NJ STARS is a new scholarship program exclusively for New Jersey residents that covers the cost of tuition and approved fees at New Jersey's 19 community colleges.
Students who graduate in the top 20 percent of their high school class are eligible. (Ask your high school guidance counselor for details.) NJ STARS covers up to five semesters of tuition and approved fees at the student's local community college.
Students who meet the top 20 percent requirement must first apply for all other federal and state financial aid available to them. If a student receives financial aid, NJ STARS will cover the remaining cost of tuition and fees. If a student is not eligible for financial aid, NJ STARS will cover the entire cost.
NJ STARS students must take at least 12 college-level credits each semester and can take up to 15 college-level credits each semester.
NJ STARS students have up to two years after graduating high school to enroll at a New Jersey community college.
NJ STARS students must be enrolled in an associate degree program at a New Jersey community college.
NJ STARS students must maintain continuous full-time enrollment at a New Jersey community college.
After their first year enrolled at a New Jersey community college, NJ STARS students must hold a 3.0 grade point average by the beginning of their second year to be eligible for scholarship renewal for the second year.
For more information about NJ STARS and other state-sponsored scholarships and financial aid programs, visit the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.