The Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) is part of New Jersey College Promise and may reduce tuition and approved education fees at county colleges for students with financial need. It works as last-dollar aid: other grants and scholarships are counted first, then CCOG may cover an eligible balance. It does not automatically pay living costs or every unapproved charge.
HESAA lists family AGI between $0 and $65,000, New Jersey residency, no prior degree, at least six credits per term, and satisfactory academic progress. NJ Dreamers who cannot use FAFSA may file the state alternative application if they meet its criteria. For dependent students, parental AGI is used; for independent students, the student’s and, when applicable, spouse’s AGI is considered.
If you attend a county college outside your county of residence, HESAA calculates aid using the college’s in-county rate even if you are charged an out-of-county rate; the award cannot exceed charges actually billed. The program is limited to tuition and approved fees—with a per-term credit cap—so ask about health, transit, books, lab, non-matriculated courses, and old balances.
File FAFSA or NJ Alternative each year: HESAA says this triggers automatic consideration, but you must check NJFAMS for missing documents and confirmation. The state reference date for new fall students is September 15; returning students who received TAG have an earlier schedule, usually April 15. Check the current table for your status. Before enrolling, request an offer showing CCOG after other aid and a plan if income or credits change.
Do not compare programs by the phrase “free tuition” alone. Ask the college for a written budget separating tuition, mandatory fees, books, transportation, housing, and meals, and ask which other grants are deducted before this award is calculated. A last-dollar scholarship may cover only eligible charges left after Pell and institutional aid.
Keep confirmation for every application and check your student portal: FAFSA/CADAA, residency verification, a transcript, education plan, or data-release consent may still be missing. If the current cycle deadline has passed, ask whether an appeal or late list exists, but prepare for the next cycle without assuming late documents will be accepted. Use the linked profiles to identify the administrator and official channel.
Aid can affect other awards and renewals. Before dropping credits, changing campuses, taking a break, or accepting a loan, ask in writing how your award would be recalculated and what academic progress is required. A published maximum is not an individual offer: the final amount depends on funding, eligible charges, other aid, and your file.
Community College Opportunity Grant — New Jersey HESAA.
CCOG FAQ — New Jersey HESAA.
State Application Deadlines — New Jersey HESAA.
Information checked on October 12, 2026 against official sources. Past deadlines are identified as such; eligibility does not guarantee an award. Before enrolling, confirm the current cycle, available funding, and covered charges with the program and your college financial-aid office.
CCOG may cover remaining tuition and approved fees; check AGI, six credits, and your county rate.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG)
Remaining tuition and approved fees within credit limits, after other aid.
State last-dollar grant for community college
New Jersey HESAA Community College Grants
Administers NJFAMS and state programs, including CCOG, TAG, and need-based aid.
New Jersey state grant authority for college students
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
New Jersey HESAA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
New Jersey HESAA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
New Jersey 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 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
HESAA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of New Jersey HESAA Community College Grants ↗
Primary source
HESAA · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.