RU-N to the TOP

In This Section

Overview: Fall 2022 & Beyond

This overview is for students who have been admitted, enrolled and matriculated into Rutgers University-Newark as a new student from Fall 2022 and beyond.

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In 2016, the university established the Rutgers University–Newark Talent and Opportunity Pathways financial aid program, (RU-N to the TOP), for newly enrolled undergraduate students. The university expanded its reach of the RU-N to the TOP program for students who are newly admitted for fall 2022.  The expanded program continues to solidify our strategic plan and commitments to boundary-crossing scholarship, diverse talent cultivation, and engagement as an anchor institution. The RU-N to the TOP program enables us to build upon these commitments and recruit the most outstanding students from across the state of New Jersey.

The RU-N to the TOP program provides a “last-dollar” financial aid scholarship that covers the cost of in-state tuition and mandatory fees based on your AGI Tier. The scholarship is offered after all federal, state, institutional, internal/external scholarships and grants have been applied. Students must meet the program’s eligibility and income requirements.  There is no separate application that is required for this scholarship.

Newly admitted students for fall 2022 and beyond will automatically be considered with the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) or the NJ Alternative Application if you are a NJ Dreamer. 

 

Updated FAFSA Priority Date Now March 15, 2024

Student Eligibility and Income Requirements:

All qualified undergraduate students must be an admitted, enrolled, and matriculated student at Rutgers University–Newark seeking the completion of their first bachelor’s degree. Eligible students must legally qualify for in-state tuition. Only in-state tuition and mandatory fees will be calculated into the RU-N to the TOP Scholarship offer.  Eligible students must qualify for in-state tuition and meet the following student, citizenship, and household income requirements:

Student Requirement

  1. A resident of New Jersey legally qualifying for in-state tuition per HESAA & University guidelines
  2. Newly admitted, enrolled and matriculated student for Fall 2022 and beyond
  3. Complete financial aid file (federal and/or state), which includes the submission of all requested final aid forms and documentation by the established deadlines.

Citizenship Requirements

  1. Be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National; or
  2. Be a U.S. permanent resident who has an I-151, I-551, or I-551c (Alien Registration Receipt Card); or
  3. Be a recipient of New Jersey S2479 (the Tuition Equality Act/NJ Dream Act)

Adjusted Gross Income Requirements

Students must have a household adjusted gross income (AGI) as laid out in the table below:

Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)  Annual Net Cost - Tuition & Mandatory Fees
0-$65,000 $0
$65,001-$80,000 $3,000
$80,001-$100,000 $5,000

A student’s AGI for scholarship consideration is determined by the completion of the FAFSA or NJ Alternative Application. The income responses will be evaluated based on the AGI table above. 

Applying for Financial Aid - U.S. Citizen OR U.S. Permanent Resident  

Consideration for the RU-N to the TOP financial aid program requires the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Need help completing the FAFSA? 

Applying for Financial Aid - New Jersey Dreamers

The New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application allows NJ Dreamers enrolled in eligible New Jersey colleges and universities to apply for state financial aid. Consideration for the RU-N to the TOP program requires the submission of the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application. 

Who should complete this application?
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The New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application is ONLY for undocumented/DACA students. U.S. Citizens and U.S. permanent residents must complete the FAFSA.  Students can access and complete the New Jersey Alternative Application Financial Aid Application located on the HESAA website. website.

A student must meet ALL of these requirements for New Jersey state aid consideration:

  1. Attended a New Jersey high school for at least three (3) years and
  2. Graduated from a New Jersey high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in New Jersey and
  3. Demonstrate financial need and
  4. Be a resident of New Jersey for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to enrollment and
  5. Be a full-time undergraduate student enrolled in an approved degree or certificate program
  6. Complete The Rutgers University Tuition Equality Act Application and Affidavit (Rutgers requirement only)
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New Jersey Alternative Application
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  • The NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application must be received by NJ Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (NJ HESAA) by the established deadlines to be considered for state grants and scholarship.
  • Proof of income may be required to validate your award.
  • After application submission, NJ HESAA will contact you via your NJ FAMS account with any updates or requests for additional documentation.
  • Create a NJFAMS account online.
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Contact - NJ HESAA

Phone Number and Hours + Confidentiality Note
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  • HESAA Customer Care: 1-609-584-4480 or 1-800-792-8670 (English and Español)
  • Hours: Monday-Thursday 8am to 8pm and Friday 8am to 5pm

Please take notice – the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application is a confidential application that is used solely by the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) to qualify students for state financial aid. It is not used for federal financial aid purposes. Information that is shared with HESAA via this application is used only by HESAA and partner colleges, universities, and other state agencies in order to administer grants and scholarships. HESAA will do everything within its authority and jurisdiction to protect the ongoing confidentiality of this information.

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Checklist for Renewing Award Eligibility 

First and Second-Year Eligibility

RU-N to the TOP Scholarship will be awarded to first year and second-year students who have been admitted, enrolled, and matriculated into Rutgers University–Newark for fall 2022 and beyond.  The definitions of a first-year and second-year student are:

  • A first-year is defined as a student who has earned 0-30 credits
  • A second-year is defined as a student who has earned 31-59 credits

*Students who earn 60-128 credits may be eligible for Garden State Guarantee.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If your questions are not answered in the FAQ’s, please see the contact section for additional guidance.

How long can I receive the RU-N to the TOP financial aid scholarship?
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Award Type: First & Second Year Students.

  • Credits of Eligibility: 0-59 credits. ALL earned credits are counted.
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Can I use the award to earn a second bachelor’s degree?
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No. RU-N to the TOP is intended to assist students in earning their first bachelor’s degree

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If I am transferring with some credits from another school, but have not received a degree, how long will I receive RU-N to the TOP?
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  • If you are transferring into Rutgers-Newark with 0-59 credits, you may be eligible for RU-N to the TOP if you meet all eligibility criteria.
  • If you are transferring into Rutgers-Newark with 60-128 credits, you may qualify for Garden State Guarantee.
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If I transfer schools within Rutgers, do I remain eligible to receive RU-N to the TOP?
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  • Recipients transferring to another undergraduate school within RU-N remain eligible to receive RU-N to the TOP.
  • Students transferring to an undergraduate program elsewhere within Rutgers universities or academic schools, including Camden, New Brunswick, School of Nursing, or RBHS, are no longer eligible to receive RU-N to the TOP, but may be eligible for other campus based scholarships. 
  • Students matriculating in a graduate program anywhere at Rutgers (including RU-N) are no longer eligible to receive RU-N to the TOP.
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Can I use the RU-N to the TOP scholarship for summer or winter session courses?
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  • No, RUN to the TOP funding cannot be used for Summer and Winter courses.
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What happens to the RU-N to the TOP scholarship if I withdraw from school?
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If I have to take a semester off, how will this impact the RU-N to the TOP scholarship?
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  • If you continue to meet the eligibility of the RU-N to the TOP program, funds can be renewed upon re-enrollment.
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Is there a separate RU-N to the TOP application?
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  • There is no separate application required. Students are reviewed for the RU-N to the TOP award at the time of admittance to the university.
  • Newly admitted students for fall 2022 and beyond will automatically be considered with the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) or the NJ Alternative Application, in the case of NJ Dreamers.
  • Students will need to complete the FAFSA or NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application each year by the published state deadline.
  • Renewed eligibility for the RUN to the TOP scholarship will be evaluated based on AGI responses every year based on the completion of the FAFSA or NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application.
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I was enrolled at RU-N prior to the fall 2022 semester. Can I receive the expanded RU-N to the TOP scholarship if I meet all of the other conditions of eligibility?
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  • No. Students must have been admitted in the fall of 2022 or after to be considered for the expanded RU-N to the TOP.
  • The Office of Financial aid can assist students and families to understand what aid may be available.
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I am a transfer student. What documentation is required to determine my eligibility for the RU-N to the TOP scholarship?
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  • As part of the admissions process, students must submit all final and official transcripts.
  • There is no separate application required. Students are reviewed for the RU-N to the TOP award at the time of admittance to the university.
  • If you are a full-time transfer student transferring into RU-N with more 60-128, you will also be reviewed for the Garden State Guarantee Program
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If I attended another college before applying to Rutgers-Newark, am I still eligible for RU-N to the TOP?
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Yes. It is only prior matriculation at Rutgers-Newark, Camden, New Brunswick, & RBHS that disqualifies you from RU-N to the TOP.

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Am I required to apply for financial aid every year?
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Yes, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) or the NJ Alternative Application, in the cases of NJ Dreamers and meet the annual state deadlines. Students not meeting the state deadlines may lose eligibility for the program.

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What school charges are covered by the RU-N to the TOP scholarship?
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In-state tuition and mandatory fees based on qualifying AGI Tier. Mandatory fees for RU-N to the TOP include that include student fee, school fee, and technology fee.

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What charges are not covered by RU-N to the TOP scholarship?
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Optional and variable fees such as the NJ PIRG, Student Health Insurance, housing, dining, out-of-state tuition, specific program fees, offsite instructional support fee, new student fee, digital book fees, attendance clickers, the advanced book voucher, course fees, and summer/winter session tuition or fees,  late fees, parking charges, library fees, as well as miscellaneous fees. 

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If I am in default on a Federal Student Aid Loan, can I receive RU-N to the TOP?
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No. A student who is in default will not qualify for RU-N to the TOP. 

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How do I renew the RU-N to TOP scholarship?
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Do I have to be enrolled full-time to receive the RU-N to the TOP scholarship?
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  • Yes, first and second-year students (0-59 credits) must be enrolled full-time (at least 12 credits) to qualify.

*It is recommended to take 15 credits per semester (30 credits per academic year) to be on target to graduate within 4 years. 

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How does part-time enrollment affect my RU-N to the TOP scholarship?
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No, Part-time enrollment is not eligible.

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If I am a transfer student who transferred in with 60-128 credits to Rutgers Newark or an approved offsite location, can I receive RU-N to the TOP?
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No.  You may qualify for Garden State Guarantee.

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Can I receive RU-N to the TOP as a non-matriculated student?
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No. Eligibility is determined at the point of matriculation.

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If I have taken classes at RU-N as a non-matriculated student, can I receive the scholarship if I am admitted and enroll as a matriculated student in an undergraduate program?
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Yes. You will need to meet the criteria of the program as outlined above.

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If I attended another university (other than Rutgers-Newark) after earning a degree from a NJCC, am I still eligible for RU-N to the TOP?
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Yes. Only prior matriculation at RU-N disqualifies you from receiving the RU-N to the TOP scholarship.

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Am I eligible for RU-N to the TOP if my family and/or I have a negative Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)?
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No, you would not be eligible for RU-N to the TOP as Rutgers-Newark follows the guidelines laid out by New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority’s (HESAA) for families and/or individuals with negative Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).

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RU-N to the TOP Glossary

Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
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All taxable income as reported on a U.S. income tax return. For dependent students, only parent(s’)/guardian(s’) adjusted gross incomes are considered, not the student’s income. For independent students, the AGI of the student and spouse, if applicable, is considered.

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Defaulted (Loan)
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A status of a loan for which the borrower has failed to make a payment when due, or if the borrower violates other terms and conditions of the promissory note. Borrowers who default on federal education loans lose eligibility for further federal student aid, will have their default reported to national credit bureaus, and may have their wages garnished or tax refunds offset by the government.

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Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
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This form is used to determine the amount of money a family is expected to contribute to the price of attending a college. The results of the FAFSA are used in determining student grants, work study, and loan amounts. The online FAFSA at fafsa.ed.gov will guide you through the application process.

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Full-Time Student
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A student enrolled in and attending a minimum of at least 12 credits per semester.

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Last-dollar Scholarship
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For the purpose of RU-N to the TOP, a last-dollar scholarship pays the remaining in-state tuition and mandatory fees after federal, state, and external/internal scholarships and grants have been awarded, based on your AGI tier.

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Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
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A required measurement of a student's academic progress towards their academic goal. Progress must be measured by both grade-based (qualitative) and time/pace of completion (quantitative) standards. For programs lasting one year or less, SAP must be assessed at the end of each payment period. For programs lasting more than one year, SAP must be assessed annually (corresponding with the end of a payment period). SAP must be measured cumulatively. Additional details are available online on Scarlet Hub.

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Tuition and Mandatory Fees
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Tuition and Mandatory Fees: Tuition and mandatory fees include credit hour charges and institutional fees that are charged to all enrolled students including technology fee, student fee and school fee. 

RU-N to the TOP does not cover optional and variable fees such as the NJ PIRG, Student Health Insurance, housing, dining, out-of-state tuition, specific program fees, offsite instructional support fee, new student fee, digital book fees, attendance clickers, the advanced book voucher, course fees, and summer/winter session tuition or fees,  late fees, parking charges, library fees, as well as miscellaneous fees. 

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NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application (NJ AFAA)
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The New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application is a confidential application that is used solely by the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) to qualify students for state financial aid. It is not used for federal financial aid purposes. Information that is shared with HESAA via this application is only used by HESAA and partner colleges/universities and other state agencies in order to administer grants and scholarships. HESAA will do everything within its authority and jurisdiction to protect the ongoing confidentiality of this information.  Click here for more information.

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Key Contacts

Blumenthal Hall3rd Floor
249 University AvenueNewarkNJ07102

The Office of Financial Aid can assist with any questions in reference to federal, state and institutional aid.

Click here to contact us