# NJ STARS (New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship)

> 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-stars
- Provider: Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) (State)
- Award: Amount varies (Tuition only, minus state and federal grants, for up to five semesters at the home county college), renewable
- Deadline: Deadline Sep 15, 2027
- State list: https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/state/nj
- Official page: https://hesaa.org/Documents/FactSheets/NJSTARS/FactSheetfor2026HSGrad.pdf
- Last verified by CollegesRef: Nov 6, 2026

## About this scholarship

NJ STARS rewards New Jersey's highest-ranked high school students with tuition support at their home county college. Students who rank in the top 15.0 percent of their class at the end of junior or senior year, complete a rigorous course of study, and have lived in New Jersey for at least 12 months before graduation can qualify. The award covers tuition only, after state and federal grants are applied, for up to five semesters and up to 18 college-level credits per semester. It does not cover fees, books or remedial courses, and some colleges fold fees into tuition rates, which can leave a balance. Students must enroll full time, taking at least 12 college-level credits, no later than the fifth semester after graduation, and generally at the county college where they live. To stay in the program, students need a 3.0 cumulative GPA by the start of the third semester and continuous full-time enrollment, with limited exceptions. The value depends on annual state funding.

## Who can apply

- Residents of: NJ
- Education level: High school student, Undergraduate
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen, Eligible noncitizen, DACA or state Dream Act student
- Top 15.0% of the high school class at the end of junior or senior year. Full-time (12+ college-level credits) at the home county college by the fifth semester after high school. Renewal requires a 3.0 cumulative GPA at the start of the third semester.

## How to apply

Apply for admission to your home county college and file the FAFSA or NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application by the state deadline each year. Complete your state grant record in NJFAMS; the county college notifies you of eligibility.

## Related scholarships

- [New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG)](https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/new-jersey-tuition-aid-grant): Up to $14,404
- [New Jersey Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG)](https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/new-jersey-community-college-opportunity-grant): 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.