Best Higher Education Grants in New Jersey

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 UNICO Foundation offers the Louise Torraco Memorial Scholarship for Science, providing two scholarships worth $2,500 each to U.S. citizens pursuing degrees in physical or life sciences. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled full-time in accredited programs. This initiative reflects UNICO's commitment to supporting educational pursuits in scientific fields while fostering Italian American heritage and community service.

The Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Graduate Scholarship, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two awards of $3,000 each for graduate students of Italian descent. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time in accredited programs, and reside in specified states. The scholarship supports students pursuing graduate studies in the academic year 2026-2027. UNICO promotes Italian American heritage and community service, making this scholarship a valuable opportunity 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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Leonard and Edna K. Blomdahl Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Edna Blomdahl, who established the Leonard and Edna K. Blomdahl Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Through all their years together, both Leonard and Edna were known for their countless acts of hospitality, citizenship and service. Late in 1998, she established the fund, designating that it be used for scholarships to graduating seniors from the White Lake area of Muskegon County.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Lewis and Eloise "Bud" Munz Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the family of Lewis and Eloise "Bud" Munz, who established the Lewis and Eloise "Bud" Munz Memorial Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Daughters Louise Munz Krill and Barbara Munz Peterman started this in their parents' memory to recognize an area student who wants to pursue an education while playing golf or tennis. Both graduates of University of Michigan, their parents, Lewie (an engineer) and Bud (a librarian) were avid golfers and tennis players. In fact, Lewie was the number one tennis player in college and ranked nationally. They were active members of the Muskegon Country Club and devoted to Muskegon.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Leigh T. Prettyman Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the friends and family of Leigh T. Prettyman, who established the Leigh T. Prettyman Scholarship of the Muskegon County Community Foundation . Leigh Prettyman was a prominent and successful insurance executive at Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance. Scholarships from this fund are awarded to worthy Muskegon students planning to attend a four- year college. This ensures that Leigh Prettyman's dedication to his community and its youth will endure through the lasting gift of education.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Marie VanderVoort Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Marie VanderVoort, who established the Marie VanderVoort Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Marie VanderVoort was born in the Netherlands, came to the United States at age 14 and died in 1997 at the age of 100. Marie attended Hackley School of Nursing, graduating in their second class of students in 1922. She did private duty work at both Hackley and Mercy Hospitals until her retirement. She traveled extensively and loved exploring the diverse areas of the world. Marie enjoyed her family, particularly her nieces and nephews. One of her nieces, Maxine Hooper, as well as several others, encouraged her to leave a bequest to the Community Foundation to provide nursing scholarships in her name. 

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Mike and Lillian & Charles and Anne Boonstra Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Lillian Boonstra, who established the Mike and Lillian & Charles and Anne Boonstra Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Lillian was born and raised in Muskegon. She married Mike Boonstra, who, along with his brother Charles, owned the Boonstra Brothers Coal Co. on Western Ave for many years. Mike was one of the originators of radio station WMUS, a well-known country music radio station. Mike died a tragic death in 1981. He and Lillian were childless but always had candy for the neighborhood children. They were affectionately known as the candy lady and man. Not only was the Community Foundation a beneficiary of Lillian’s generosity, but also her church and others. The Boonstra Fund will be used to assist students attending any college, university or technical degree program, in addition to those pursuing careers in Christian vocation and service.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Mona Shores Optimist Club Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the members of the Mona Shores Optimist Club, who established the Mona Shores Optimist Club Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. The Mona Shores Optimist Club is committed to making a difference in the lives of others with the money that they raise! In 1994 this active service club established the Mona Shores Optimist Club Scholarship to benefit graduating seniors from Fruitport, Holton, Mona Shores, Montague, Muskegon Catholic, Muskegon Heights, Muskegon, North Muskegon, Oakridge, Orchard View, Ravenna, Reeths-Puffer, West Michigan Christian and Whitehall high schools. Three scholarships are awarded each year on a rotating basis between the 14 high schools. The Mona Shores Optimist Club is to be commended for spreading its good works all around Muskegon County. 

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Mary A. Eyke Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Mary A. Eyke, who established the Mary A. Eyke Nursing Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Mary A. Eyke has been described as friendly and independent, “a rock,” by her family, but Mary was more than that. She was a dedicated Registered Nurse and Director of Nursing who taught OB/GYN and pediatrics nursing at Mercy School of Nursing at Mercy General Health Partners for 30 years…and she was a philanthropist! At her death, after a life of 92 years, her wish was to establish the Mary A. Eyke Nursing Scholarship. Her passion was helping her students become good nurses. The Mary A. Eyke Nursing Scholarship will provide financial assistance to students who have dedicated themselves to the nursing profession Mary loved so very much.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Muskegon Community College Faculty Association Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Muskegon Community College Faculty Association (MCCFA), who established the Muskegon Community College Faculty Association Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. This scholarship is awarded to students continuing their education at Muskegon Community College, or pursuing an education at another college or university.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Muskegon County Bar Association Law Education Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Muskegon County Bar Association of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Attorneys in Muskegon, have long recognized the need to enhance educational opportunities such as Law to Teens, Law Day Awards, and scholarships to encourage students to become attorneys. James Kobza, former President of the Muskegon County Bar Association, initiated the concept of an endowment fund after learning that other communities had done so. The Bar Association, along with contributions from individual attorneys, established this fund to provide programs that will educate and advance the public's understanding and awareness of legal issues.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Merrie Schmiege 4-H Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the family of Merrie Schmiege, who established the Merrie Schmiege Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. This scholarship has been established by Maxine and Don Schmiege in memory of their daughter, Merrie, who died in a tragic automobile accident. Merrie was an active member of 4-H, received many local and state equestrian awards, taught horseback riding, and owned many horses. On account of her enthusiasm for equestrian activities and the programs of 4-H, Mr. and Mrs. Schmiege chose to create a Scholarship that provides financial support to young men and women who actively participate in these excellent programs. To the credit of the Schmiege's, Merrie's zeal and love of life will endure through the lasting gift of education.