NJ STARS New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship (NJ STARS)
The New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship (NJ STARS), established by the State of New Jersey in 2004, provides eligible students who graduate in the top 15 percent of their New Jersey high school graduating class the opportunity to receive tuition support to attend their home county community college. The scholarship is intended to encourage academic achievement and promote access to higher education within the New Jersey community college system.
NJ STARS awards generally cover the cost of tuition for eligible students after the application of all federal and state grants and scholarships. Students may be responsible for payment of fees, books, supplies, and other educational expenses. Initial eligibility is determined by the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) and requires timely completion of all financial aid application requirements.
To maintain NJ STARS eligibility, students must enroll full-time in an associate degree program and meet all program continuation standards established by the State of New Jersey. These standards typically include maintaining satisfactory academic progress, achieving the required cumulative grade point average at designated credit benchmarks, and completing the associate degree within the prescribed time frame. Students who fail to meet renewal criteria may lose eligibility for continued participation in the program.
Funding for NJ STARS is contingent upon annual state appropriations and legislative authorization. Students are strongly encouraged to review current program requirements, deadlines, and renewal criteria through the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority at www.hesaa.org.
Students seeking additional information about NJ STARS participation at Atlantic Cape Community College, including certification procedures and institutional processes, should contact Carol Fraone, Atlantic Cape's NJ STARS liaison, at (609) 343-5009 or email cfraone@atlanticcape.edu.
Program participation is subject to state regulations and specific eligibility requirements. *Conditions apply