NJ STARS Overview

NJ STARS (Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship) is a program initiated by the State of NJ to provide tuition assistance to the state’s highest-achieving students, enabling them to attend their home county college tuition free.

Key Requirements for NJ STARS Program:

1. Academic Achievement:

• Must be in the top 15% of the high school graduating class or at the end of junior year.
• Provide Brookdale with the final high school transcript, including class rank.
• If class rank is not on the transcript, a letter from the High School on letterhead is required (Brookdale’s Office of Financial Aid will notify you if this letter is required).

2. Residency:

• Must be a NJ resident.
• Attend the community college in the home county unless the desired program is not offered.
• If attending a different county college, an approved chargeback for each semester is necessary.

3. Financial Aid Application:

• File FAFSA or NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application within the state and federal deadlines.
• Include Brookdale’s college code (008404) in FAFSA.
• Submit requested documentation for eligibility determination.

4. Tuition Coverage:

• NJ STARS covers tuition less any state and/or federal grants (up to 18 credits per semester) for a maximum of 5 semesters.
• Does not cover summer terms.
• May not cover the cost of classes not completed and dropped from my schedule.

5. Continuous Enrollment:

• Enroll in a full-time course of study within the fifth semester after high school graduation.
• Must matriculate in a degree program, taking at least 12 college credits.
• Option to attend part-time in the final NJ STARS term with an affidavit of graduation.
• Maintain at least a 3.0 GPA by the start of the second year of enrollment.

6. Continuous Enrollment:

• Maintain full-time continuous enrollment (12 or more credits per term).
• Notify the Financial Aid Office of special circumstances requiring withdrawal from all classes.
• Work with Student Success Coach for academic difficulties.

7. Disciplinary Actions:

• If dismissed for disciplinary actions, responsible for repaying the entire NJ STARS award.

8. NJ STARS II Consideration:

• To be considered for NJ STARS II at a 4-year institution:
  • Earn an associate degree with a 3.25 GPA within 5 terms of activating NJ STARS.
  • Be accepted for admission by a NJ college/university with a family income below $250,000.
  • Enroll within one semester of graduating from a community college.

More information:

• NJ STARS Pamphlet