Governor's Urban Scholarship (NJ) Grant

The Governor's Urban Scholarship (NJ) is a merit-based program by HESAA designed to support high-achieving students from designated New Jersey communities. Eligibility is determined by high school rankings, requiring students to be in the top 5% with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. No application is needed; schools submit eligible candidates directly to HESAA. This initiative not only promotes academic excellence but also enhances educational opportunities for students in underserved areas.

Our programs and services include:
FINANCIAL AID: HESAA administers the State grants and scholarships that help New Jersey students afford a postsecondary education, including the Tuition Aid Grant (TAG), Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG), and Garden State Guarantee (GSG). New Jersey offers some of the most generous financial aid in the nation.
SAVING FOR COLLEGE: HESAA offers NJBEST 529 College Savings plans that help New Jersey families save for a child’s future education expenses. New Jersey offers several incentives to encourage residents to save early and often with a 529 College Savings Plan, including a scholarship opportunity.
PAYING FOR COLLEGE: For educational expenses that are not covered by financial aid or savings, HESAA offers NJCLASS family loans with borrower-friendly terms to help students with a ‘New Jersey Nexus’ pay for college. HESAA also offers the ReFi+ program to help college graduates refinance their student loans.
SUPPORTING PROFESSIONALS AFTER GRADUATION: New Jersey professionals can receive student loan relief through one of several student loan redemption programs offered by HESAA in exchange for working in eligible high-need fields in key sectors throughout the state.
OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATIONS: HESAA spreads the word about these programs and guides families through the financial aid process with robust community outreach via workshops, webinars, and other forms of communication.
The Governor’s Urban Scholarship Program is a merit-based scholarship that benefits students in designated New Jersey communities. The awards are based on information submitted by high school guidance counselors to HESAA. There is NO application process; student eligibility is determined by the high schools reporting the top 15.0 percent of their current junior class to HESAA. HESAA then identifies students who rank in the top 5.0 percent with a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher and sends a notice to eligible students who either accept or deny the award. To receive an award, you must qualify academically and meet all eligibility requirements.
The designated communities
Atlantic County: PleasantvilleBergen County: GarfieldBurlington County: Burlington City, Pemberton TownshipCamden County: Camden City, Gloucester CityCumberland County: Bridgeton, Millville City, Vineland CityEssex County: East Orange City, Irvington Township, Newark City, OrangeHudson County: Harrison, Hoboken, Jersey City, Union City, West New YorkMercer County: Trenton CityMiddlesex County: New Brunswick City, Perth AmboyMonmouth County: Asbury Park City, Keansburg, Long Branch, Neptune TownshipOcean County: LakewoodPassaic County: Passaic City, Paterson CitySalem County: Salem CityUnion County: Elizabeth, Plainfield City, Roselle BoroughWarren County: Phillipsburg

Eligibility

To be eligible, students must:Rank within the top 5.0% of their class and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher at the end of the junior year of high school;Be a citizen, eligible non-citizen, or eligible to file the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application;Be a permanent New Jersey resident for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to enrollment;Be enrolled full time in an approved degree or certificate program;Attend an approved New Jersey college, university or degree-granting proprietary schoolMaintain satisfactory academic progress to qualify for renewal;
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application within established State deadlines each year and meet all program requirements; andReside in one of the designated communities.