# New Jersey Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG)

> Amount varies from Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA). Deadline Sep 15, 2027.

- Edition: Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition
- Page: https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/new-jersey-community-college-opportunity-grant
- Provider: Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) (State)
- Award: Amount varies (Remaining in-county tuition (up to 18 credits per term) and approved fees after other aid), renewable
- Deadline: Deadline Sep 15, 2027
- State list: https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/state/nj
- Official page: https://www.hesaa.org/Pages/CCOG.aspx
- Last verified by CollegesRef: Nov 6, 2026

## About this scholarship

CCOG is New Jersey's tuition-free community college program for lower-income residents pursuing a first associate degree. Students with an adjusted gross income from $0 to $65,000 can have their remaining tuition, up to 18 credits per term, and approved educational fees covered after all other grants and scholarships are applied. It is a last-dollar award, so it fills the gap rather than adding to other aid. Students must enroll in at least six credits per semester at a New Jersey community college, make satisfactory academic progress and file a financial aid application every year by the state deadline. Only in-county tuition and fees are covered; students who attend a community college outside their home county pay the extra out-of-county charges themselves. NJ Dreamers are eligible through the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application. Students who have already filed the FAFSA or the alternative application are considered automatically and should watch their NJFAMS to-do list for requests.

## Who can apply

- Residents of: NJ
- Education level: High school student, Undergraduate
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen, Eligible noncitizen, DACA or state Dream Act student
- Adjusted gross income between $0 and $65,000. At least six credits per semester at a New Jersey community college toward a first associate degree. Out-of-county surcharges are not covered.

## How to apply

File the FAFSA, or the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application, by September 15 (new students) or April 15 (returning TAG recipients). Check NJFAMS for any documents HESAA needs.

## Related scholarships

- [New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG)](https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/new-jersey-tuition-aid-grant): Up to $14,404
- [NJ STARS (New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship)](https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/new-jersey-stars): Amount varies
- [LPS Qubit Collaboratory (LQC)](https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/lps-qubit-collaboratory-lqc): Amount varies
- [Federal Pell Grant](https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/federal-pell-grant): Up to $7,395

## Explore New Jersey

- [Colleges in New Jersey](https://www.collegesref.com/state/new-jersey)

Always confirm amounts, rules and deadlines on the official page before applying.