The Best Scholarships in New Jersey

​New Jersey college tuition costs have risen significantly in recent years, and graduates are leaving college with increasingly staggering amounts of student loan debt. Despite seeking financial aid, student loans, considering the length of repayment terms and accruing interest, are clearly not the best option for paying for college.The payoff for the time spent in getting scholarships and grants is well worth the effort. There are numerous New Jersey scholarships offered for students seeking degrees in a variety of majors at New Jersey colleges.All of the following scholarships are for New Jersey residents or students attending eligible New Jersey colleges. Help paying for college is available, and it's easier to get than you think, so let's get you headed off to school!Working hard and getting good grades not only pays off on your report card, but can earn you cold, hard cash to pay tuition for your Jersey state school. The following scholarships and grants will reward you f or your dedication to your academic record. 1.NJ Stars Scholarship The NJ Stars award picks up remaining tuition after any other State or Federal Grants. Students must attend their home county college with a few exceptions. This award is dependent upon annual State appropriations.Amount: Tuition less other State or Federal GrantsGPA: 3.0 for renewal of awardClass Ranking: Top 15 percent at end of either junior or senior yearScores: Required score on college placement testEnrollment: 12 credits but will cover up to 18Application: Apply to home county college and complete FAFSA.You can learn more about the ​NJ Stars scholarship here. 2.NJ Stars II Scholarship This scholarship is for NJ Stars students with an associate degree continuing on to a four-year college or university to acquire a bachelor's degree.Amount: Not to exceed $1250 per semesterGPA: 3.25 or higherEnrollment: Full-timeFinancial Eligibility: Family income less than $250,000Application: FAFSANew Jersey students interested in pursuing a career in Accounting will benefit from adding up the awards from these scholarships.You can learn more about the ​NJ Stars II scholarship hï » ¿Ã¯ » ¿ere. 3.NJSCPA High School Scholarship This scholarship, offered by the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants, is awarded annually to accounting students and may be renewed for up to three additional years. Students must be high school seniors at time of application and finalists will be required to interview in early January at Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey.Award: $1,500-$2,500 annuallyGPA: 3.0 or ACT score of 23 or higher or math, verbal and essay SAT combined score of 1,500 or higherYou can learn more about the ​NJSCPA High School Scholarship here. 4.NJSCPA College Scholarship Program This scholarship is awarded to college juniors and seniors who are majoring in accounting. It is offered annually and is non-renewable.​These scholarships and grants will really help stretch the financial aid for New Jersey students interested in agriculture, ecology, or environmental studies.Amount: Up to $8,500GPA: 3.2 or higherEnrollment: Must be majoring in accounting or have at least 12 credits in accountingYou can learn more about theNJSCPA College Scholarship Program here. 5.Kent Nutrition Group, Inc. Scholarship High school seniors who are members of the Future Farmers of America and are pursuing a four-year degree in animal nutrition, animal/dairy/poultry or equine/equestrian science or other agricultural degrees may apply for this scholarship. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, community service, and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE).Award: $1000 annually, non-renewableEnrollment: Full-timeYou can learn more about the ​Kent Nutrition Group, Inc. Scholarship here. 6.GCA Caroline Thorn Kissel Summer Environmental Studies Scholarship The Garden Club of America offers this non-renewable award annually to one student planning on majoring in ecology or environmental studies.Award: $2,000A short essay and letters of reference must be included with the application.You can learn more about the ​GCA Caroline Thorn Kissel Summer Environmental Studies Scholarship here. 7.Winston E. Parker Scholarship This renewable scholarship is available to students demonstrating an interest in the field of arboreal, forestry, ornamental studies, landscape architecture, or associated specialties.Award: $1,000-$3,500Financial Eligibility: Must demonstrate financial need.Residency Requirement: Graduate of New Jersey high school in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Glouster, or Salem CountyWhat better way to show your Jersey State pride than by giving back to students in need in home state! Future teachers can show their smarts by applying for this scholarship.​You can learn more about the ​Winston E. Parker Scholarship here. 8.Woodrow Wilson New Jersey Teaching Fellowship The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation grants approximately fifteen awards at each partner university to students with bachelor's degrees in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) field who intend to teach in a high-need New Jersey high school.Award: $30,000 stipend, support and mentoring, guidance toward teaching certification, and lifelong membership in a national network of Woodrow Wilson FellowsGPA: 3.0 or higherEnrollment: Must teach for at least three years in a high-need New Jersey high schoolThe following scholarship is available to New Jersey residents who wish to share their faith to better their communities.​You can learn more about the ​Woodrow Wilson New Jersey Teaching Fellowship here. 9.Young Christian Leaders Scholarship The law firm of Buttafuoco Associates offers this scholarship for Christian students wishing to use their God-given to impact their communities and world. Applicants must be active members of their local church.Award: $1,000GPA: 3.0Enrollment: Full-time undergraduate​Students in New Jersey, who are experiencing financial need, can find the help they need through these scholarships and grants.You can learn more about the ​Young Christian Leaders Scholarship here. 10.Centenary College Garden State Grant Centenary College offers this renewable award to incoming first-time freshmen and transfer students at this institution.Award: Up to $5,000 annuallyEnrollment: Full-time at Centenary CollegeFinancial Eligibility: Must demonstrate financial need.Application: FAFSAYou can learn more about the ​Centenary College Garden State Grant here. 11.Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Graduate Grant The EOF Graduate Grant is a grant for graduate students that is renewable for up to four additional years of schooling.Award: $200-$4,350 annuallyEnrollment: Must possess a bachelor's degree and be enrolled full-time in a graduate or professional degree programFinancial Eligibility: Must demonstrate financial according to EOF income requirementsApplication: Contact the EOF director at your college.You can learn more about the ​Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Graduate Grant here. 12.Governor's Urban Scholarship Program This scholarship is automatically rewarded to economically disadvantaged students from high-need communities who are in the top 5 percent of their graduating class.Amount: VariesGPA: 3.0 or higherClass Ranking: Top 5 percentEnrollment: Full-timeFinancial Eligibility: New Jersey Eligibility Index (NJEI) below 10,500Residence: Must reside within designated high-need communityApplication: HESSA sends notice to eligible students who then accept or deny the award.You can learn more about the ​Governor's Urban Scholarship Program here. 13.Horatio Alger New Jersey Scholarship Program Funded through the Walter and Suzanne Scott Foundation, this award is for students committed to earning a bachelor's degree. Candidates must be involved in co-curricular and community activities.Award: $7,000 total paid in installments annually for up to five years of an undergraduate programGPA: 2.0 or higherEnrollment: Full-time as a high school seniorFinancial Eligibility: $55,000 or less adjusted gross income per family preferred; written explanation required if higherApplication: Apply onlineYou can learn more about the ​Horatio Alger New Jersey Scholarship Program here. 14.New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Undergraduate Grant This grant is available for low-income students who are motivated to earn a degree but may not be prepared for college study. This is a campus-based program that provides outreach and support services to help participants succeed.Amount: Up to $2,500 annuallyEnrollment: Enrolled in associate's or bachelor's degree programFinancial Eligibility: Must demonstrate educationally and economically disadvantaged backgroundYou can learn more about the ​New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Undergraduate Grant here. 15.New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) This award may cover up to the cost of tuition based on several factors including financial need. It is not available for students of theology or divinity or students who have already earned a degree.Award: $2,534-$11,550 annuallyEnrollment: Full-timeFinancial Eligibility: Must meet eligibility requirements for receipt of state aidApplication: FAFSAYou can learn more about the ​New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) here. 16.Part-time Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) for County College Students This grant may be renewed annually for students who are attending college part-time. Students may not already possess a baccalaureate degree or be majoring in theology or divinity.Award: Up to the cost of tuitionEnrollment: 6-11 credits per term in an approved programFinancial Need: As determined by FAFSAApplication: FAFSA Students who wish to attend college to start careers in healthcare can look to these scholarships and grants for financial aid and assistance.You can learn more about the ​Part-time Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) for County College Students here. 17.IOKDS Health Careers Scholarship This renewable scholarship for students in healthcare related fields is made available by the International Order of the King's Daughters and Sons (IOKDS). Students must be entering at least their third year of college or at least their second year of medical or dental school.Award: $1,000Enrollment: Full-timeApplication: Email name, course of study, and collegeIt makes sense for New Jersey students to take advantage of the following scholarship for students interested in Information Technology.You can learn more about the ​IOKDS Health Careers Scholarship here. 18.ISACA Philadelphia Chapter Academic Scholarship Competition Applicants must write an essay on a topic related to IT/Computing. This contest provides three one-time awards to the winners. In addition to the awards, they will also receive a one-year membership to the ISACA organization. The winning essays will be published in the Philadelphia ISACA Chapter Newsletter.Award: Up to $2,500Enrollment: Enrolled full-time undergraduate or graduate student in good standingThese scholarships and grants are available to New Jersey residents pursuing a variety of majors.You can learn more about the ISACA Philadelphia Chapter Academic Scholarship Competition here. 19.Direct Energy Live Brighter Scholarship This award contest requires completion of an original video between 60 and 120 seconds long responding to the topic of the year's contest. Students must also write a brief essay.Award: $5,000 for first place, $2,500 for second placeGPA: 3.0You can learn more about the ​Direct Energy Live Brighter Scholarship here. 20.New Jersey Foster Care Scholars Students between the ages of 16 and 23 who were in a CPP out-of-home paid placement or currently reside in a transitional living program of independent living arrangement, were adopted through CPP, or entered Kinship Legal Guardianship may be eligible to receive help with tuition, books, laptops and tablets, and room and board.Award: Tuition, supplies, child care, room and board, computer, and transportationApplication: Apply onlineYou can learn more about theNew Jersey Foster Care Scholars here. 21.New Jersey State Golf Association (NJSGA) Caddie Scholarship The NJSGA awards this renewable scholarship to New Jersey golf caddies. Consideration is given based on SAT scores, demonstrated leadership, and financial need.Award: $2,000-$4,000Scores: SAT scores must be submitted.You can learn more about the ​New Jersey State Golf Association (NJSGA) Caddie Scholarship here. 22.Frank D. Visceglia Memorial Scholarship Male students who are Eagle Scouts are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. Preference is given to those doing environmental community service projects and seeking careers in development-related fields.Award: $1,000Enrollment: Planning to attend an accredited four-year collegeApplication: DownloadSurviving Children or Spouses will receive help from these scholarships.You can learn more about the ​Frank D. Visceglia Memorial Scholarship here. 23.Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Scholarship (LEOM) The LEOM Scholarship is for dependent children of New Jersey law enforcement officers killed while in the line of duty.Award: Up to the cost of attendance less other assistance received through HESAAEnrollment: Full-timeApplication: Apply onlineYou can learn more about the ​Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Scholarship (LEOM) here. 24.Survivor Tuition Benefits Program Providing free tuition at public schools of higher education and some independent schools in New Jersey, this award is for children and surviving spouses of New Jersey firefighters, emergency service workers, and law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Eligibility is limited to eight years from the date of high school graduation or eight years from the date of death of the spouse.Award: Cost of tuitionEnrollment: At least half-timeApplication: Apply onlineYou can learn more about the ​Survivor Tuition Benefits Program here. 25.World Trade Center Scholarship The WTC Scholarship is for children or spouses of New Jersey residents who died as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, or who died due to exposure to the attack sites. Eligibility is limited to eight years from the date of high school graduation or eight years from the date of death of the spouse.Amount: VariesEnrollment: Full-timeApplication: Apply onlineWomen, Ethnic Groups, and Minorities in New Jersey will benefit from these scholarships.​You can learn more about the ​World Trade Center Scholarship here. 26.Ann Liguori Foundation Sports Media Scholarship In honor of Ann Liguori, a sports radio and television personality, the New York Women in Communications offer this award for a female college junior or senior hoping to pursue a career in sports broadcasting, reporting, programming, or production in a related field.Amount: $2,500 annually, non-renewableEnrollment: College junior or senior majoring in journalism or communicationsApplication: Apply onlineYou can learn more about the ​Ann Liguori Foundation Sports Media Scholarship here. 27.Carlozzi Family Scholarship This award is offered to a female undergraduate student majoring in journalism or communications who demonstrates an interest in and talent for writing.Amount: $2,500 annually, non-renewableEnrollment: Undergraduate majoring in journalism or communicationsApplication: Apply onlineYou can learn more about the ​Carlozzi Family Scholarship here. 28.CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship This scholarship is for African-American or black students majoring in the field of visual arts. Students must submit an essay and samples of their art.Award: $3,000GPA: 2.5 or higherEnrollment: Full-time undergraduateApplication: Apply online.You can learn more about the ​CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship here. 29.Donald Malcolm MacArthur Scholarship This scholarship is for students who plan to study abroad in Scotland. Special consideration is given to those who contribute to enhanced knowledge of Scottish history or culture.Award: $2,500GPA: Meritorious academic recordEnrollment: Enrolled in a college in ScotlandFinancial Eligibility: Must demonstrate financial need.You can learn more about the ​Donald Malcolm MacArthur Scholarship here. 30.James G. Pulos Memorial Scholarship Offered by the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), this scholarship is available to students of Greek descent or who are members of, or a child of a member of, AHEPA, the Daughters of Penelope, the Sons of Pericles of the Maids of Athena. Students applying must be majoring in engineering, medicine, or nursing.Award: $500-$2,000 annually, non-renewableEnrollment: Full-time undergraduate or graduate studentYou can learn more about the​James G. Pulos Memorial Scholarship here. 31.Luso-American Education Foundation General Scholarship The Luso-American Education Foundation General Scholarship is for high school seniors of Portuguese descent or who are currently taking Portuguese language classes in high school.Award: $500-$1,500GPA: 3.0 if enrolled in a Portuguese language class, OR 3.5 or higher if of Portuguese descentYou can learn more about the ​Luso-American Education Foundation General Scholarship here. 32.Meredith Corporation Scholarship The New York Women in Communications award this $5,000 annual, non-renewable scholarship each year to one female journalism or communications major. Applicants must be available for and compete for an internship at Meredith Corporation's headquarters in New York City.Award: $5,000 annuallyGPA: 3.2 or higherEnrollment: Accepted or enrolled as an undergraduate student at time of applicationApplication: Apply onlineYou can learn more about the ​Meredith Corporation Scholarship here. 33.NJ-Governor's Industry Vocations Scholarship (NJ-GIVS) for Women and Minorities This scholarship is for women and minorities seeking training in construction and engineering fields at County Colleges, Technical/Vocational and Proprietary schools.Amount: Up to $2000 per yearGPA: High school diploma or GED is the only requirementFinancial Eligibility: Annual household income less than $60,000Application: Apply onlineYou can learn more about the ​NJ-Governor's Industry Vocations Scholarship (NJ-GIVS) for Women and Minorities here. 34.St. Andrew's Society Scholarship College juniors, seniors, and graduate students of Scottish heritage are eligible to apply for this award. Special consideration is given to those who work to enhance knowledge of Scottish history or culture.Award: $2,000-$2,500GPA: Meritorious academic recordEnrollment: Full-time junior, senior, or graduate studentFinancial Eligibility: Must demonstrate financial need.You can learn more about the ​St. Andrew's Society Scholarship here. 35.Three Sisters Scholarship Foundation This scholarship is for Black high school seniors from ETHS, who have demonstrated academic excellence and school and community involvement. The scholarship is awarded in two installments in the first and third years.Award: $4,000GPA: Academic excellence or improvementResidency: Student at Evanston Township High SchoolApplication: Apply online.You can learn more about the ​Three Sisters Scholarship Foundation here. ​We've worked hard to include a variety of scholarship opportunities within our list. If you have any suggestions on additional scholarships, please feel free to let us know on our comments page.