The Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) is intended to make an associate degree at a New Jersey public community college more affordable. It is a last-dollar grant: other available grants and scholarships are considered first, then CCOG may cover an approved remaining balance. It is not unrestricted cash for rent, transportation, or living expenses.
HESAA lists a household-income range of $0 to $65,000, New Jersey residency, pursuit of a first associate degree, and at least six credits per semester among the criteria. Students apply through FAFSA or the state alternative application, as applicable. Renewal and satisfactory academic progress rules also matter; state residency alone does not establish eligibility.
The program may consider up to 18 credits and approved fees after other aid is deducted. Charges outside the covered schedule, including some out-of-county surcharges, may remain the student’s responsibility. Ask the college for a written breakdown of tuition, mandatory fees, applied aid, and the actual balance before accepting a payment plan.
HESAA listed September 15 as the fall 2026 deadline, which has passed. The published spring 2027 date is February 15, 2027. Submit promptly and ask your college whether it can still process your file. The CCOG profile and HESAA profile link to rules, FAQs, and the calendar.
Before budgeting, request a written offer separating tuition, mandatory fees, housing, meals, books, and transportation. State grants often reduce only eligible charges and may change after Pell or other scholarships are applied. Do not commit money based on a chart maximum.
Your campus office should confirm missing documents, institutional eligibility, and disbursement timing. The program profile expands on the criteria; the public-agency profile links to applications, deadlines, and official help.
Community College Opportunity Grant — New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.
CCOG FAQ — HESAA.
State application deadlines — HESAA.
Research checked on October 12, 2026 against official or institutional sources. Past deadlines are identified, and eligibility is distinguished from an actual award. Confirm the cycle, your file, and available funds with the agency and your college financial-aid office.
CCOG may reduce eligible charges but not living costs; ask about the spring deadline and your individual balance.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
New Jersey Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG)
Households with $0–$65,000 income; eligible balance after other aid; does not cover living expenses.
State grant for eligible community-college tuition and fees
New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA)
Administers state grants and calendars for community-college and university students.
State agency administering student financial aid
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
HESAA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
HESAA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
HESAA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of New Jersey Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) ↗
Primary source
HESAA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
New Jersey HESAA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) ↗
Primary source
HESAA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.