What is the Garden State Guarantee?
The Garden State Guarantee (GSG) is New Jersey’s promise to make a college degree more accessible and affordable. By reducing
out-of-pocket costs for students and families, New Jersey is limiting the amount of debt that residents must borrow to attend an in-state, public college or university. This program further builds on Governor Phil Murphy’s commitment to improving college affordability.
Who is Eligible?
New Jersey residents who attend an in-state, public, four-year institution and have an annual adjusted gross income (AGI) between
$0 and $65,000 will pay a net price of $0 for tuition and fees during their third and fourth years of study. Students who have AGI’s between $65,001 and $80,000 will pay a discounted net price of no more than $7,500 for tuition and fees while those with an AGI of $80,001 and $100,000 will pay a discounted net price of no more than $10,000 for tuition and fees. GSG covers the cost of tuition and fees that are not already covered by federal and state financial aid or other scholarships. Students must be enrolled full time (at least 12 credits per semester) and must be working toward completing their first Bachelor’s degree.
How to Apply
You will automatically be considered for the GSG when you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or, if you qualify as a NJ Dreamer, the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application You must file your application by established deadline dates. To view deadline dates, click here: https://www.hesaa.org/Pages/StateApplicationDeadlines.aspx
Q. How do I determine my AGI?
A. Your AGI is determined by the Federal Tax Return that was used to complete the FAFSA or NJ Alternative Financial Aid application. For dependent students, only the parent(s)’ AGI are considered, and for independent students, the AGI of the student, and the spouse, if applicable, is considered. Only AGIs between $0-$100,000 are eligible. Families with AGIs that are negative are not eligible for GSG.
Q. For how long am I eligible for GSG?
A. Students who satisfy all eligibility criteria may receive GSG up to the overall cap of 4 semesters, or once you reach 128 credits, whichever comes first. Once a student has reached more than 128 credits, or reached the maximum payments, they are no longer eligible for GSG.
Q. How many credits must I earn to be considered a third- or fourth-year student?
A. Third-year students are defined as having earned 60-89 total accumulated credits, and fourth-year students are defined as having earned 90-128 total accumulated credits, regardless of the institution(s) at which the qualifying credits were earned (i.e.: accepted transfer credits from another institution of higher education, Advanced Placement courses, dual-enrollment programs, etc.). Definition of “fourth-year” student extended to 128 total accumulated credits effective Spring 2023.
Q. Will this new program help me if I was never eligible for state aid before?
A. Yes. Expanding equitable and affordable college access to a high-quality degree in New Jersey is the GSG’s driving force. Be sure to submit your FAFSA or NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application by the applicable State deadline: https://www.hesaa.org/Pages/stateapplicationdeadlines.aspx
Q. Do I qualify for this program if I am a first- or second-year student?
A. No, GSG funding is available only to third- and fourth-year students at in-state, public, four-year institutions. First- and second-year students who attend a New Jersey community college with an AGI between $0 and $100,000 may be eligible for the Community College Opportunity Grant. Together, these complementary programs create a tuition- and fee-free pathway to a Bachelor’s degree.
Q. Do I qualify for GSG as a part-time student?
A. No, you must enroll full-time (at least 12 credits per semester) at a New Jersey public four-year college or university.
As with all New Jersey state financial aid, students must demonstrate Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to remain eligible for aid. For more details about SAP and eligibility information, please visit your institution’s Financial Aid Office.
