Types of Financial Aid

Let the professionals in our Financial Aid Office help you sort out the options of paying for your education.

Take the first step in finding out the type of aid you qualify for at Sussex by filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Federal Aid

Federal Pell Grant

  • Must be enrolled in an eligible program of study and demonstrate financial need.
  • Amounts vary with the cost of education ($767 to $7,395, awarded annually). No repayments are required. Students may be eligible for additional funds for the summer terms. Check with Financial Aid to see if you qualify.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

  • Must be Pell-eligible and enrolled in at least six credits.
  • Federal grants are awarded to Pell recipients. Amounts vary from $100 to $600 annually based on federal funding.

Federal Work Study Program (FWSP)

  • Full or half-time students working toward a degree or certificate that show financial need. Filing a FAFSA form is required.
  • Students work on and/or off-campus and are paid on the 15th and last day of each month.

Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan*

  • Students enrolled at least half-time in an eligible program of study showing financial need (must file FAFSA).
  • Up to $3500 for first-year students and $4500 for second-year students. Repayment in amounts of at least $50 per month. The current interest rate is 5.50%

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan*

  • Students enrolled at least half-time in an eligible program of study. May be used if the student does not qualify for a subsidized loan (must file FAFSA).
  • Up to $5500 for first-year students and $6500 for second-year students. The current interest rate is 5.50%—repayment in amounts of at least $50 per month. A student may pay interest while in school or capitalize interest.

Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)*

Parents may borrow for the student. The student must be enrolled at least half-time (must file a FAFSA).

  • The amount borrowed may cover tuition, fees, books, and related educational expenses. Repayment starts 60 days after disbursement. Interest rate capped at 8.05%.

FastChoice

Private Lending for Higher Education.

State Aid

New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG)

  • Must be enrolled full-time and a New Jersey resident.
  • NJ HESAA determines grant value based on need. $1,314 to $3,500 annually. The limit is five semesters.
  • Summer TAG is available to those who qualify.

New Jersey Part-Time Tuition Aid Grant

  • NJ resident enrolled in at least six credits.
  • NJ HESAA determines grant value based on need. $640 to $2,322 annually. The limit is five semesters.
  • As with all state aid, a Free Application for Federal Student Aid must be filed by the state deadlines.

New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship Program (NJ STARS)

  • NJ residents only. Must rank in the top 15% of their class at the end of either their junior or senior year of high school and maintain a 3.0. Students must provide proof of graduation. All remedial requirements must be completed before receiving a scholarship.
  • Must file FAFSA form by deadlines each year. Pays tuition up to 18 credits college-level per semester for a total of 5 semesters.

Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG)

  • Students enrolled in at least six credits with a maximum of 18 credits for Spring 2020 and Fall 2020.
  • Must have an adjusted gross income of $0-$65,000 for Tier 1 (full tuition and allowable fees), $65,001 -$80,000 for Tier 2 (50% of tuition and allowable fees) and $80,001 - $100,000 for Tier 3 (33% of tuition and allowable fees).
  • Awards are based on in county tuition rates.
  • Must File a FAFSA by the state deadline.

Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Grant

  • Available to students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds who meet eligibility requirements.
  • Award amounts vary depending on enrollment status, college costs, and financial need.
  • Renewable annually based upon continued eligibility.
  • Applicants must also contact the campus EOF director to apply for admission into the program. The college will determine the value of the grant.

NJ Public Tuition Benefit Program

  • NJ residents only. Restricted to dependents of emergency personnel killed in the line of duty.
  • Full tuition.

NJ Volunteer Firefighters Rescue Squad Members, Spouses & Dependent Children’s Benefit Program.

  • Town/Township certification required noting 4 years of volunteer service commitment.
  • Up to $600 per year with a cap of $2400.

Foundation Scholarships

The College Foundation offers scholarships to students attending Sussex County Community College.

Veterans’ Educational Benefits

Students wishing to take advantage of V.A benefits & programs at Sussex MUST meet with the Veterans Coordinator to apply, register for classes and certify enrollment with the V.A. Veterans should contact the College's Veterans Services Dept. at 973-300-2109 or email dhaislip@sussex.edu .

NJ Veterans Tuition Credit Program (NJVTCP)

  • Must have served in the armed forces at least one year between 12/31/60 and 5/7/75 and have been a resident of NJ at the time of induction or discharge.
  • $200 per semester for full-time.
    $100 per semester for half-time.

NJ National Guard Tuition Program

  • Must have completed Initial Active Duty Training and be able to present Commanders Certificate each semester.
  • Must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • Full tuition up to 16 credits per semester.

*Loans are the least desirable means of meeting educational expenses and are to be used only after all other options are exhausted. Regulations and amounts are subject to change. Contact the Financial Aid Office for details.