The Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) is New Jersey’s state need-based grant for undergraduate tuition at approved colleges. It can be used at public and private institutions, two-year or four-year, although awards vary by sector, tuition, and NJEI. It is not a uniform rate and does not guarantee that the entire bill will be covered.
HESAA’s 2026–27 table gives approximate amounts by NJEI. For an index below 1,500, it lists annual figures such as $3,098 at county colleges, $9,496 at state colleges, $10,964 at public research institutions, and $14,404 at independent nonpublic schools. These are planning estimates: HESAA notes that some figures are sector averages, an award cannot exceed eligible charges, and appropriations, tuition, and other resources may reduce it.
For new applicants planning Fall 2027–Spring 2028, the published application deadline is September 15, 2027. FAFSA or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application must be received or processed by then, not merely started. TAG recipients from 2026–27 applying for renewal have an earlier April 15, 2027 date. For Spring 2028 only, the listed date is February 15, 2028. HESAA measures the FAFSA receipt timestamp and warns that processing takes time.
Filing FAFSA does not finish the work: create or update an NJFAMS account and check the personalized To Do list. For Fall 2027, the state record is due by October 1 or within 30 days of the first notice, depending on the case. HESAA may request income verification, corrections, reevaluation, or a school selection. Incomplete documents do not extend state deadlines.
In general, TAG requires undergraduate full-time enrollment at an approved school, financial need, New Jersey residency for at least 12 months before the term, and satisfactory academic progress. Dependent and independent students have different residency rules; eligible NJ Dreamers may use the alternative application if they meet the state high-school attendance and graduation conditions. County-college associate-degree students taking 6–11 credits may be considered for part-time TAG through a separate pathway.
HESAA limits payments: up to five for a regular county-college associate degree and nine for a bachelor’s degree, including prior awards; some cases, such as EOF, may allow additional payments subject to the college’s decision. Summer TAG requires a TAG award in the immediately prior fall or spring, at least six credits, and continued enrollment in the same program and campus. The TAG profile explains eligibility; HESAA offers Spanish-language support at 800-792-8670. If family circumstances changed, contact the aid office first: not every change qualifies for a state reevaluation.
Start with HESAA, confirm that your college is eligible, and file the application for the right year. Then sign in to NJFAMS, complete each task, and save a receipt showing when you filed. For fall 2027, do not wait until September 15: FAFSA processing and state verification may delay certification. The college confirms enrollment and the final award; the published table is not a personal payment promise.
Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) — New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.
TAG Award Table 2026–27 — New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.
State Deadlines 2027–28 — New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.
New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application — New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.
HESAA Contact Us — New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.
Guide checked against official sources on October 12, 2026. Deadlines refer to the named award year, and aid depends on eligibility, school certification, and funding. Confirm current requirements with the agency and college before making decisions.
Apply early and finish FAFSA/NJFAMS tasks: a start date is not a substitute for a processed application and completed state record.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG)
4 Quakerbridge Plaza, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619
TAG provides state need-based aid to undergraduates at approved New Jersey institutions, including public, private, two-year, and four-year colleges. The amount depends on NJEI, sector, and tuition. For fall 2027, new students and those without TAG in 2026–27 must have FAFSA or the alternative application processed by September 15, 2027; HESAA has posted the new dates.
State need-based tuition grant for New Jersey college students
New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA)
4 Quakerbridge Plaza, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619
HESAA administers TAG and NJFAMS, publishes deadlines, and maintains a state alternative application for eligible NJ Dreamers. The agency sets procedures and criteria; each college verifies enrollment, academic progress, and the individual award account.
State agency administering New Jersey college grants and scholarships
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
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
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
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
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 application and program information ↗
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 of New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) ↗
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 of New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) ↗
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 of New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) ↗
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 application and program information ↗
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 of New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) ↗
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 of New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) ↗
Primary source
New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.