New Jersey National Guard Tuition Program (NJNGTP)
New Jersey National Guard (Education Services Office)
Tuition-free courses (up to 16 credits a semester) at NJ public colleges for NJ Army and Air National Guard members, plus surviving spouses and children of members killed on duty.
- How much
- tuition-free, up to 16 credits per semester
- Who qualifies
- New Jersey Army or Air National Guard member (or child/surviving spouse of a member killed in the performance of duty)
- Completed Initial Active Duty Training; active drilling member in good standing; accepted and enrolled in good standing at a NJ public institution; apply for all state and federal grants each year. Dropping out of drilling ends the benefit and makes waived tuition payable.
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students
- When to apply
- Apply any time No fixed deadline; arrange with the college before each term's registration.
- How to apply
- Contact the veterans representative or financial aid office at your NJ public college before registering (each school has its own procedure), and apply for financial aid (FAFSA) every year
- The NJ Guard Education Services Office confirms eligibility
- What you'll need
- FAFSA + membership
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (education.njarmyguard.com) and page 2
The details
State law waives tuition at NJ public colleges and universities (29 participating) for qualifying members of the NJ National Guard: up to 16 credits per semester tuition free, undergraduate or graduate, including subsequent degrees. Tuition only; lab fees, books and other costs are not covered. Grants/scholarships pay tuition first and the waiver covers the rest. No nonresident or out-of-county rate may be charged. Children and surviving spouses of Guard members killed in the performance of duty may also attend tuition free (space available). Members whose enrollment is interrupted by deployment keep the benefit after discharge for a set period.
More money from New Jersey
- Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Graduate Grant$200 to $4,900 per year
- Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Undergraduate Grant$200 to $3,050 per year
- NJ STARS IIup to $1,250 per semester (up to 4 semesters)
- Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG)remaining tuition (up to 18 credits per term) and approved fees after other grants
- Garden State Guarantee (GSG)covers remaining tuition and fees (net price of $0) in years 3 and 4
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.