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NJ STARS

Are you a recent high school graduate that graduated in the top 15% of your graduating class?  If yes, you might be eligible for the NJ STARS Program.

  1. Do you currently live in Middlesex county?
  2. Follow the instructions to apply for financial aid.
  3. Complete all required paperwork in the financial aid office.
  4. Complete the Admissions Process.
  5. Make sure that the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority has Middlesex County College listed as your top school of choice.

You can only attend your home county community college to receive this program, in most cases.

There are several requirements that you must meet each semester in order to maintain your eligibility.  Some of these include:

  1. Register for 12 college level credits each semester. The state will pay for up to 15 credits per semester.  Any additional credits you will be responsible to pay for.
  2. Enroll in an eligible major.
  3. Complete the financial aid process with the MCC financial aid office and HESAA (the state agency that manages the NJ STARS program.)
  4. Determine if you plan to enroll in the college's health insurance program. You are required by the state of New Jersey to let the college's Cashier office know if you are going to enroll in Middlesex County College's Health Insurance program.  If not you must let the college know in writing that you are going to waive the health insurance that we offer.

If you have any questions regarding financial aid and NJ STARS contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

If you have any general questions regarding NJ STARS please contact the NJ STARS Coordinator - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

 

 

NJ STARS Information (students who graduated June 2008 or earlier)

Background Information

  • The New Jersey Student Assistance Rewards Scholarship (NJ STARS) is the first state-sponsored scholarship program in the nation that is specifically designed for community college students.
  • NJ STARS students must be enrolled in an associate degree program in Middlesex County College (not OC.UN or ESL.UN or VS.UN or HS.UN).
  • The program covers up to five semesters of tuition and approved fees at Middlesex County College.  NJ STARS students must take at least 12 college-level credits each semester (non-developmental) and the state will pay for up to 15 college-level credits each semester, AFTER other federal and state grant monies are applied.
  • The NJ STARS program will not pay for courses in the summer or winter sessions.
  • NJ STARS students must maintain continuous full-time enrollment at Middlesex County College.  NJ STARS students can never fall below 12 college-level (non-developmental) credits
  • NJ STARS students, if they have not attended any other institution, have up to two years after graduating high school to enroll at Middlesex County College.

Transfer Students and NJ STARS

  • Students who attended one semester at a four-year college or university may be eligible for NJ STARS.
  • Students who attended one year at a four-year college or university are not eligible for NJ STARS.

Eligibility for the NJ STARS Program

  • Students must be in the top 20% of their high school graduating class.
  • Students must be a permanent resident or citizen of the United States for at least 12 months prior to the start of classes.
  • Students and parents must be state residents.
  • Students must file for financial aid by submitting the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Form. This filing is required for each academic year, no later than June 1.
  • NJ STARS students must be enrolled in an associate degree program in Middlesex County College (not OC.UN or ESL.UN or VS.UN or HS.UN).
  • NJ STARS students must maintain continuous full-time enrollment at Middlesex County College.  NJ STARS students can never fall below 12 college-level (non-developmental) credits. Students who drop below full-time status will lose their eligibility for that semester and for future semesters.
  • NJ STARS students must attain at least a 3.0 GPA by the start of the second year of enrollment in order to continue to receive the NJ STARS funds.
  • Students who are placed on Academic Restriction will lose their eligibility.