Financial aid can come in a variety of forms. It's important that you understand the different types of aid and the important distinctions of each.
Federal Pell Grant is available to students who have demonstrated the highest calculated need. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculated from the FAFSA determines this award.
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is awarded to Federal Pell Grant recipients who have demonstrated the highest calculated need. The average award for full-time students is $1,000. Funds are limited and subject to availability.
The Federal Work Study (FWS) Program is a federally funded need-based financial aid program in which eligible students work part-time jobs on-campus, off-campus, and in community service opportunities to help pay for educational expenses.
FWS is an award that students earn through work, with earnings based on an hourly rate for actual hours worked. It is not a loan that must be repaid. FWS funds and positions are limited and not all qualified students will receive a job.
If you are eligible for FWS and hired by a department, the FWS award will be posted on your financial aid award. You can view it through Self Service.
One of the most generous need-based financial aid programs in the nation. TAG awards go to full-time undergraduate students enrolled in an approved degree or certificate program. One third of all full-time undergraduate New Jersey residents attending school in New Jersey receive support through TAG.
The Part-Time TAG Program for County College Students provides grants to eligible students while enrolled between 6-11 credits.
The Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) awards pay for the cost of tuition (at the in-county rate) and approved educational fees for New Jersey residents with an annual adjusted gross income (AGI) between $0 and $65,000. New Jersey residents with AGIs between $65,001 and $80,000 pay reduced tuition costs up to 50% or one-half of the maximum CCOG award available at their community college. New Jersey residents with AGIs between $80,001 and $100,000 pay reduced tuition costs of up to 33% or one-third of the maximum CCOG award available at their community college. CCOG covers the cost of tuition and approved educational fees that are not already covered by federal and state financial aid or scholarships.
The New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund provides financial assistance to students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds who attend institutions of higher education in the State of New Jersey. In addition to EOF grants, Middlesex College provides a five-week summer bridge program to help new EOF students adjust to college classes.
Since 1967 the Middlesex College Foundation has distributed more than $17 million in scholarships, financial aid and grants to more than 17,000 deserving students. The Middlesex College Foundation currently has more than 130 scholarships available to qualified students. You only need to complete one application to apply for all scholarships.
The New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship (NJ STARS) program is an initiative created by the State of New Jersey that provides New Jersey’s highest achieving students with free tuition at their home county college. The NJ STARS award covers the cost of tuition, less any State and/or Federal grants and scholarships, for up to five semesters. The award covers these charges for up to 18 credit hours per semester. Students must rank in the top 15% of their high school class in either their Junior or Senior Year. Completing the FAFSA or NJ Alternative Financial Aid application is required.
Many outside organizations award scholarships. If a student’s family is affiliated with a community or religious organization, the organization may be contacted to see if it offers scholarships. Many companies will help employees or children of employees finance their education. Students may contact their employer or their parents’ employers and ask if they have tuition assistance programs.
Although Middlesex College financial aid awards are loan-free, you and your family might still opt to take out a loan to pay for part of your educational expenses. Make sure you understand the different types of loans.
A loan based on financial need for which the federal government generally pays the interest that accrues while the borrower is in an in-school, grace, or deferment status, and during certain periods of repayment under certain income-driven repayment plans.
A loan for which the borrower is fully responsible for paying the interest regardless of the loan status. Interest on unsubsidized loans accrues from the date of disbursement and continues throughout the life of the loan.
A loan available to graduate students and parents of dependent undergraduate students for which the borrower is fully responsible for paying the interest regardless of the loan status.
NJCLASS is a supplemental student loan program. NJCLASS is available to New Jersey residents attending an approved school (in or out-of-state) and out-of-state residents enrolled in an approved NJ-based school. The borrower can be the student or the parent.