Best Higher Education Grants in New Jersey

New Jersey students pursuing higher education can apply for the Mary Elliott Wislar Memorial Scholarship, which supports two years of study at a four-year college, two-year college, or vocational school. Focused on higher education, Princeton Area Community Foundation invites Mercer County residents with demonstrated leadership and community involvement to seek this academic scholarship opportunity.

New Jersey high school students pursuing higher education whose parent has cancer, or who are battling cancer themselves, can receive scholarship support for accredited college, university, or vocational study. Princeton Area Community Foundation provides up to US $5,000 per year for up to four years, considering financial need, academics, service, activities, leadership, and work experience.

New Jersey students pursuing higher education who live in Princeton, West Windsor, or Plainsboro and are descendants of U.S. Armed Forces veterans can access funding through the Princeton Area Community Foundation’s Dr. Henry J. Frank Scholarship. Two scholarships of US $1,000 support up to four years at accredited U.S. colleges, universities, technical schools, or community colleges.

High school students in Trenton or the greater Mercer or Bucks counties planning full-time study at accredited colleges, universities, trade, or vocational schools can receive higher education support through the Lion Woodward Educational Fund. Grants from Princeton Area Community Foundation offer up to US $4,000 per year, renewable for up to four years, based on need, academics, service, and leadership.

High school seniors from eligible central Minnesota schools planning to attend a four-year college outside Minnesota and nearby states can receive scholarship support for higher education. CommunityGiving provides New Jersey higher education students with the Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, offering US $5,000 to student leaders or student athletes pursuing full-time study at a U.S.-based institution.

New Jersey residents seeking tuition-free community college for their first associate degree can receive last-dollar support for remaining tuition and approved fees at in-state community colleges. Grants from New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority help New Jersey higher education students with need-based aid when they meet income, enrollment, and application requirements.

Independent colleges and universities in New Jersey with 1,000+ full-time traditional undergraduates and total enrollment under 5,000 can seek capital funding to enhance undergraduate academic facilities and equipment. George I Alden Trust supports projects like classrooms, labs, libraries, and learning centers that strengthen educational quality and student preparation for careers and lifelong learning.

Women and students of color in New Jersey pursuing construction-related certificates or degrees at eligible community colleges, county vocational/technical schools, or proprietary trade schools can receive up to US $2,000 annually for tuition. New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority administers this higher education scholarship on a first-come, first-served basis, with potential one-year renewal.

Dependent children and surviving spouses of New Jersey residents affected by the September 11, 2001 attacks can receive higher education scholarships covering full-time college costs. Grants from New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority help New Jersey students attend any Title IV-eligible institution in-state or out-of-state, provided they meet citizenship, academic progress, and time-limit requirements.

High-achieving high school students in designated New Jersey urban communities can receive merit-based scholarships for in-state higher education costs. New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority supports higher education in New Jersey by awarding the Governor’s Urban Scholarship to juniors ranking in the top 5% of their class with a 3.0+ GPA who meet residency and other eligibility requirements.

New Jersey students pursuing conservation-related higher education can receive funding for tuition and academic expenses through the William T. Schauer Conservation Scholarship, awarding US $2,500 to one recipient. Offered via Freehold Soil Conservation District, this opportunity supports fields like environmental conservation, soil science, water resource management, forestry, and related disciplines at post-secondary institutions.

The Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Scholarship in New Jersey offers financial support to dependent children of law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. This renewable scholarship covers the cost of attendance for up to four years at approved New Jersey institutions. Eligible applicants must maintain full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to continue their education while honoring their parent's legacy.

The Survivor Tuition Benefits (STB) Program in New Jersey provides scholarships for children and surviving spouses of firefighters, emergency service workers, and law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. This program covers tuition at eligible institutions, ensuring access to higher education. Awards are renewable and contingent on available funding, with a maximum of eight payments allowed for students. Surviving spouses have no time limit to apply, promoting educational opportunities for those affected by tragedy.

New Jersey–bound higher education students graduating from Duval County public or private schools can access funding through the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida to pursue accredited post-secondary degrees in the Northeastern U.S. Awards up to US $8,000 help cover tuition, books, fees, room and board, and other degree-related expenses, with selection based on academics, leadership, growth, and financial need.

The Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) program in New Jersey provides essential financial support for students enrolled in approved higher education institutions. It covers a portion of tuition for nearly one-third of full-time undergraduates, ensuring access to education for those with financial need. Since 1978, TAG has been instrumental in promoting economic mobility and affordability in higher education. Additionally, Summer TAG awards allow eligible students to take summer courses, further assisting them in completing their degree programs efficiently.

The NJ STARS Scholarship, managed by HESAA, offers financial support to New Jersey high school graduates who rank in the top 15% of their class. This merit-based scholarship covers tuition for up to 18 credit hours per semester at local community colleges for eligible students. To qualify, students must enroll full-time and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Funding is subject to state appropriations, ensuring that education remains accessible for deserving students.

Unless noted otherwise in the scholarship description and criteria statement, applicants can attend accredited schools of their choice within the United States.

CFNJ scholarships awards vary. On average, awards range from $500 to $2,500. However, the award could be larger based on the number of qualified applicants and the parameters set by donors who have established the funds. 

Morristown Neighborhood House Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior from Morristown or Morris Township who has an affiliation with Morristown Neighborhood House. Applicants must be be pursuing a postsecondary education at an accredited four-year, two-year, or nonprofit technical school (certificate program).

The Robert Sydney Needham Foundation Grant, established in memory of Robert Sydney Needham, supports New Jersey colleges and universities in providing scholarships to deserving students. Eligible candidates must be full-time sophomores, juniors, or seniors with a GPA of 3.3 or higher, demonstrating community involvement and financial need. The grant aims to honor Mr. Needham's legacy by fostering educational opportunities for promising students in the state.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with established education or health programs, including higher education initiatives in New Jersey, can apply for L B Research and Education Foundation grants of US $10,000 - US $75,000 to expand proven work. Funding supports underserved adolescents, post-secondary and adult learners, as well as research-informed physical and mental health programming.

The ASHRAE Region I Setty Family Foundation Scholarship offers a one-year award for undergraduate mechanical or architectural engineering students attending institutions in ASHRAE Region I or those who graduated from high schools in the area. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and meet specific program criteria, promoting excellence in HVAC&R education. This scholarship supports future leaders in the field, ensuring a sustainable built environment.

The ASHRAE New Jersey Chapter Scholarship supports undergraduate students in mechanical or architectural engineering at post-secondary institutions within New Jersey. To qualify, applicants must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 or rank in the top 30% of their class. Eligible programs include those with a recognized ASHRAE student branch or accredited by ABET or Engineers Canada. This scholarship aims to foster future leaders in HVAC&R by promoting education in sustainable building technologies.

The HRG Charitable Foundation Scholarship, administered by Scholarship America, aims to eliminate financial barriers for current high school seniors in the mid-Atlantic region pursuing STEM degrees. With a focus on expanding access for underrepresented students, the scholarship supports full-time undergraduate education at accredited institutions. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative reflects Scholarship America's commitment to educational equity and student success, ensuring every student can achieve their academic goals.

Legally blind college students residing in New Jersey can receive scholarship support for undergraduate or graduate study at select Tri-State area colleges and universities. Lavelle Fund for the Blind provides higher education funding plus career preparation assistance, emphasizing academic progress, technology and mobility skills, and active participation in training, networking, and internship opportunities.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Willard M. Henkelman, Esq. Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a graduate of a high school located in Lackawanna County who is enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at Princeton University.

The Provident Bank Foundation's Empowerment Grant focuses on uplifting marginalized communities by providing flexible funding for initiatives that promote economic self-sufficiency. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 over two years, the program supports organizations in education, human services, and workforce development. Eligible applicants must demonstrate meaningful community impact and align with the Foundation's funding priorities, which include promoting quality education, social safety nets, and career development opportunities.

New Jersey school districts and other local education agencies expanding AP/IB opportunities for disadvantaged students can access funding through the New Jersey Department of Education; awards range from US $50,000 - US $75,000 for educator training and program growth. Eligible LEAs must have at least one school meeting the federal schoolwide Title I definition.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Gerstbrein/McCanna Scholarship for the Arts

After a long and rewarding career in Landscape Design and Art Education, Lisa Gerstbrein/McCanna wanted to promote the Arts and Industrial Arts in the community where she made her home and her livelihood. Her career brought her tremendous joy in pursuits that she loved as well as the satisfying reward of helping students find inspiration in the worlds of Art and Industrial Art. She is a true believer in the concept of STEAM based education. Accordingly, she established a fund to provide scholarships for the advanced education of advancing Senior High School Students in these areas who are residents of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania and are pursuing higher education in an approved program within 300 miles of their respective school - Armstrong High School, West Shamokin High School or Lenape Technical School. 

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.