Volunteer Tuition Credit Program
New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Local Government Services
Up to $600 a year (max $2,400) in tuition credit at NJ county colleges and county vo-techs for volunteer firefighters and first aid/rescue squad members and their families.
- How much
- up to $600 per year, $2,400 maximum
- Who qualifies
- active volunteer firefighter or first aid/rescue squad member (or spouse/dependent child) in a participating NJ municipality
- Volunteer must agree to serve at least four years; only at county colleges, county vocational schools or county technical institutes; space-available basis.
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students, adults going back to school
- When to apply
- Apply any time No fixed deadline; certificate presented during each enrollment period (space-available).
- How to apply
- Confirm your municipality participates
- After each year of service your volunteer organization verifies your standing to the municipality, and the municipal clerk issues a Certificate of Authorization that you present to the college at enrollment
- What you'll need
- membership
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (nj.gov) and page 2
The details
Active members in good standing of a volunteer fire company or first aid/rescue squad, their spouses and dependent children can take courses at NJ county colleges, county vocational schools or county technical institutes on a tuition-credit basis: $600 per year, up to $2,400 over a four-year service period, when classroom space is available and enough tuition-paying students are enrolled. The volunteer must commit to four years of service, and the municipality must have adopted the program by resolution.
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.