The Garden State Guarantee (GSG) is part of New Jersey’s College Promise initiative for third- and fourth-year students pursuing their first bachelor’s degree at an in-state public four-year institution. It is separate from CCOG, which supports community-college study, and TAG, another need-based grant.
The current state page sets the main band at New Jersey residency, adjusted gross income from $0 to $65,000, at least 12 credits per semester, a first bachelor’s degree, and satisfactory academic progress. Class standing is determined by accumulated college credits; ask your institution how transfer and prior credits are counted.
GSG covers approved tuition and educational fees not met by federal, state, or other scholarship aid. It does not mean housing, meals, books, or transport are covered. Eligibility and funds may change, and a recent state report described limits on new awards in some higher-income tiers; check current HESAA guidance rather than an old brochure.
File FAFSA or the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application by the state deadline and review your NJFAMS record and campus package. Do not confuse the main $65,000 income tier with other budget rules. If you have 60–128 credits and plan to transfer, ask financial aid for a written review of your class year and remaining net cost.
The agency or institution determines final eligibility and the award under current-cycle rules and available funding. Read the program profile and the administering agency; ask the college for an individual review.
Ask the campus to calculate your remaining net tuition after all federal, state, and institutional scholarships, and to confirm how it classifies your accumulated credits for junior or senior standing. Students transferring between public colleges should request that review before committing to a term, because credit totals can affect the year of study and remaining eligibility. The award is tuition-and-fee assistance, so build a separate plan for housing and other living expenses.
New Jersey College Promise: CCOG and GSG — New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education.
College for You Resources — New Jersey OSHE.
2025 CCOG Outcomes Report — New Jersey OSHE.
Information checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Eligibility, deadlines, award amounts, and funding change by cycle. Confirm current terms with the agency and your college financial-aid office.
The agency or institution determines final eligibility and the award under current-cycle rules and available funding.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Garden State Guarantee (GSG)
The current state page sets the main band at New Jersey residency, adjusted gross income from $0 to $65,000, at least 12 credits per semester, a first bachelor’s degree, and satisfactory academic progress. Class standing is determined by accumulated college credits; ask your institution how transfer and prior credits are counted.
Public student-aid program
New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) and HESAA
The state office administers or coordinates the program, while the college confirms individual eligibility, enrollment, and award amounts where the rules assign it that role.
Public student-aid agency
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
New Jersey OSHE · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
New Jersey OSHE · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Garden State Guarantee (GSG) ↗
Primary source
New Jersey OSHE · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) and HESAA ↗
Primary source
New Jersey OSHE · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) and HESAA ↗
Primary source
New Jersey OSHE · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.