Earn Your Degree Debt‑Free
The New Jersey College Promise Program is the State’s commitment to creating an affordable pathway to a college degree. It consists of two life-changing programs used in tandem: the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) and the Garden State Guarantee (GSG) that promise transparent, predictable pricing for up to four years of college here in New Jersey. Based on your income, your degree may be tuition-free!
The Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) is the first part of the College Promise and represents New Jersey’s commitment to tuition-free community college. Based on income, eligible New Jersey students, including NJ Dreamers, can pursue their first associate’s degree tuition-free or for an affordable, reduced tuition rate at their local community college. Upon graduation, eligible students can transfer to a New Jersey public, four-year institution and receive an additional funding through the Garden State Guarantee.
The Garden State Guarantee (GSG) is the second part of the College Promise and enables eligible New Jersey residents to attend an in-state, public, four-year institution tuition-free or at an affordable, reduced tuition rate during their third and fourth years of study toward their first bachelor’s degree. GSG covers the cost of tuition that is not already covered by federal and state financial aid or other scholarships.
How to Apply
To be considered for all New Jersey financial aid, including need-based and merit-based grants and scholarships, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students who qualify as NJ Dreamers must complete the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application. Applications must be submitted by State deadlines: September 15 for new college students enrolling in the fall semester who did not receive State financial aid in the previous academic year, and April 15 for students intending to enroll again in the upcoming fall term after receiving State financial aid in the current academic year.