Jon Krieg
FAFSA & Tuition Free College Options
What is FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a free form used to determine your eligibility for financial aid, including:
Grants (free money)
Work-study jobs
Federal student loans (the largest source of financial aid in the U.S.)
Who is Eligible?
Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
Have a high school diploma or GED
Be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program
Maintain satisfactory academic progress
Not in default on federal loans
Have a valid Social Security number (with limited exceptions)
Why FAFSA Matters
Unlocks access to federal, state, and college financial aid
Required for most scholarships and aid programs
Helps make college more affordable or even free
Tuition-Free College Opportunities
Federal Service Academies
These schools offer full tuition coverage and other benefits in exchange for military service after graduation:
United States Military Academy
United States Naval Academy
United States Air Force Academy
United States Coast Guard Academy
United States Merchant Marine Academy
Private Colleges (Full-Tuition Models)
Some private colleges offer tuition-free education based on financial need or specific programs, such as: (click to download full list)
Public Colleges & State Programs
Some states offer tuition-free community college or public university programs such as: (click to download full list here)
Eligibility often depends on:
Family income
State residency
Enrollment in specific programs
Key Takeaway:
FAFSA is the first step to accessing financial aid, with the right programs, students can attend college at little to no cost.
In State Tuition
New Jersey law allows many immigrant students to qualify for in-state tuition at public colleges and universities.
Eligible students (including undocumented and DACA recipients) must:
- Attend a New Jersey high school for 3 or more years
- Graduate from a NJ high school (or equivalent)
- Enroll in a NJ public or private college
Expanded under S.3119 (2022):
Also includes students with:
- T visas (human trafficking survivors)
- U visas (victims of certain crimes)
- Dependents of O-1 / O-2 visa holders
Residency Requirements (General)
- Students must meet a 12-month NJ residency requirement
- County colleges may require proof of county residency before enrollment
State Financial Aid
Under S.699 (2018):
Undocumented students (including DACA recipients) can access NJ state financial aid.
Must meet the same requirements as in-state tuition (S.2479).
Expanded under S.3119 (2022):
Includes students with T visas, U visas, and dependents of O-1/O-2 visa holders
(New Jersey extends financial aid to both public and private post-secondary institutions).
NJ STARS Program
(New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship)
NJ Stars Program is a merit-based scholarship program created by the State of New Jersey that provides free tuition to high-achieving students who attend their home county or community college. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition, after any applicable federal and state grants or scholarships, for up to 18 college-level credits per semester. Eligible students may receive the award for up to five semesters of continuous full-time enrollment in an associate degree program.
NJ STARS is designed for New Jersey students who demonstrate strong academic achievement and are prepared for college-level coursework. Students must meet academic, residency, enrollment, and financial aid application requirements to qualify.
General Eligibility Requirements:
Rank in the top 15% of their high school class at the end of their junior or senior year.
Be a New Jersey resident and have lived in New Jersey for at least 12 consecutive months before applying.
Enroll full-time in their home county or community college (students may attend another New Jersey county college if their home college does not offer their intended program of study or if the program has been oversubscribed for at least one year).
Complete a rigorous high school course of study.
Demonstrate college readiness by achieving the required score on a college placement test.
Enroll in at least 12 college-level credits per semester (NJ STARS covers up to 18 college-level credits per semester).
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application by the established state deadlines.
Students who qualify through the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application are eligible regardless of immigration status.
Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA to renew the scholarship for up to five semesters.
Students must begin receiving NJ STARS during their first year of college. Students who graduated from high school more than one year ago or who are entering their second year without previously receiving NJ STARS are not eligible.
Application Requirements and Process:
Apply for admission to your home county or community college.
Complete and submit the FAFSA or NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application by the applicable state deadline.
Meet all NJ STARS eligibility requirements.
Complete any required college placement testing.
Your home county college will review your eligibility and notify you if you qualify for the NJ STARS award.
To continue receiving the scholarship, remain enrolled full-time, maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher, and submit the FAFSA or NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application each academic year.
NJ STARS II Program
NJ STARS II Program is a transfer scholarship program that provides up to $1,250 per semester to eligible NJ STARS students who transfer from their New Jersey county college to a participating four-year New Jersey college or university to complete a bachelor's degree. The award is applied after all eligible federal and state grants and scholarships have been awarded and may be received for up to four consecutive semesters (excluding summer sessions).
NJ STARS II is designed for successful NJ STARS scholars who have earned an associate degree and wish to continue their education at a participating New Jersey four-year institution.
General Eligibility Requirements:
Be a current or non-funded NJ STARS student (students whose tuition and approved fees were fully covered by other state or federal aid during their final county college semester may still qualify).
Graduate from a New Jersey county college with an associate degree.
Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 upon graduation from the county college.
Have a family income of $250,000 or less, including taxable and untaxed income.
Be admitted to and enroll full-time (minimum 12 college-level credits per semester) at a New Jersey four-year college or university that participates in the Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) Program.
Begin participation in the NJ STARS II Program no later than the second semester immediatelyfollowing county college graduation.
Apply for all available federal and state need-based grants and merit scholarships, including completing the FAFSA or NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application by the established state deadlines.
Students who qualify through the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application are eligible regardless of immigration status.
Students who were not NJ STARS participants are not eligible for NJ STARS II, even if they attended a New Jersey county college and are transferring to a participating four-year institution.
Application Requirements and Process:
Apply for admission to a participating New Jersey four-year college or university in the Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) Program.
After being admitted, notify the institution's Admissions Office that you are an NJ STARS scholar.
Submit an official transcript from your New Jersey county college showing:
Receipt of an associate degree.
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25.
Complete and submit the FAFSA or NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application by the applicable state deadline.
Submit any additional documentation requested to verify eligibility or complete the financial aid application process.
Meet all NJ STARS II eligibility requirements. Award eligibility and funding are determined after all applicable federal and state grants and scholarships have been applied.
New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG)
New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) is New Jersey's primary need-based financial aid program that helps eligible students pay for undergraduate tuition at approved New Jersey colleges and universities. The program provides financial assistance to students with demonstrated financial need who are enrolled at eligible public, private, two-year, and four-year institutions. Award amounts vary depending on the type of institution attended and are determined based on financial need and other eligibility factors.
TAG is designed to make higher education more affordable for New Jersey residents, including eligible undocumented students and DACA recipients who apply through the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application.
General Eligibility Requirements:
Demonstrate financial need as determined through the FAFSA or NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application.
Attend or plan to attend an approved New Jersey public, private, two-year, or four-year college or university.
Be enroll in an eligible undergraduate degree or certificate program.
For students applying through the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application, you must:
Have attended a New Jersey high school for three or more years.
Graduate from a New Jersey high school or earn the equivalent of a New Jersey high school diploma (such as a GED).
Be enrolling in or currently attending an eligible New Jersey college or university.
Not be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible noncitizen (undocumented students and DACA recipients may qualify).
Register with the Selective Service if required by law.
File an affidavit with your college stating that you will apply to legalize your immigration status if you become eligible to do so.
Students who became eligible after graduating high school may still apply for future semesters, although financial aid cannot be awarded retroactively for semesters already completed.
Application Requirements and Process:
Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application by the applicable state deadlines.
Gather and submit any required documentation, which may include:
Federal tax returns or other proof of household income (such as W-2 forms, pay stubs, or disability benefit statements).
Separate income information if parents filed a joint tax return.
High school identification number or transcript.
Social Security Number (if applicable), Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or no identification number if neither is available.
New Jersey driver's license, if applicable.
Submit any additional documents requested by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) through the NJFAMS portal, such as tax transcripts or household expense worksheets.
File the required immigration status affidavit with your college or university if applying through the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application.
Monitor your application status through NJFAMS and respond promptly to any requests for additionalinformation.
CCOG Grant
NJ Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) is a state financial aid program that helps make community college more affordable for eligible New Jersey residents. The grant covers the cost of tuition and approved educational fees that are not already paid by other federal or state grants and scholarships, allowing many students to attend community college at little or no cost.
CCOG is designed for New Jersey residents with demonstrated financial need who are pursuing their first college degree at a New Jersey community college.
General Eligibility Requirements:
Be a New Jersey resident.
Have a total household adjusted gross income (AGI) between $0 and $65,000.
Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application by the applicable state deadlines.
Enroll in at least six (6) credits per semester during the fall and/or spring semesters at an eligible New Jersey community college.
Have not previously earned a college degree.
Maintain satisfactory academic progress according to your institution's academic standards throughout participation in the program.
Students attending a community college outside their home county may still qualify; however, the grant only covers in-county tuition and approved fees. Any additional out-of-county tuition or fees are the student's responsibility.
Application Requirements and Process:
Apply for admission to an eligible New Jersey community college.
Complete and submit the FAFSA or NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application by the established state deadline.
Meet all CCOG eligibility requirements, including household income and enrollment requirements.
Enroll in at least six credits during the fall or spring semester.
Submit any additional documentation requested by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) or your college to verify eligibility.
Continue meeting satisfactory academic progress requirements to remain eligible for future CCOG awards
NJ Alternative Aid
NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application: is the application that eligible New Jersey students who are not eligible to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can use to apply for New Jersey state financial aid. The application allows eligible undocumented students, DACA recipients, and other students who do not qualify for federal aid to be considered for state grants and scholarships, including the Tuition Aid Grant (TAG), Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG), NJ STARS, and other New Jersey financial aid programs.
The application is administered by the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA), and all information submitted is kept confidential and used only to determine eligibility for New Jersey state financial aid.
General Eligibility Requirements:
Be a New Jersey resident who is not eligible to complete the FAFSA.
Have attended a New Jersey high school for at least three years.
Graduate from a New Jersey high school or earn the equivalent of a New Jersey high school diploma (such as a GED).
Be enrolling as a new student or currently enrolled at an eligible New Jersey public or independent college or university.
Not be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or other FAFSA-eligible noncitizen. Undocumented students and DACA recipients may qualify.
Register with the Selective Service, if required by law.
File an affidavit with your college or university stating that you have applied, or will apply as soon as you are eligible, to legalize your immigration status.
Meet any additional eligibility requirements for the specific New Jersey financial aid program(s) for which you are applying.
Application Requirements and Process:
Complete and submit the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application online by the applicable state deadline.
Gather and submit the required information, which may include:
Student and parent tax returns or other proof of household income.
W-2 forms, pay stubs, disability benefits, or other verifiable income documentation if taxes were not filed.
Student high school transcript or high school identification number.
Student or parent Social Security Number (SSN), if available.
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), if available.
If neither an SSN nor an ITIN is available, applicants may still complete the application. Students without either number will be assigned a HESAA Grants ID.
New Jersey driver's license or state-issued identification, if available.
Submit any additional documentation requested by HESAA through the NJFAMS portal to verify eligibility.
File the required immigration status affidavit with your college or university before receiving state financial aid.
Monitor your application through NJFAMS, where you can check your application status, upload requested documents, and view your state financial aid awards.
Additional Information:
Completing the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application allows HESAA to determine your eligibility for New Jersey state grants and scholarships. Participating colleges and universities may also use your application information to award institutional financial aid.
Information submitted through the application is confidential and protected under federal privacy laws. HESAA only shares information with authorized state agencies and participating colleges as necessary to administer state financial aid programs and will not disclose applicant information except when required by law.
State financial aid is not retroactive. Students may receive aid only for future eligible semesters and cannot receive funding for semesters that have already been completed.
Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program
Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program is a New Jersey state-funded program that supports students from economically and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds as they pursue higher education. In addition to providing annual grants ranging from $200 to $2,500, EOF offers comprehensive student support services, including academic counseling, tutoring, leadership development, workshops, experiential learning opportunities, and mentoring. Services are administered through participating New Jersey colleges and universities and may vary by institution.
EOF is designed to help students, particularly first-generation college students from low-income backgrounds, succeed in college and graduate on time through both financial assistance and personalized academic support.
General Eligibility Requirements:
Demonstrate an economically and educationally disadvantaged background.
Meet the EOF income eligibility guidelines based on family size.
Be a New Jersey resident and have lived in the state for at least 12 consecutive months before applying.
Be accepted to and enroll at a participating New Jersey college or university that offers the EOF Program.
Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application by the applicable state deadlines.
Meet the specific EOF selection criteria established by the institution you plan to attend.
Students applying through the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application may qualify regardless of immigration status if all program requirements are met.
Students transferring or continuing their education may be eligible, depending on the policies of their institution. Students applying for EOF for the final year of their degree program are generally noteligible.
Program Benefits:
Students admitted to the EOF Program may receive:
Annual grant funding ranging from $200 to $2,500 for up to 12 semesters of study, depending on eligibility.
A five-week Summer Institute for entering first-year students at participating institutions.
Individual academic coaching and ongoing support from an assigned EOF counselor.
Academic counseling, tutoring, and student success services.
Workshops focused on academic achievement, career preparation, financial literacy, and personal development.
Leadership development and experiential learning opportunities.
A supportive campus community that promotes academic success, persistence, and on-time graduation.
Application Requirements and Process:
Apply for admission to a participating New Jersey college or university that offers the EOF Program.
Complete and submit the FAFSA or New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application by the applicable deadline.
Contact the EOF Office or EOF Director at the institution you plan to attend to learn about that school's specific eligibility requirements and application process.
Submit any additional documentation requested by the institution, including proof of income or other eligibility materials.
Meet all institutional EOF selection requirements.
Reapply through your institution each academic year to continue receiving EOF benefits, if eligible.
Garden State Guarantee (GSG)
Garden State Guarantee (GSG) is a New Jersey financial aid program that makes earning a bachelor's degree at a New Jersey public four-year college or university more affordable. The program helps reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket tuition and mandatory fees by covering costs that are not already paid through federal and state grants or other scholarships. Eligible students with the greatest financial need may pay $0 in net tuition and fees during their third and fourth years of undergraduate study.
The Garden State Guarantee is designed to help New Jersey residents complete their first bachelor's degree while reducing the amount they need to borrow for college.
General Eligibility Requirements:
Be a New Jersey resident.
Attend an eligible New Jersey public four-year college or university.
Have a household adjusted gross income (AGI) between $0 and $65,000.
Be enrolled full-time, taking at least 12 credits per semester.
Be pursuing your first bachelor's degree.
Be in your third or fourth year of undergraduate study.
Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application by the applicable state deadlines.
Program Benefits:
Eligible students may receive:
Coverage of any remaining tuition and mandatory fees after federal grants, state grants, and scholarships have been applied.
A net cost of $0 for tuition and fees for eligible students with household incomes up to $65,000.
Reduced reliance on student loans while completing a bachelor's degree at a New Jersey public institution.
Application Requirements and Process:
Apply for admission to an eligible New Jersey public four-year college or university.
Complete and submit the FAFSA or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application by the established state deadline.
Meet all Garden State Guarantee eligibility requirements, including residency, income, enrollment, and degree requirements.
No separate Garden State Guarantee application is required. Eligible students are automatically considered after submitting the FAFSA or New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application.
Submit any additional documentation requested by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) or your college to verify eligibility.