New Jersey TAG award amounts depend on two things: your New Jersey Eligibility Index (NJEI), which HESAA calculates from your FAFSA, and the type of college you choose. For 2026-27, the maximum full-time Tuition Aid Grant is $14,404 at private (independent) colleges, $10,964 at public research universities such as Rutgers, $9,496 at state colleges and universities, and $3,098 at county colleges. For 2027-28, new students must file by Sept. 15, 2027.
The figures below are from the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority's (HESAA) Tuition Aid Grant Award Table for 2026-27 and its 2027-28 deadline page.
2026-27 full-time TAG awards by NJEI and college type
| NJ Eligibility Index | County colleges | State colleges | Public research | Independent (private) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1,500 | $3,098 | $9,496 | $10,964 | $14,404 |
| 1,500-2,499 | 2,546 | 7,922 | 9,174 | 11,522 |
| 2,500-3,499 | 2,206 | 6,706 | 8,168 | 10,134 |
| 3,500-4,499 | 1,720 | 5,554 | 7,044 | 9,078 |
| 4,500-5,499 | 1,280 | 4,604 | 6,142 | 8,016 |
| 5,500-6,499 | 0 | 3,594 | 5,238 | 6,968 |
| 6,500-7,499 | 0 | 2,616 | 4,392 | 5,914 |
| 7,500-8,499 | 0 | 0 | 3,480 | 4,850 |
| 8,500-9,499 | 0 | 0 | 2,396 | 3,834 |
| 9,500-10,499 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2,176 |
| Over 10,499 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Source: HESAA, Tuition Aid Grant Award Table for Academic Year 2026-27. Annual amounts.
These are approximate. County college figures are averages across the 18 county colleges; state college and public research figures are standardized but can't exceed tuition, and may be higher where tuition is higher. HESAA says the value of any grant also depends on state appropriations and actual tuition charges.
Part-time students at county colleges can get up to $774 a semester at half time (6-8 credits) or $1,161 a semester at three-quarter time (9-11 credits).
2027-28 deadlines
| You are | File the FAFSA by | Complete NJFAMS tasks by |
|---|---|---|
| Renewing TAG (received it in 2026-27) | April 15, 2027 | Oct. 1, 2027 |
| A high school senior, first-time college student, or didn't receive TAG in 2026-27 | Sept. 15, 2027 | Oct. 1, 2027 (or 30 days from notification) |
| Applying for spring 2028 only | Feb. 15, 2028 | March 1, 2028 (or 30 days from notification) |
Source: HESAA, New Jersey Financial Aid Deadlines for Academic Year 2027-2028.
What "received" means: for the FAFSA, the deadline is judged by the federal Application Receipt Timestamp; for the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application (for NJ Dreamers), by the time you submit in NJFAMS. HESAA says deadlines aren't extended for incomplete information.
What this means for you
- File the 2027-28 FAFSA early and log into NJFAMS to clear your To Do List.
- Returning students: your deadline is April 15, five months earlier than new students'.
- Compare net cost, not just TAG size: TAG is largest at private colleges, but public options add the Garden State Guarantee and CCOG.