraduate
Application: Apply online

26. The St. Andrew’s Society Founders’ Prize

This scholarship is for outstanding Scottish or Scottish-American students. This annual award is given in the name of James & Mary Dawson and Donald Malcolm MacArthur. Special consideration is given to those who contribute to enhanced knowledge of Scottish history or culture.

Award: $7,500
GPA: Meritorious academic record
Criteria- Outstanding Scottish or Scottish-American Scholar
Financial Eligibility: Must demonstrate financial need.

27. James G. Pulos Memorial Scholarship

Offered by the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), this scholarship is available to students of Greek descent or who are members of, or a child of a member of, AHEPA, the Daughters of Penelope, the Sons of Pericles of the Maids of Athena. Students applying must be majoring in engineering, medicine, or nursing.

Award: $500-$2,000 annually, non-renewable
Enrollment: Full-time undergraduate or graduate student

28. Luso-American Education Foundation General Scholarship

The Luso-American Education Foundation General Scholarship is for high school seniors of Portuguese descent or who are currently taking Portuguese language classes in high school.

Award: $500-$1,500
GPA: 3.0 if enrolled in a Portuguese language class, OR 3.5 or higher if of Portuguese descent

29. New York Women in Communications Scholarships

The New York Women in Communications awards several sponsored scholarships to female journalism or communications majors in New Jersey. Some scholarship awards include internships.

Award: $5,000 annually
GPA: 3.2 or higher
Enrollment: Accepted or enrolled as an undergraduate student at time of application
Application: Apply online

30. NJ-Governor’s Industry Vocations Scholarship (NJ-GIVS) for Women and Minorities

This scholarship is for women and minorities seeking training in construction and engineering fields at County Colleges, Technical/Vocational and Proprietary schools.

Amount: Up to $2000 per year
GPA: High school diploma or GED is the only requirement
Financial Eligibility: Annual household income less than $60,000
Application: Apply online

31. St. Andrew’s Society Scholarship

College juniors, seniors, and graduate students of Scottish heritage are eligible to apply for this award. Special consideration is given to those who work to enhance knowledge of Scottish history or culture.

Award: $2,000-$2,500
GPA: Meritorious academic record
Enrollment: Full-time junior, senior, or graduate student
Financial Eligibility: Must demonstrate financial need.

We’ve worked hard to include a variety of scholarships for New Jersey residents within our list. If you have any suggestions on additional scholarships in New Jersey, please feel free to let us know on our comments page.