New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG)

The Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) is New Jersey’s need-based state grant. It is applied to undergraduate tuition at approved institutions and serves county colleges, public universities, research universities, and selected private schools. It is not a single fixed national award: the amount varies with need, the New Jersey Eligibility Index (NJEI), institutional sector, and billed tuition.

HESAA publishes a 2026–27 table by NJEI and school sector. For an index below 1,500, it lists approximate annual values of $3,098 at county colleges, $9,496 at state colleges, $10,964 at public research institutions, and $14,404 at independent nonpublic schools; actual awards can be lower and cannot exceed eligible charges. The table notes that some sector values are averages and that appropriations, tuition, and other resources can reduce the grant.

The next deadlines are relevant now. For fall 2027, high-school seniors, new applicants, and students who did not receive TAG in 2026–27 must have FAFSA or the alternative application processed by September 15, 2027. Renewing 2026–27 TAG recipients have an earlier April 15, 2027 deadline. For spring 2028 only, HESAA lists February 15, 2028. The NJFAMS state record must be completed by October 1 or 30 days after the first notice, as applicable. Do not wait until the last day: HESAA says FAFSA processing can take several days.

In general, a student must meet New Jersey residency rules, attend full-time in an approved undergraduate program, demonstrate financial need, be in good standing on education loans and grants, and make satisfactory academic progress. Students who qualify as NJ Dreamers may use the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application instead of FAFSA. HESAA specifies separate residency routes for dependent and independent applicants; some New Jersey high-school graduates can meet an alternative route based on in-state attendance and graduation.

TAG payments are limited by program length. HESAA lists up to five payments for a regular associate degree at a county college and up to nine for a bachelor’s degree, counting previous payments; certain programs, including EOF, may qualify for exceptions that the college must confirm. Summer TAG is available only to students who received TAG in the immediately preceding fall or spring, take at least six credits, and remain in the same program and institution.

Start by filing FAFSA or the alternative application for the correct year, creating or checking your NJFAMS account, and completing its To Do tasks for verification or corrections. Confirm that your college participates and that the award appears on your account. <a data-profile="nj-tag">The TAG listing explains amounts and requirements</a>; <a data-profile="nj-hesaa">HESAA offers English and Spanish support</a> at 800-792-8670. If a job loss, divorce, death, or another family change affects your file, contact the college aid office before appealing: accepted reasons and deadlines are specific.

Who it serves and what it can cover: 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.

How to apply or get help: HESAA Customer Care lists Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m., and Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; call 800-792-8670 for English or Spanish support. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.

Official application and program information