Freshmen Applicants

1: Apply | 2: Requirements | 3: Deadlines | 4: Aid | 5: Scholarships | 6: Notification

In-State Merit Scholarships

To recognize academic achievement, The College of New Jersey is proud to invest in students who have shown strong academic potential. Each year, TCNJ offers an exceptionally large number of merit-based scholarships. Approximately 55% of the students who enrolled in the TCNJ Class of 2013 received some type of merit award. Merit scholarship amounts average between $3,000 and $6,000 for all four years of study.  All New Jersey residents that are accepted to The College of New Jersey are automatically considered for a merit-based scholarship.

TCNJ takes a holistic approach when awarding merit scholarships. While most students who receive a merit award fall within the top 10% of their class and have a Critical Reading and Math combined SAT score of 1300 (ACT composite score of 30) or higher, a number of other factors are also considered – including co-curricular involvement and leadership. As a result, students who would not have normally qualified for a merit award may receive one if the admissions committee is particularly impressed with their admissions application. Likewise, students who fall into the above academic ranges are not guaranteed a merit award if their admissions application is lacking in other areas. 

Because all TCNJ merit scholarships will be awarded prior to May 1st, any changes in a student's class rank or SAT/ACT score must be received by April 1st in order to be considered for scholarship purposes.  Eight/final semester high school rankings will NOT be considered for scholarship eligibility, and no award amounts will be changed after May 1st.

The College of New Jersey also offers its merit scholars the opportunity for additional need-based aid.  Students wishing to be considered for this additional aid must submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) no later than February 15th.

Other important stipulations regarding TCNJ merit scholarships include:

• Awards to students named New Jersey Bloustein Scholars are INCLUDED in TCNJ scholarship award amounts
• Students who receive a merit award should complete and file the FAFSA no later than April 1st
• High School class rank is required for all students wishing to be considered for merit scholarships.  If your high school does not publish class rank, the Office of Admissions will contact your guidance counselor for your percentile
• The writing section of the SAT will not be considered for scholarship purposes
• Scholarships are awarded for eight consecutive semesters of study at TCNJ, and students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of a 3.0 to continue receiving their award

Questions about In-State Merit Scholarships can be directed to Scholarship Coordinators Katherine Miklosz (miklosz@TCNJ.edu) or Jason Jacobs (jjacobs@TCNJ.edu), or by calling the Scholarship Hotline at 609-771-3239.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

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