17 Apr What financial aid can I get for going back to school?

Q. I’m planning to go back to college — I never graduated — after a 10 year absence. What kind of financial aid can I apply for from the state of New Jersey?
— Preparing to pay

A. Congratulations on your decision to pursue the completion of your college degree.

There are a number of opportunities for both federal and state aid.

To apply for both federal and New Jersey programs, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, online, said Claudia Mott, a certified financial planner with Epona Financial Solutions in Basking Ridge.

The New Jersey aid programs include the Tuition Aid Grant (TAG).

This program offers need-based assistance to New Jersey students enrolled at approved New Jersey higher education institutions, Mott said.

“The grants cover a portion of tuition for nearly one-third of all New Jersey residents enrolled full-time in an in-state undergraduate program,” she said.

The Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG): for New Jersey residents offers a tuition-free education at one of the 18 community colleges. Applicants must have adjusted gross income between $0 and $65,000, Mott said.

Then there’s the Garden State Guarantee (GSG), which provides tuition-free third and fourth years at any in-state, public four-year institution.

“Students must be working towards the completion of a Bachelor’s Degree and enrolled full time,” Mott said. “Eligible students must have adjusted gross income between $0 and $65,000. GSG covers the cost of tuition that is not already covered by federal and state financial aid or other scholarships.”

NJCLASS Loans are fixed-rate loans available to help finance higher education when other aid options have been exhausted. The loans apply to both in-state and out-of-state schools, Mott said.

You can get more information on the programs at the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority website at hesaa.org or at nj.gov/njyrs/education/financial-aid

On the federal side, the federal financial aid programs do not have an age limit.

Pell Grants are need-based and do not have to be repaid, making them especially valuable for students with financial need, Mott said.
The direct subsidized loans are available for undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need. The government pays the interest while you are in school at least half-time, during the grace period, and during deferment.

“Direct unsubsidized loans can cover undergraduate, graduate and professional students and does not require a financial need to be awarded,” Mott said.

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This story was originally published in April 2026. 

NJMoneyHelp.com presents certain general financial planning principles and advice, but should never be viewed as a substitute for obtaining advice from a personal professional advisor who understands your unique individual circumstances.