Affording College

Basic needs include, but are not limited to, food, housing, clothing, childcare, mental health, financial resources, and transportation. At some point in a college student's educational journey, they may face challenges in accessing adequate amounts of food, housing, financial, or other resources. This is called basic needs insecurity; millions of college students experience it yearly.

To ensure that basic needs are met for all Rutgers students, on-campus resources and those available in the surrounding community include: food, housing, and utility assistance; emergency aid; mental, physical, and spiritual wellness; internet and technology; child care resources; and faculty and staff resources.

Food and housing insecurity, as well as homelessness, often carry a significant stigma. If someone confides in you about facing these challenges, it's important to respond with compassion and understanding. You can refer them to the Offices of the Dean of Students or the Basic Needs Center at the College Ave Student Center. Students seeking assistance can also complete online forms for emergency grants, textbook/technology assistance, or housing insecurity. Additionally, you can suggest other available resources. Remember, your support and kindness can make a profound difference in someone's life.

We encourage you to also reach out to the Offices of the Dean of Students to share these concerns.

The Office of Career Exploration and Success offers multiple Career & Internship Fairs throughout the year. These fairs provide candidates with the ability to discuss full-time, part-time, and internship opportunities with employers.

The Eagleton Fellowship offers select Rutgers graduate students the opportunity to further their understanding of government, public affairs, and the practice of politics. All Rutgers graduate students are eligible to apply for this one-year, interdisciplinary certificate program.

The Rutgers University Police Department (RUPD) offers challenging and exciting opportunities in a wide range of law enforcement careers for those seeking full-time employment and for students seeking part-time employment.

Applying for financial aid is free and easy via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial aid funds, including student loans, are paid to the student's tuition account at the beginning of each semester, as long as verification is complete. Each disbursement will represent one-half of the amount awarded unless the student has requested and is eligible for a single term loan. In the case of a single term loan, the funds will be paid at the beginning of the term for which the student has requested the loan.

For students who are NJ Dreamers or not eligible to file the FAFSA, they may be eligible to complete the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application (NJAFAA).

Find Tips and Tutorials on the financial aid process and other resources.

With the generosity of donors, the Honors College provides a variety of merit, need-based, emergency, and special scholarships for students in good standing in the Honors College. To be considered in good standing, students must be making progress towards completing their Honors College academic and service requirements. Priority is given to students who have positively contributed to the Honors College community. Scholarships range from $500 to $2,000 for general support, special recognition, travel abroad, or other special opportunities. Scholarships are awarded on a combination of merit and need, and are layered on top of any scholarships or funding from the school of enrollment or university financial aid. This resource is available only to Honors College students.