NJBEST Scholarship
Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA), New Jersey
Open now · due December 1, 2026
One-time, tax-free $2,000-$6,000 scholarship for NJBEST 529 beneficiaries who use their savings at a NJ college.
- How much
- one-time $2,000 to $6,000
- Who qualifies
- beneficiary of an NJBEST 529 College Savings Plan account
- Either the student or the account contributor must be a NJ resident at the time of college attendance; at least half-time enrollment at an approved, Title IV-eligible NJ institution; NJBEST withdrawal for qualified expenses in the same semester.
- For students starting college, undergrads
- When to apply
- Open now · due December 1, 2026 Annual: opens after June 1; due December 1 (fall semester) or May 1 (spring semester).
- How to apply
- The student (not the account owner) applies in NJFAMS
- The application opens after June 1 each year
- Deadline December 1 for the fall semester and May 1 for the spring semester
- What you'll need
- state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (hesaa.org) and page 2
The details
For beneficiaries of an NJBEST 529 College Savings Plan account open at least 4 years with at least $1,200 in total contributions by the time the student first enrolls. Scholarship tiers: $2,000 (4 years / $1,200), $3,000 (6 / $1,800), $4,000 (8 / $2,400), $5,000 (10 / $3,000), $6,000 (12 years / $3,600). The account must be used for qualified expenses (a withdrawal) the same semester the student applies. Awarded only once per beneficiary.
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.