Undocumented Student Financial Aid and Scholarships

RU–N partners with The Dream.US, a scholarship fund for DREAMers across the nation. This fund provides scholarships for students who have met TheDream.US criteria and are enrolling full-time to a Partner College. The scholarship helps cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, and transportation expenses for those who would otherwise be unable to attend college. 

The Dream.US affirmed continued support via a statement for our Rutgers University-Newark scholarship recipients 

• TheDream.US has adopted new immigration eligibility criteria! With or without DACA or TPS, you may be eligible to apply if you came to the country before the age of 16 and before November 1, 2018. 

Complete the NJ Dreamers application if you are not a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen and meet all of the following criteria:

• Attended a New Jersey high school for at least three (3) years 
• Graduated from a New Jersey high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in New Jersey 
• Registered for Selective Service (male students only) 
• Are able to file an affidavit stating that you have filed an application to legalize your immigration status or will file an application as soon as you are eligible to do so 

If you need assistance filling out the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application because of the following: 

• Your parent/caregiver has never filed taxes before  
• Your parent/caregiver does not work  

Please contact the Office of Undocumented Student Services (Undocu.services@newark.rutgers.edu) to fill out the application   

The RU-N to the Top program is a “last-dollar” scholarship that covers the rest of your in-state tuition and mandatory school fees after your scholarships and grants have been applied, and undocumented students are eligible. 

Qualifications for RU-N to the Top 

Undocumented students are eligible if they: 

• Qualify for in-state tuition pursuant to New Jersey S2479 (the "NJ Dream Act") 
• Apply to The New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application  
• Meet the student and income requirements 
• Be a resident of Newark or 
• Graduated from a Community College and hold an associate’s degree 

How to Apply to RU-N to the Top 

Once you know you qualify, all you need to do is a bit of paperwork. 

• Complete and submit the Affidavit for Nonresident Tuition Exemption for Eligible New Jersey High School Graduates. 

In order to be considered for a RU–N to the TOP scholarship, the Office of Financial Aid will need to review your total household income. To accomplish this, we ask that you file The New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application 

• Assistance with completing The New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application you may also schedule an appointment with the Office of Undocumented Student Services or the Office of Financial Aid one-on-one advisement. 
• More about RU-N to the Top