Governor's Urban Scholarship
The Governor’s Urban Scholarship Program (launched in 2012) is a merit-based scholarship supporting students from New Jersey’s economically challenged communities.
Eligibility Requirements
Students must:
- Rank in the top 5% of their class by the end of junior year
- Have a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Live in a designated community
- Be a NJ resident for at least 12 consecutive months before enrollment
- Be a U.S. citizen, eligible non-citizen, or eligible for NJ Alternative Financial Aid
- Enroll full-time in an approved degree or certificate program
- Attend an eligible NJ college, university, or proprietary school
Enrollment Requirements
- Must enroll full-time at an eligible New Jersey institution
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress to keep the scholarship
Award & Funding
- Award eligibility is shown in the NJ Financial Aid Management System (NJFAMS)
- Funds are paid directly to your school each semester (after enrollment is confirmed)
- Award amounts depend on annual state funding
Renewal Requirements
- To continue receiving the scholarship, students must:
- Complete the FAFSA or NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application each year
- Meet all program requirements, including a New Jersey Eligibility Index (NJEI) below 10,500
- Maintain academic progress
How to Apply
- Students are nominated by their high school (fall of senior year)
- Eligible students are notified in December
- Contact your school counselor for more information
Key Takeaway
This program rewards top-performing students in underserved communities by helping them afford college in New Jersey.
Renewal of Award
Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application within established state deadlines and meet all program requirements, including a New Jersey Eligibility Index (NJEI) below 10500. The award eligibility will be reflected on the new NJFAMSsystem after the student’s Financial Aid Application is filed and the State grant record is complete.
How To Apply
Candidates are selected for consideration by their high school based upon standard academic criteria in the fall of their senior year in high school. Award recipients are notified of their potential eligibility in December of their senior year in high school. Interested students should contact their high school counselor for more information.
Designated Communities
Students must reside in one of the following communities at the time of high school nomination: