State Aid
The Tuition Aid Grant from the State of New Jersey (TAG)
Much like the PELL grant from the federal government, many students may be eligible for additional need-based grant money from the state of New Jersey. However, additional information may need to be supplied from the student, and deadlines vary from the federal requirements. Please carefully review the information below, or visit the Financial Aid Office to determine your TAG eligibility and requirements to complete your state file.
The organization that grants TAG is called HESAA (Higher Education Student Assistance Authority). This is a separate entity from the federal government, who supplies most other types of aid.
You can access HESAA’s information and create a student account by visiting www.hesaa.org or call 1-800-792-8670 for questions.
In order to be eligible for TAG, along with meeting the income requirements to receive the grant, Students are responsible for:
- Adding any additional information required to complete their state file, above and beyond that asked on the FAFSA, by creating a state profile at the link above
- Responding to any and all mail from HESAA required to keep their account up to date and maintain their grant eligibility
- Maintaining at least half-time enrollment (6 credits)
- Maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
- Being enrolled in an eligible program of study
- Not being in default on any prior student loans
- Students have been a NJ resident for the past twelve months
- Have not exceeded five semesters at a two-year college
In addition, the TAG grant requires that:
Deadlines for TAG
FAFSA Deadlines
If you are a returning student:
You must file your FAFSA by June 1st of the prior year. For example, if you wish to receive the TAG grant for the Fall of 2014, you must have completed your 2014/2015 FAFSA by June 1, 2014.
If you are a new student:
For the Fall semester, FAFSAs must be completed by October 1st.
For the Spring semester, FAFSAs must be completed by March 1st.
Deadlines to Complete Your State File (students may need to submit additional data elements, college code changes, or complete state verification)
For the Fall Semester, all state files must be completed by November 15th in order to be eligible for TAG.
For the Spring Semester, all state files must be completed by March 15th in order to be eligible for TAG.
*Please note: If you are unsure of what college you will attend, but you are considering any NJ schools, you MUST list a NJ school as your top choice on the FAFSA in order to be considered for a TAG grant.*
New Jersey Educational Opportunity Funds (EOF)
EOF is a state program that provides counseling, academic support and financial assistance to educationally and economically disadvantaged students. Visit our Educational Opportunity Fund page for more information.
