Growing career roots in the “Garden State” often requires planting enough financial seeds to afford college tuition bills with fruitful scholarships in New Jersey.
Located between the Delaware River and Atlantic Ocean, New Jersey is America’s fourth-smallest state. However, it’s densely packed with 9.2 million people. Since Princeton’s charter in 1746, the higher education landscape in New Jersey has blossomed with:
- 12 public state colleges
- 14 private colleges
- 19 community colleges
- 14 religious colleges
- 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
- 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.
Reviewing the Top NJ Scholarships
1. Anthony J. Vecchio Creative Scholarship
Deadline: April 15th
The Law Offices of Anthony J. Vecchio LLC in Freehold offer the Creative Scholarship Program. It awards $1,500 to New Jersey students who will enroll at accredited, four-year higher learning institutions nationwide. Any legal U.S. residents graduating from high school, earning the GED, or continuing undergrad/graduate study can apply. 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
The Bernard Kilgore Memorial Scholarship honors The Wall Street Journal columnist who was declared the “Business Journalist of the Century in 2000 by TJRF Group. The $5,000 scholarship is awarded yearly by 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
- 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
The Captain Jonathan C. Young Scholarship gifts $1,000 from the New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association. It honors 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
- 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. They include student scholarships like the Clanseer & Anna Johnson Scholarship. This merit- and need-based award supports four disadvantaged African-American youth yearly with $4,650 each. Chosen applicants must:
- reside in New Jersey
- have attained a minimum B average
- excel in science and mathematics courses
- 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
The Donald R. Waters Memorial Scholarship is valued at $10,000. It’s presented annually by the Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey. It assists 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 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 sponsors four New Jersey scholarships each year. They include 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. They must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and intend to pursue food-related college majors. Accepted applicants must write a 500-700 word essay. In it they will discuss 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. It supports top-performing students residing in the state’s largest cities, including:
- Newark
- Paterson
- Trenton
- Camden
- East Orange
- 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
- 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
The Janet Logan Daily Foundation Scholarship is named for the Glassboro State College alumna who taught early childhood education for 27 years. She lost her battle with thymic carcinoma in 2010. It awards $10,000 over four years. Interested New Jersey high school seniors must:
- matriculate full-time at an accredited U.S. university
- have a minimum C- average
- actively engage in at least one extra-curricular activity
- 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 HESAA scholarship in New Jersey is the Law Enforcement Memorial Scholarship. It
covers the full cost of attendance after federal financial aid. The four-year program is reserved for U.S. citizens or legal residents. They must be 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
- 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 bestows the Lee Williams and Leila Sulkes Scholarships for $2,000. They’re for female returning adults age 25 or older who are pursuing bachelor’s or graduate degrees. Those who can apply are New Jersey residents from Monmouth County, including:
- Freehold Township
- Englishtown
- Manalapan
- Howell
Other criteria requires:
- having completed 60+ college credits
- attending a regionally accredited school
- 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. They’re 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
- allied health fields like occupational therapy
Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or greater. Applications must include:
- a transcript
- list of extracurricular activities
- 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. It offers 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
- 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
The New Jersey Utilities Association’s Excellence in Diversity Scholarship is worth $1,500 per year for $6,000 total. It’s 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
- 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 Community Foundation of New Jersey offering is the Oscar & Susan Florence Hunt Scholarship. It 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
- Pedricktown
New Jerseyans should also:
- pursue academic studies at U.S. higher learning institutions
- maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA
- 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
The Jewish Community Foundation of Southern New Jersey manages over $74 million in assets for 11 annual scholarships. These include the Patrice Faye Cohen Memorial Scholarship. It’s designed for Jewish graduating high school women from the counties of:
- Burlington
- Camden
- Gloucester
They must 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 offers the PNC-Barry Gillman Humanitarian Scholarship for $5,000. It’s to encourage two full-time juniors or seniors at 14 ICFNJ-member colleges, such as:
- Fairleigh Dickinson
- Bloomfield
- Felician
- Saint Peter’s
Suitable applicants will:
- have finished 60+ credits
- have a cumulative GPA over 3.0
- display good citizenship
- 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
The Sandra M. Glazier Scholarship honors the Cancer Concern Center of Point Pleasant co-founder who passed away in 2001 from breast cancer. The scholarship is offered yearly by the Princeton Area Community Foundation. It’s 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 distributes the Ted Brickley/Bernice Shickora Scholarship for $1,000 annually. It’s for 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
They must have 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 administers the Valerie E. Yahn Scholarship Fund. It provides $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. This includes the counties of:
- Burlington
- Camden
- Cumberland
- Gloucester
- Salem
Applicants must be 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 presents the Winston E. Parker Memorial Scholarship for $6,000 each year. It’s for the sons and daughters of any Master Mason, either living or deceased. Applications are accepted from South Jersey, including the counties of:
- Atlantic
- Burlington
- Camden
- Cape May
- Cumberland
- Gloucester
- Ocean
- Salem
Eligible applicants must also be attending accredited U.S. colleges with a 2.0 GPA or higher in majors for:
- forestry
- agriculture
- horticulture
- 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 be even higher 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.
GCD Staff
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