Growing career roots in the “Garden State” often requires planting enough financial seeds to afford pesty college tuition bills with fruitful scholarships in New Jersey.
Positioned between the Delaware River and Atlantic Ocean, New Jersey is America’s fourth-smallest state but densely packed with 8.958 million people. Since Princeton’s charter in 1746, the higher education landscape in New Jersey has blossomed with 12 public state, 14 private, 19 community, 14 religious, and eight for-profit colleges. The Census Bureau shows that 36.8 percent of New Jerseyans age 25 or older have a bachelor’s degree or higher. College students select from top-notch schools like Drew University, Montclair State University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Seton Hall University, and Centenary College. In fact, Rutgers University-New Brunswick was ranked the 25th top public school by the U.S. News.
Fertilize your collegiate goals to bloom with financial backing from these 20 New Jersey scholarships.
1. Anthony J. Vecchio Creative Scholarship
Deadline: April 15th
The Law Offices of Anthony J. Vecchio LLC in Freehold started the Creative Scholarship Program to award $1,500 to New Jersey students who will enroll at accredited, four-year higher learning institutions nationwide this Fall. Any legal U.S. residents graduating from high school, earning the GED, or continuing undergrad/graduate study could enter. Applications must include a 600-word essay or two-minute video highlighting thorough research on the criminal justice system’s central focus.
Contact
Anthony J. Vecchio Creative Scholarship
4400 Route 9 South, Suite 1000
Freehold, NJ 07728
(866) 270-3886
anthonyvecchiolaw@gmail.com
2. Bernard Kilgore Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: February 10th
Honoring The Wall Street Journal columnist who was declared the “Business Journalist of the Century in 2000 by TJRF Group, the Bernard Kilgore Memorial Scholarship awards $5,000 yearly from the New Jersey Press Foundation. It’s open to graduating high school seniors statewide who write for their school’s newspaper, carried a 3.0 GPA or better, plan to major in journalism or media studies, and provide up to 46 sample pages.
Contact
Bernard Kilgore Memorial Scholarship
810 Bear Tavern Road, Suite 307
West Trenton, NJ 08628
(609) 406-0600
parbitell@njpa.org
3. Captain Jonathan C. Young Scholarship
Deadline: March 31st
Created in 2011, the Captain Jonathan C. Young Scholarship gifts $1,000 from the New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association to honor the late President who served as an EMT for 33 years and worked at Ground Zero for 10 straight days. Two recipients are chosen annually who are legal U.S. residents of New Jersey, enrolling full- or part-time in college, related to NEJA members in good standing, and pursuing careers in the emergency services.
Contact
Captain Jonathan C. Young Scholarship
PO Box 962
Mays Landing, NJ 08330
(609) 548-8357
Executive.director@njepa.org
4. Clanseer & Anna Johnson Scholarship
Deadline: April 10th
The Community Foundation of New Jersey manages over 1,100 legacy funds worth $30 million combined, including student scholarships like the Clanseer & Anna Johnson Scholarship. This merit- and need-based award supports four disadvantaged African-American youth yearly with $4,650 apiece. Chosen applicants must reside in New Jersey, have attained a minimum “B” average, excel in science and mathematics courses, and gain full-time admission to an accredited U.S. college.
Contact
Clanseer & Anna Johnson Scholarship
P.O. Box 338
Morristown, NJ 07963
(973) 267-5533
hdekker@cfnj.org
5. Donald R. Waters Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 14th
Valued at $10,000, the Donald R. Waters Memorial Scholarship is presented annually by the Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey (ACCNJ) to assist the children and grandchildren of employees who’ve worked 1,000+ hours at member companies. Qualified winners will be graduating New Jersey high school seniors accepted for full-time (12 or more credits) undergraduate study at accredited colleges. Other options include the Benedict Torcivia, Sr. Memorial and Michael Jensen Memorial Scholarships.
Contact
Donald R. Waters Memorial Scholarship
91 Fieldcrest Avenue, Suite A-19
Edison, NJ 08837
(732) 225-2265
accnj@ACCNJ.org
6. Garden State Silver Plate Scholarship
Deadline: May 1st
The New Jersey Restaurant Educational Foundation (NJRHA) sponsors four New Jersey scholarships each year, such as the $800 Garden State Silver Plate Scholarship. It’s designed for graduating high school seniors statewide who have completed Foundations I and II of the ProStart Curriculum with a minimum 2.5 GPA and intend to pursue food-related college majors. Accepted applicants must write a 500-700 word essay discussing their restaurant industry goals and biggest culinary influences.
Contact
Garden State Silver Plate Scholarship
126 West State Street
Trenton, NJ 08608
SaritaC@njrha.org
7. Governor’s Urban Scholarship Program
Deadline: March 15th or November 15th
Each term, the Governor’s Urban Scholarship Program is hosted by the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) to support top-performing students residing in the state’s largest cities, including Newark, Paterson, Trenton, Camden, East Orange, and Jersey City. Successful applicants must have an Eligibility Index below 10,500, rank in the top 5 percent of their class, have a minimum “B” average, and enroll full-time at participating public or independent institutions.
Contact
Governor’s Urban Scholarship Program
4 Quakerbridge Plaza
P.O. Box 540
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 584-4480
clientservices@hesaa.org
8. Janet Logan Daily Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
Named for the Glassboro State College alumna who taught early childhood education for 27 years before losing her battle with thymic carcinoma in 2010, the Janet Logan Daily Foundation Scholarship awards $10,000 over four years. Interested New Jersey high school seniors must matriculate full-time at an accredited U.S. university, possess a minimum “C-” average, actively engage in at least one extra-curricular, and work 30+ hours weekly during the summers.
Contact
Janet Logan Daily Foundation Scholarship
1105 Taylorsville Road, Suite 1
Washington Crossing, PA 18977
(215) 305-8794
application@janetlogandailyfoundation.org
9. Law Enforcement Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: October 1st or March 1st
Another of the HESAA’s scholarships in New Jersey is the Law Enforcement Memorial Scholarship, which covers the full cost of attendance after federal financial aid. The four-year program is reserved for U.S. citizens or legal residents who are the dependent children of police officers killed on-duty in New Jersey. Recipients must register full-time as undergrads at approved nonprofit colleges, including Ramapo, Stockton, Thomas Edison State, Georgian Court, and Monmouth.
Contact
Law Enforcement Memorial Scholarship
4 Quakerbridge Plaza
P.O. Box 540
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 584-4480
clientservices@hesaa.org
10. Lee Williams and Leila Sulkes Scholarships
Deadline: July 31st
The Freehold Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) bestows the Lee Williams and Leila Sulkes Scholarships for $2,000 to female returning adults age 25 or older who are pursuing bachelor’s or graduate degrees. Only New Jersey residents from Monmouth County, including Freehold Township, Englishtown, Manalapan, and Howell can apply. Other criteria requires having completed 60+ college credits, attending a regionally accredited school, and reaching a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Contact
Lee Williams and Leila Sulkes Scholarships
P.O. Box 6052
Freehold, NJ 07728
freeholdaauwscholarships@gmail.com
11. Melissa Anne Centrella Scholarships
Deadline: April 1st
Since 2003, the Melissa Anne Centrella Scholarship Foundation has granted over $150,000 through 130 scholarships in loving memory of the 25-year-old Kinnelson resident who died after battling dystonia for two decades. Funding is available for New Jersey college students who are enrolled full-time in programs for nursing, health science, medicine, or allied health fields like occupational therapy with a 3.0 GPA or greater. Applications must feature a transcript, list of extracurricular activities, and personal essay.
Contact
Melissa Anne Centrella Scholarships
120 Quarry Road
Clifton, NJ 07013
melspells@aol.com
12. New Jersey Society of CPAs Scholarships
Deadline: January 15th
The New Jersey Society of CPAs offers Four-Year Scholarships of $7,000 to incoming freshmen and One-Year Scholarships of $6,000 to full-time college juniors or seniors. Both programs mandate being a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted immigrant, attending a New Jersey college full-time, selecting an accounting major or concentration of 24+ credits, maintaining a minimum 3.2 GPA overall, scoring above 1250 on the SAT, and intending to practice as Certified Public Accountants.
Contact
New Jersey Society of CPAs Scholarships
425 Eagle Rock Avenue, Suite 100
Roseland, NJ 07068
(973) 226-4494 ext. 241
pisenburg@njcpa.org
13. NJUA Excellence in Diversity Scholarship
Deadline: April 8th
Worth $1,500 per year for $6,000 total, the New Jersey Utilities Association’s (NJUA) Excellence in Diversity Scholarship is awarded annually to college-bound high school seniors who are female, have a documented disability, or represent a racial minority group. Eligible recipients must live in New Jersey, have permission to study in the U.S., demonstrate significant financial need, keep high academic standing, and send two letters of recommendation.
Contact
NJUA Excellence in Diversity Scholarship
50 West State Street, Suite 1117
Trenton, NJ 08608
(609) 392-1000
info@njua.com
14. Oscar & Susan Florence Hunt Scholarship
Deadline: April 10th
Another of the Community Foundation of New Jersey’s (CFNJ) offerings is the Oscar & Susan Florence Hunt Scholarship, which gifts $3,420 over four years to four annual recipients. To qualify, candidates must reside in Gloucester or Salem County, especially Swedesboro, Auburn, Penns Grove, and Pedricktown. New Jerseyans should also pursue academic studies at U.S. higher learning institutions, sustain a minimum 2.5 GPA, and exhibit financial need.
Contact
Oscar & Susan Florence Hunt Scholarship
P.O. Box 338
Morristown, NJ 07963
(973) 267-5533
hdekker@cfnj.org
15. Patrice Faye Cohen Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 6th
Established in 1979, the Jewish Community Foundation of Southern New Jersey (JCFSNJ) manages over $74 million in assets for 11 annual scholarships, including the Patrice Faye Cohen Memorial Scholarship. It’s designed for Jewish graduating high school women from Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties who train for entrepreneurial ventures at an accredited U.S. college. Applicants must submit a three-page, properly sourced essay about women in entrepreneurship.
Contact
Patrice Faye Cohen Memorial Scholarship
1301 Springdale Road, Suite 200
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
(856) 673-2528
infojcf@jfedsnj.org
16. PNC-Barry Gillman Humanitarian Scholarship
Deadline: April 28th
The Independent College Fund of New Jersey founded the PNC-Barry Gillman Humanitarian Scholarship for $5,000 to encourage two full-time juniors or seniors at 14 ICFNJ-member colleges, such as Fairleigh Dickinson, Bloomfield, Felician, and Saint Peter’s. Suitable applicants will have finished 60+ credits, possess a cumulative GPA over 3.0, display good citizenship, and engage in volunteer service projects. Preference is given to individuals who’ve selected legal professions.
Contact
PNC-Barry Gillman Humanitarian Scholarship
797 Springfield Avenue
Summit, NJ 07901
(908) 277-3424
ypanella@njcolleges.org
17. Sandra M. Glazier Scholarship Program
Deadline: March 1st
Named for the Cancer Concern Center of Point Pleasant co-founder who passed away in 2001 from metastatic breast cancer, the Sandra M. Glazier Scholarship is delivered yearly by the Princeton Area Community Foundation (PACF) for $5,000 per year or $20,000 total. It’s intended for New Jersey residents of Ocean or Monmouth County who are battling cancer or been affected by a parent’s diagnosis. Answering three of five short-answer questions about your cancer experience is required.
Contact
Sandra M. Glazier Scholarship Program
15 Princess Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
(609) 219-1800
info@pacf.org
18. Ted Brickley/Bernice Shickora Scholarship
Deadline: April 14th
The New Jersey Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) distributes the Ted Brickley/Bernice Shickora Scholarship for $1,000 annually to full- or part-time college juniors, seniors, and graduate students statewide. Appropriate applicants will have completed at least 18 credits in occupational safety, industrial hygiene, environmental science, or similar majors with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better with hopes of receiving OSHA certification.
Contact
Ted Brickley/Bernice Shickora Scholarship
7 Becker Farm Road, 2nd Floor
Roseland, NJ 07068
(201) 640-9224
scholarship@njasse.org
19. Valerie E. Yahn Scholarship Fund
Deadline: February 15th
The New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA) administers the Valerie E. Yahn Scholarship Fund to provide $1,000 in honor of the Westmont native who worked as an intensive care RN at Springfield Hospital for 40 years. Qualified candidates will be New Jersey residents of Region 5 (Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, or Salem counties) who are matriculating full-time in BSN programs at accredited nursing colleges with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Contact
Valerie E. Yahn Scholarship Fund
1479 Pennington Road
Trenton, NJ 08618
(888) 876-5762 ext. 11
sandy@njsna.org
20. Winston E. Parker Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
The New Jersey Scottish Rite Freemasonry proudly presents the Winston E. Parker Memorial Scholarship for $6,000 each year to the sons and daughters of any Master Mason, either living or deceased. Applications are accepted from South Jersey, including Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, and Salem counties. Eligible applicants must also be attending accredited U.S. colleges with a 2.0 GPA or higher in majors for forestry, agriculture, horticulture, or medicine.
Contact
Winston E. Parker Memorial Scholarship
315 White Horse Pike W.
Collingswood, NJ 08107
(856) 854-1991
valleyofsnj@comcast.net
Cash-strapped students have to shovel a bit deeper to cover rising tuition in the “Garden State.” Four-year New Jersey colleges charge an average cost of $7,935 for in-state and $18,735 for out-of-state residents. Figures can flourish even bigger at certain colleges, especially private nonprofits. For example, Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken sets undergrad tuition at $50,725 before room and board! Fitting financial aid into the equation is essential to keep your degree within reach. Consider some of these 20 scholarships in New Jersey along with state-based aid like the NJ STARS Grant or Foster Care Scholars Grant.
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