Survivor Tuition Benefits (STB)
Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA), New Jersey
Free tuition at NJ colleges for children and surviving spouses of NJ firefighters, emergency service workers and law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
- How much
- free tuition (up to the highest tuition at a NJ public institution)
- Who qualifies
- child or surviving spouse of a New Jersey firefighter, emergency service worker or law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty
- NJ resident 12 consecutive months before enrolling; high school diploma or GED; at least half-time undergraduate at an eligible NJ institution; children must apply within 8 years of high school graduation; satisfactory academic progress.
- For students starting college, undergrads, adults going back to school
- US citizen, eligible non-citizen, or NJ Dreamer eligible to file the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application
- When to apply
- Open now · due March 1, 2027 Annual: STB application in NJFAMS by October 1 (fall) or March 1 (spring).
- How to apply
- Complete the STB application in your NJFAMS account every year by October 1 (starting in fall) or March 1 (starting in spring)
- What you'll need
- state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (hesaa.org), page 2 and page 3
The details
Covers tuition at any eligible public or private NJ institution, capped at the highest tuition charged at a NJ public institution. Up to 8 total payments; at least half-time undergraduate enrollment; summer payment possible for a student graduating at the end of that summer. Children must apply within eight years of high school graduation; no time limit for surviving spouses. Subject to available funding.
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.