10 Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in New Jersey

Many students rely on state and federal student aid, as well as other types of financial aid, to pay for college. To receive this aid, you'll need to fill out the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).

Students enrolled at online schools in New Jersey can also qualify for assistance. Both on-campus and online colleges accept the FAFSA. Keep reading to discover online colleges that accept FAFSA in New Jersey.

10 Best Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in New Jersey

Several colleges and universities in the Garden State offer online learning options; they also accept the FAFSA for financial aid. We've listed ten online colleges in New Jersey below. Note that all colleges and universities listed hold accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

1. Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) is a private, nonprofit university with two campuses in New Jersey and two international campuses. It offers primarily on-campus programs but students can also learn online. The University offers a handful of master's degrees, one associate degree, one bachelor's degree, and one doctoral degree program online, in fields such as:

• arts
• business
• education
• social work

To use financial aid at FDU, input the code 002607 into your FAFSA. The university offers a program called the FDU Advantage, which covers the remaining tuition costs after grants and scholarships for students who demonstrate great financial need.

2. Georgian Court University

Georgian Court University (GCU) is a private, nonprofit Roman Catholic university in Lakewood. Students can choose from a couple of undergraduate degrees and a handful of graduate degrees online in areas of study like:

• business administration
• communication
• criminal justice
• education

The FAFSA code for GCU is 002608. Undergraduate, full-time students may be eligible for the GCU Promise, a program that provides extra tuition assistance to eligible students.

3. Kean University

Kean University is a public university based in Union. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are available in-person and online in various fields, including business management, health sciences, liberal arts, and psychology.

Students in online degree programs can enter the code 002622 for Kean University in their FAFSA. New Jersey residents with a family income of under $65,000 per year may qualify for the Kean Tuition Promise, which is a last-dollar scholarship that covers any tuition costs remaining after grants and scholarships.

4. Montclair State University

Montclair State University is a public research university in Montclair. In addition to in-person programs, it offers online undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as certificate programs, in areas of study like:

• business administration
• healthcare and nursing
• information technology
• psychology

The FAFSA code for Montclair State is 002617. Because Montclair State is a public university, in-state students pay much lower tuition than out-of-state students. Financial aid is available for college students from all states.

5. New Jersey City University

New Jersey City University (NJCU) is a public university in Jersey City. It primarily offers on-campus programs, but it also offers a few undergraduate and graduate programs in disciplines such as educational technology, fire science, national security, and teaching.

Students taking online courses through NJCU should enter the FAFSA code 002613. As a public university, in-state tuition is lower for residents, and residents may also qualify for the state's Garden State Guarantee program, which provides financial aid to residents with family incomes under $65,000.

6. New Jersey Institute of Technology

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is a public research university in Newark. Its online programs are primarily master's degree and certificate programs, but a bachelor's degree in business is also available. Graduate students can earn online degrees in business administration, computer science, data science, engineering, and more.

The FAFSA code for NJIT is 002621. New Jersey students will get a reduced tuition rate and may also qualify for the Garden State Guarantee, and other types of financial aid are available to all online learners.

7. Rowan University

Rowan University is a public research university in Glassboro. In addition to on-campus programs, the university offers online bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees. Some options students can choose include business, education, healthcare, nursing, and technology.

Online students at Rowan University can use the FAFSA code 002609. Rowan University offers the Rowan Opportunity Program to first and second-year students who are New Jersey residents, as well as other financial aid opportunities.

8. Rutgers University

Rutgers University is a public research university in Newark. It offers a few bachelor's and several master's degrees through distance learning. These online programs are available in many subjects, including the following:

• business administration
• education
• healthcare
• nursing
• public administration

The FAFSA code for Rutgers is 002629. In addition to the Garden State Guarantee, the university offers a steep tuition discount to New Jersey residents with a family income between $65,000 to $100,000. Other financial aid programs are available as well.

9. Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University (TESU) is a public university in Trenton. It's focused on adult learners; as a result, it offers multiple distance education and online degrees, such as:

• business administration
• computer science
• healthcare and nursing
• information technology

Students enrolling in online classes at TESU should use the FAFSA code 011648. The university offers a unique debt-free tuition program called TESU Invest, in addition to other types of financial aid.

10. William Paterson University

William Paterson University (WPU) is a public university in Wayne. It offers in-person education programs and multiple online degrees in business, criminal justice, healthcare, nursing, and information technology.

Prospective students planning to study online at WPU can use the code 002625 for FAFSA. Many New Jersey residents can receive free or steeply discounted tuition through a combination of the university's Pledge 4 Success program and the state's Garden State Guarantee, as well as other financial aid options.

Applying for FAFSA in New Jersey

The FAFSA allows students in the state of New Jersey, as well as other states, to obtain federal, state, institutional, and independent financial aid. This student aid can be used at community colleges and four-year universities, undergraduate and graduate programs, full-time and part-time programs, and in-person and online education.

Eligibility

There is very little, in terms of eligibility requirements, necessary to apply for FAFSA. According to the U.S. Department of Education, you must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen and plan to attend a postsecondary institution.

While not all students qualify for all types of financial aid, the Department of Education recommends all students apply for FAFSA. This includes students in online schools.

Steps To Apply

Even though FAFSA can seem daunting, filling it out is relatively simple. First, you'll need to create a username and password through StudentAid.gov.

Next, you'll need to gather the information for the FAFSA form. This includes:

• school codes for all colleges and universities you're applying to
• personal information from parents (if dependent), or your spouse (if married) including birthdates and Social Security numbers
• financial records for your family finances

When you've gathered everything, you can begin filling out the FAFSA. This should take about an hour or so.

Other Financial Aid Options for Online College in New Jersey

New Jersey residents have access to several financial aid programs that work alongside FAFSA to make online education more affordable. The following options can help reduce tuition costs and expand opportunities for flexible learning.

Tuition Aid Grant

The New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) is one of the most generous need-based programs in the country. To qualify, you must be a New Jersey resident, complete the FAFSA, and enroll at an approved in-state college or university.

Online students can use TAG funds toward tuition and required fees at eligible institutions. Award amounts vary based on financial need and the cost of attendance, helping many residents pursue their degrees with less financial strain.

Garden State Guarantee

The Garden State Guarantee covers up to the full cost of tuition and fees for qualifying students in their third and fourth years of study at New Jersey public colleges. To apply, you must complete the FAFSA and meet income and residency requirements.

This program is available to both in-person and online learners at participating institutions. It ensures that middle-income students can complete their degrees without taking on excessive debt.

New Jersey STARS Program

The New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship (NJ STARS) recognizes high-achieving high school graduates who choose to attend their local community college. Students who maintain strong grades can later transfer to a four-year institution under the NJ STARS II program.

Online community college students are also eligible for NJ STARS benefits if they meet academic and residency requirements. This program helps motivated learners begin their higher education journey at little or no cost.

FAQs About Using FAFSA for College in New Jersey

If you’re planning to attend an online college in New Jersey, you may still have questions about FAFSA and how it connects to state-based aid. Below, we’ve provided answers to help you navigate your financial aid options confidently.

Which New Jersey State Aid Programs Require FAFSA?

Most of New Jersey’s major financial aid programs require you to complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility. This includes the Tuition Aid Grant, Garden State Guarantee, and NJ STARS Program.

Completing your FAFSA ensures your financial information is sent to the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA). That step allows the state to match you with the aid programs you qualify for automatically.

What Happens If I Miss the FAFSA Submission Deadline in New Jersey?

Missing a FAFSA deadline doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out of options. Many colleges and private organizations offer rolling financial aid or scholarship opportunities throughout the year.

You can contact your school’s financial aid office to learn about late submission options or additional funding resources. Applying as soon as possible helps you maximize your eligibility for both federal and state aid.

How Do I Ensure My FAFSA Is Sent to New Jersey Colleges?

To make sure your FAFSA is sent to your preferred New Jersey schools, enter their federal school codes during the application process. You can search for these codes on the FAFSA website or through your college’s financial aid page.

If you add a school later, you can log back into your FAFSA to update your list. This ensures your application data is shared promptly with every institution you’re considering.

Find an Affordable Online College in New Jersey

New Jersey students have access to multiple federal and state-based aid programs that make earning an online degree more affordable. Explore accredited online colleges on Learn.org to compare programs and connect directly with schools that align with your goals.