Frequently Asked Questions
If a student chooses to attend an out‐of‐county college, would that student be eligible for CCOG awards?
Are students eligible for CCOG if they are taking remedial courses?
How does a student apply for CCOG?
The FAFSA can be completed at www.fafsa.gov or for the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application at https://www.hesaa.org/Pages/NJAlternativeApplication.aspx.
Are students eligible for CCOG if they are in a dual enrollment program?
What are the Adjusted Gross Income requirements?
Do students have to meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements?
What fees are paid by the CCOG award?
CCOG pays “Required Fees” which, as per the US Department of Education, include all fixed sum charges that are required of such a large proportion of all students that the student who does not pay the charges is an exception.
Additionally, acceptable fees are featured on the initial term bill and include the following:
- General fees
- Registration fees
- Facility fees
- Technology fees
- Lab fees
- Program/ General Course Fees, including fees for coursework in nursing, culinary, and other career and technical education programs
- Online access fees
- Student Activity fees
Examples of fees that are excluded from the definition include the following. If you are not sure if a fee at your institution is acceptable, please email ccog@hesaa.org for clarification.
Non‐Educational Fees
- Books (purchased or rental)
- Equipment/Supplies/Uniforms (purchase or rental)
- Insurance/Health Fees
- Application Fees
- Library Fees
- Late Fees or Fines
- Testing/Portfolio/Audit Fees
- Licensing/Certification Fees
- Criminal Background
- Check Fees
- Parking Fees
- Gym/Fitness Fees
- Aviation/Flight Time Fees
- Change Fees
- Graduation/Diploma Fees
- Transcript Fees
- International Fees
- Out‐of‐state or Out‐of‐county Fees
- Curriculum Review Fees
- Payment Plan Fees
How will the student be notified of eligibility for the CCOG award?
What happens if the student feels they were eligible but did not receive the award?
Are You Eligible?
You’re eligible if you:
- Are a New Jersey resident with an adjusted gross income between $0 - $80,000
- Completed the FAFSA or NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application according to deadlines at www.njgrants.org
Click here for NJ Dreamer eligibility details - Are enrolled in at least six (6) credits per semester at any of New Jersey's community colleges during Academic Year 2022-2023
- Have no prior college degree
- Make satisfactory academic progress

NJ Dreamers
NJ Dreamers are vital to our state--New Jersey wants to give back by supporting you on your pathway to success through CCOG. Under a policy signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy on May 9, 2018, graduates of New Jersey high schools who do not have documented immigration status, but who meet other qualifying criteria, will be eligible to apply for state-funded financial aid for postsecondary education. The New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application allows NJ Dreamers enrolled in eligible New Jersey colleges and universities to apply for state financial aid. Complete this application if you are not a United States citizen or eligible noncitizen and meet all of the following criteria:
- Attended a New Jersey high school for at least three (3) years
- Graduated from a New Jersey high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in New Jersey
- Registered for Selective Service (male students only)
- Are able to file an affidavit stating that you have filed an application to legalize your immigration status or will file an application as soon as you are eligible to do so