Oct 06, 2024  
2024-2025 Online Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Online Catalog

Financial Aid


Financial Aid

 

Welcome

The Financial Aid Department administers several state and federal financial aid programs to help UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ students meet their college expenses. Financial aid awards include grants, scholarships, loans, federal work study, or any combination of these. All communication to students concerning financial aid is sent to their UCNJ email, and students are responsible for checking their email regularly. Although the Financial Aid Staff makes every effort to inform students of financial aid guidelines, the ultimate responsibility for complying with federal aid regulations is that of the student. Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid before May 15th  to be considered for the maximum eligibility.

Application Procedures

Applying for financial aid is simple. You will need to complete only two forms to apply for all federal and state scholarships and grants, federal loans, federal work study, and all institutional scholarships. Full and part-time students are eligible for financial aid although some forms of aid will be adjusted if you are less than full-time.

Step 1: Complete your FAFSA and State Application
Your first step is to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at www.studentaid.gov. Remember to enter the school code of 002643 for UCNJ so we receive your FAFSA electronically. You will need to apply for a Personal Federal Student Aid ID (FSA-ID). If you are a dependent student both you and one parent will need to apply for separate FSA-IDs and you will use the FSA-IDs to electronically sign your FAFSA. You and/or your parents must complete their federal tax return. While completing the FAFSA on-line, you will import your and/or your parents’ federal tax information from the IRS using a secure data retrieval tool (DRT).

Once you reach the Web confirmation page, locate the link entitled “Optional Feature - Start your State Application.” Respond to the questions for you and/or your parents and submit the additional information to the State of New Jersey.

Step 2: Apply for Scholarships
Once you have submitted your FAFSA, you should also complete the Scholarship Application. This is the application for all scholarships. Last year, we awarded hundreds of institutional scholarships to our students. If you are interested in applying for the Scholarship, please visit UNCJ’s website (www.ucc.edu) and select the Admissions & Aid menu.

Step 3: Review your Student Aid Report
Once you have submitted your FAFSA, the U.S. Department of Education will process your FAFSA and send a copy to you in the form of a Student Aid Report (SAR). Your SAR will be sent to you electronically if you listed an email address on your FAFSA. Please review your SAR and notify our office if you made any mistakes. We will walk you through how to correct them.

Verification: The U.S. Department of Education randomly selects FAFSA submissions (FAFSA) for further review.  Students selected are notified by the U.S. Department of Education and by email from the UCNJ Financial Aid Services account.  If selected for Verification, students must submit documentation (i.e., tax, return, transcript, verification worksheet, etc.), and a review is conducted by the Financial Aid Department.  If errors are found, the financial aid staff must submit corrections to the U.S. Department of Education.  This may decrease the estimated award, and the student will be liable for the balance.  Verification must be completed prior to receiving payment of any federal grant, loan, or state awards.  Failure to submit the required documentation will result in the denial of all federal and state financial aid including student loans.

Step 4: Review your Student Eligibility Notice
The U. S. Department of Education will also send your information to all of the colleges listed on your FAFSA, as well as to the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA). You will receive a Student Eligibility Notice (SEN) once your eligibility for state grants is determined.

Step 5: Check your financial aid status online
All communication from the Financial Aid Department is in an electronic format. This means, as a UCNJ student, it is essential to check Self-Service to view your financial aid status and/or any documents required to complete your financial aid application AND to check your student email account daily because all communication we send to a student is sent through your student email account.

Financial Aid Application Deadlines

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed each year and it serves the entire academic year (Fall, Spring, and Summer terms). The FAFSA becomes available each October for the following fall semester and remains available through the following summer. We recommend that you complete your FAFSA as soon as possible.

To expedite the accessibility of federal student aid, which includes federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities, new regulations require students and parents to use their 2022 tax returns for the 2024-2025 academic year. If you previously received a Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) you will need to complete your FAFSA by May 15th, 2024 in order to be considered for the grant in the next academic year (2024-2025). For more information on state grants, please visit the website for the State of New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) at www.hesaa.org. Certain funds are available on a limited basis; therefore, it is in your best interest to apply as early as possible.

Eligibility

To be eligible for Federal and State financial aid programs, you must:

  • Be accepted as a student in an eligible certificate or associate degree program.
  • Be making satisfactory academic progress for financial aid purposes.
  • Have a high school diploma, General Education Development (GED) certificate, or a secondary school completion credential for home school.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen (this includes permanent resident status).
  • Have a valid Social Security Number.
  • Not be in default on a previously awarded student loan or owe a refund on a previously awarded grant.

Different forms of financial aid may have additional eligibility criteria.

Cost of Attendance for the 2024-2025 Academic Year

“Tuition and fees are subject to change based upon the Board of Trustees’ discretion.”

Below is the estimated cost of attending UCNJ for an average full-time student (12 credits) for one year (2 semesters).  The total amount is used to determine financial aid awards based on the student’s eligibility index.  Amounts are subject to change.

 

 Independent   Student  

Dependent Student

Tuition

$5,280.00

$5,280.00

Food and Housing

$4,450.00 $13,088.00

Books and Supplies

$1,080.00

$1,080.00

Transportation

$2,666.00

$2,666.00

Loan Fees

$62.00 $62.00

Living Expenses

$2,314.00

$2,314.00

Total
Budget

$15,852.00

$24,490.00

Types of Aid Available

UCNJ offers many types of financial aid from federal, state, and institutional sources to help you fund your education. Below are some of those types of financial aid. The information below includes grants, scholarships, loans, and work study. All aid is subject to available federal, state, and institutional appropriations.

Federal Aid Programs - Title IV

Federal Pell Grant - The Higher Education Act of 1972 established this grant program to provide aid to financially needy students attending college.  Students must meet eligibility requirements and must be pursuing a degree program or eligible certificate program.  Students attending more than one institution in an award year may only receive a Pell grant at one school.  The maximum federal Pell grant for the 2024-2025 academic year is $7,395 depending on your financial need. This grant may be adjusted based on changes in the number of credits that you register for in a term.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) - This program awards funds to undergraduate students with the greatest need. If you are a Pell Grant recipient with the lowest expected family contribution (EFC), you will be considered first. Just like Pell grants, the FSEOG does not have to be repaid. Most awards range from $100-$300, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Federal Work Study - The Federal Work-Study Program provides employment opportunities for students who need additional funds to help meet their educational expenses.  To be considered as a candidate for the work-study program, a student must (1) file a FAFSA, (2) be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, (3) be enrolled in an undergraduate academic program, (4) be registered for at least six (6) or more credits, (5) meet the financial aid standards of satisfactory academic progress, and (6) be in good academic standing.

Federal Direct Loans - UCNJ participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, commonly known as direct lending.  The College’s participation in this program allows students to borrow directly from the U.S. Department of Education.  The Direct Loan program enables eligible applicants and their parents to obtain a student loan (Subsidized or Unsubsidized) or parent loan (PLUS) to meet their educationally related expenses.  

  2023-2024  INTEREST RATES**
  Subsidized Loan*                  5.50%
  Unsubsidized Loan                  7.05%
  PLUS (Parent) Loan                  8.05%


* With a first disbursement date after July 1, 2023.

** Interest rates are subject to change after July 1, 2024.

For application instructions, please go to the Financial Aid page on the College’s website, www.ucc.edu.

Please review the studentaid.gov website for up-to-date interest rates.

State of New Jersey Financial Assistance Programs

To receive funds from the State of New Jersey, students must register for a minimum of six (6) credits each semester.  Academic progress regulations are the same as the federal regulations.  Progress is monitored at the end of each semester.

Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) - The Tuition Aid Grant provides financial assistance to full-time college students or part-time students (enrolled for at least 6 credits) who have been residents of New Jersey for twelve (12) consecutive months prior to enrollment.  To be considered for an award, a student must complete a FAFSA and a Tuition Aid Grant Application.  The TAG application can be accessed after the student has submitted the FAFSA or by going to the Higher Education Assistant Authority website, www.hessa.org.

Governor’s Urban Scholarship Program - The Governor’s Urban Scholarship is a merit award available to students who rank in the top 5.0 percent of their high school graduating class and attain a grade point average of at least 3.0 at the end of the junior year in high school, file a FAFSA within established deadlines, and have a New Jersey Eligibility Index below 10500.  To qualify, applicants also must graduate from a traditional public, public charter, county vo-tech, or nonpublic school, and reside in Asbury Park, City of Camden, East Orange, Irvington Township, Jersey City, Lakewood, Millville, Newark, New Brunswick, City of Trenton, Paterson, Plainfield, Roselle Borough, or Vineland.

NJ STARS - This merit-based program is offered to students who at the end of either their junior or senior year are within the top 15% of their New Jersey high school graduating class.  The scholarship may cover all or a part of the student’s tuition and fees.  For more information, go to https://www.hesaa.org/documents/njstars_program.pdf.

Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) - Instituted and sponsored by the State of New Jersey, the Educational Opportunity Fund is an academic support program providing access to higher education for students who show potential but who need additional support services and financial aid to succeed academically.  All students accepted into the EOF Program must be pursuing a degree, be residents of the State of New Jersey for at least one year, meet all program requirements, and be citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) - The Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) provides financial assistance for New Jersey residents in a degree-granting program who are enrolled in at least 6 credits per semester in Fall and/or Spring and who have an adjusted gross income of $0 - $100,000 (as of the 2023-2024 AY) will be considered for this state grant. The Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) will pay the costs of tuition and approved educational fees that are not already covered by other available grant funds that are applied to a student’s account. 

For students to be eligible to receive the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) they must meet the following eligibility requirements: 

  • Completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application by applicable state deadlines
  • Enrolled in at least six (6) credits per semester Fall and/or Spring
  • Does not have a prior Associate or Bachelor’s degree 
  • Make satisfactory academic progress 
  • Have a total household adjusted gross income between $0 - $100,000 (as of the 2023-2024 AY)

UCNJ Scholarships

The Union County College Foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships to help you achieve your educational goals. Last year, the Foundation awarded over $1 million in scholarships to hundreds of our students. Scholarships are a form of financial aid that does not have to be repaid.

Each scholarship has different criteria and there are scholarships available for many students. Scholarship selection can be based on GPA, major, high school, city, community service, and other criteria. The Scholarship Application located on UCNJ’s website (www.ucc.edu) is the application for all of these scholarships. Some scholarships require that you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be eligible. For more information, please view the Scholarships page of the Financial Aid website.

Rights and Responsibilities

As a financial aid recipient, you have the right to:

  1. Know the correct procedures for applying for student financial aid, your cost of attendance, and the types of aid available.
  2. Know how financial need is determined, what the criteria are for awarding aid, how academic progress is determined, and what you have to do to continue receiving aid.
  3. Know the type and amount of assistance you will receive, how much of your need has been met, and how and when you will receive your aid funds.
  4. View the contents of your student financial aid file, in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
  5. Know the conditions of any loan you accept.
  6. Know the terms, conditions, and pay rate for any student job you accept under the Federal Work Study Program.
  7. Appeal any decision with the Office of Financial Aid in regard to your application. Appeals should be filed no later than 30 days after the original notification that you have been denied aid.

As a financial aid recipient, it is your responsibility to:

  1. Complete and submit application materials to the appropriate agencies within required or recommended time frames.
    • Complete your FAFSA each year at least 4 months prior to the semester that you will be attending.
    • New Jersey residents must meet all deadlines set by the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA). Deadlines can be found at www.hesaa.org.
    • Read all materials sent to you from the Financial Aid Office and other agencies awarding you aid. Read, understand, and keep copies of all forms you sign.
  2. Know and comply with the rules governing the aid you receive. These rules include but are not limited to:
    • You must not be in default on any prior educational loan.
    • You must not owe a refund on any Federal Aid.
  3. Provide additional documentation, federal tax transcripts, W-2’s, and any additional information if requested by the Financial Aid Office or HESAA. Be sure to provide the information to the office that requested it.
  4. Comply with the provisions of any promissory note and all other agreements you sign.
  5. Complete the registration process each semester by the start of the semester in order to ensure availability of all student aid funds you have been awarded.
  6. Use student financial aid proceeds solely for direct educational costs and related living expenses.
  7. Know the implications that dropping a course or withdrawing from UCNJ will have on your student financial aid.
  8. Students who are receiving federal financial aid funds must make satisfactory academic progress towards completing their degree program in a timely manner. You must meet these minimum requirements in order to participate in the federal aid programs. UCNJ offers a number of resources to help you succeed academically and we expect that you will fully utilize them. These resources include:
    • Testing Center
    • Disability Services
    • Advising, Career, and Transfer Services
    • Academic Learning Center
  9. Report private sources of student financial aid to the Financial Aid Services within the Student Services Center. Please submit a copy of your outside scholarship award letter to the Student Services Center.
  10. Keep your local and permanent addresses current with the Admissions Office.
  11. For Direct Loan borrowers, when you graduate or withdraw from school, remember to complete exit advising at www.studentloans.gov in order to obtain valuable information about repaying your loans.

Financial Aid Policies

Attendance

All students receiving financial assistance must attend classes regularly.

Return of Title IV Funds Policy

The term “Title IV Funds” refers to the federal financial aid programs authorized under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (as amended) and includes the following programs: Unsubsidized Direct Loans, Subsidized Direct Loans, Direct Plus Loans, Federal Pell Grants, and Federal SEOG grants.

The Return of /Title IV Funds policy applies to financial side students who withdraw from all classes in a semester.  A student’s withdrawal date and amount of Title IV funds earned are determined by:

  • the date the student began the institution’s withdrawal process at the Student Services Centers located on each campus; and
  • the student’s last date of attendance at a documented academically related activity; or
  • the midpoint of the semester for a student who leaves without notifying the institution.

Title IV is prorated based on the number of days attended up to greater than the 60% point in the semester.  Title IV aid is viewed as 100% earned after that point in time.  Notices of possible refunds and adjusted bills will be sent to the student’s home address following withdrawal.

Institutional Responsibilities in Regard to the Return of Title IV Funds include:

  • Providing each student with the information given in this policy.
  • Identifying students who are affected by this policy and completing the Return of Title IV Funds calculation for those students.
  • Returning any Title IV Funds that are due the U.S. Department of Education Title IV programs.

Student’s Responsibilities in Regard to the Return of Title IV Funds include:

  • Students are responsible for the balance of unearned Title IV Aid that was disbursed directly to the student and in which the student was determined to be ineligible for via the Return of Title IV calculation.

Satisfactory Academic Performance and Progress

Federal regulations require all financial aid recipients to maintain satisfactory academic progress in a course of study leading toward a degree or certificate.  Failure to meet one or more of the established standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) will make a student ineligible for financial aid.  Financial aid SAP status includes all previous academic history, even if the student did not receive financial aid.  Statuses are updated at the end of each semester, including summer.  It is the student’s responsibility to monitor academic progress. Although the Financial Aid Services notifies students of their status, students who do not meet the standards will be ineligible for financial aid even if they do not receive correspondence.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards

Grade Point Average (GPA):  Students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA on all hours attempted at UCNJ.

Completion Rate:  Students must complete 67% of all hours attempted at UCNJ.  See below for how the percentage completion is calculated.

Credits Attempted/Earned                Percentage Completed

24/12                                                     50%

24/20                                                     83%

60/40                                                     66%

60/55                                                     90%

97/60                                                     61%

Maximum Time Frame:  Students receiving financial aid must complete their program of study within a reasonable time frame.  The maximum time frame to complete a program is 150% of the published length of the academic program or certificate (including all transfer credit hours).

Program               Credits Required              Maximum Credits Allowed

Associates                          60                                        90

Nursing                               75                                    112.50

Consequences of not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Financial Aid Warning - The first time that a student fails to meet the SAP standards of a cumulative 2.0 GPA, 67% completion rate, or maximum time frame, the student will be placed on financial aid warning status and be notified of their status.  The student will remain eligible for financial aid for one semester while on warning.  If a student fails to meet the SAP standards of a cumulative 2.0 GPA and 67% completion rate after being placed on financial aid warning status, then the student will no longer be eligible for financial aid.

Exceeds Maximum Time Frame:  If a student fails to meet the Maximum Time Frame standard, then the student will no longer be eligible for financial aid.  Failure to meet one or more of the established financial aid standards of satisfactory academic progress will make a student ineligible for financial aid.  Those students will be responsible for payment of their own tuition and fees.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal:  When a student loses financial aid eligibility because the student failed to make satisfactory progress, the student may appeal that determination on the basis of: injury or illness, the death of a relative, or other extenuating circumstances.  An appeal submitted by a student must explain the reason for the failure to make satisfactory progress and what has changed that will allow the student to make satisfactory progress at the next evaluation.  The appeal along with the Educational plan will be evaluated on an individual basis to determine if the student has demonstrated why they were unable to meet the standards.

Financial Aid Probation:  When a student submits an appeal and their appeal is approved based on the described extenuating circumstances, then the student is placed on probation for one term and can receive financial aid for that term.  It is possible that a student could be placed on probation more than once in an academic career, if there are successful appeals submitted and evaluated by the Financial Aid Services.  At the end of the term on probation, the student must meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements or must be meeting the requirements of the academic plan.  Students who are placed on probation must:

  • Achieve at least a 2.0 Grade Point Average for the term of probation; and
  • Successfully complete ALL courses attempted.

A student who meets the above requirements of the Educational plan can have the probation status continued for another term.  A student who does not meet these requirements would have to successfully appeal to be placed on probation.  This appeal must explain the reason for the failure to make satisfactory progress and what has changed in their situation that will allow them to make satisfactory progress at the next evaluation as well as detailed information about why the student failed to meet the requirements of the probation period, including what had changed and why the student will be able to meet the terms of the educational plan.

Withdrawals - All withdrawals are monitored by the Financial Aid Services.  Students who withdraw from courses and reduce their course loads after registration will have their financial aid reduced accordingly.  Charges and credits are adjusted according to the College Refund Policy.  Federal aid is adjusted according to the Return of Title IV Funds Policy regulations.

Official or Unofficial Withdrawal From the College

If you receive federal aid and withdraw or stop attending some or all of your classes, UCNJ is required to recalculate your eligibility for all of your financial aid awards. You may be required to return some or all of your federal financial aid if you have not completed at least 60% of the semester. In addition, you may be required to return some or all of your state and federal financial aid if you withdrew or stopped attending some or all of your courses.

You are not entitled to any federal or state financial aid for courses that you do not attend.

For more information on how withdrawing can affect your financial aid, please visit the Policies section of the Paying for College page of our website.

Leave of Absence Policy

Leave of Absence (LOA) is a federally mandated policy for all students who receive Title IV federal financial assistance (Federal Pell Grants, Federal Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loans, Federal Parent Loans, and Student Educational Opportunity Grants).  Under certain conditions (such as personal, military services, illness or health, employment, humanitarian or church service, family responsibilities, and financial obligations) students may request a LOA from the College.

A LOA will allow the student’s status to remain as “in school,” making the student eligible for a deferment on student loans during the approved time while not actively registered with the College.  However, the specific requirements by which the student agreed to abide at the time any financial aid was accepted will remain in effect (approved students are advised to contact their loan servicer(s) for repayment information and grade period expiration policy).

For LOA - six months (180 days) or less:

  • Students’ Federal loans will enter into grace.  Federal Direct Student Loans have a six month grace period, and Federal Perkins Loans have a nine month grace period.
  • During a grace period, students are not required to make payment on their federal student loans.
  • If a student returns to school (at least half-time) within the grace period, their federal student loans re-enter into an “in school” status.  Students are not required to make payments with this “in school” status.
  • Students will want to contact the lender(s) of any private student loans they may have to determine whether they are required to make any payments when they are not enrolled in classes.

The student’s request for a LOA must be in writing, signed and dated, and submitted to the Executive Director of Financial Aid. The student will submit a request prior to non-attendance unless unforeseen circumstances prevent the student from doing so.  The student should drop all future registration, so as to not incur charges.  The LOA must be completed and reason for requesting the LOA should be substantiated.  The LOA request should give a reasonable expectation that the student will return from the LAO to complete classes.  The student may submit additional supporting documentation as deemed appropriate.  The following data must be provided on the LOA request:

  • Complete name
  • Student ID number
  • Email address
  • Degree program
  • Semester the LOA is being submitted for
  • State and end date for the LOA
  • Current enrollment hours
  • Student’s current standards of progress status
  • Complete explanation for the LOA request

The Executive Director of Financial Aid will review the request and either approve, deny, or request additional information within seven (7) business days of receipt.  The student will be notified of the decision by email.  Once the LOA is approved the student must attend a LOA advisement session provided by one of the College’s Financial Aid Counselors.  The student will need to schedule that appointment and attend to complete the LOA request process.

Retaking Coursework

You are eligible to receive federal financial aid for only one retake of a previously passed coursed.

Remedial Coursework

Remedial coursework prepares a student for study at the postsecondary level. Schools are permitted to count up to one academic year’s worth of remedial courses as eligible for federal financial aid.

For the purpose of this limit, that translates into 30 semester hours. Once a student has completed 30 TOTAL semester hours of remedial coursework, any additional hours of remedial courses cannot be included in financial aid eligibility.

At UCNJ, any courses with a Developmental (DV) designation are considered to be remedial courses, for financial aid purposes. After a student has completed 30 credit hours of Developmental Coursework, any further hours are deducted from the student’s enrollment in a term.

Book Allowance

A book allowance is offered as an aid to assist students with the cost of textbooks and essential course related supplies and is available for the first three weeks of Fall/Spring semesters, and for the first two weeks of Summer/Mini semesters.  If your financial aid award (excluding college work-study or federal work-study) is greater than the tuition and fees charged for the semester, you may be eligible for a book allowance.  Students should be financially prepared for out-of-pocket expenditures when their maximum book allowance has been reached.

Book allowance purchases are charged against the student’s financial aid.  Purchases over the amount of the book allowance are the responsibility of the student.  In the event the student’s financial aid award is reduced or canceled, all book allowance purchases are the financial responsibility of the student.  Some students may not be eligible to receive a book allowance but may be covered under the book voucher program.  For more information, visit the Student Services Center on any of the three campuses.

Scholarships

A scholarship is a sum of money awarded to a student to be used for educational expenses while attending UCNJ. Scholarships are available from a variety of sources including:

State of New Jersey

New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship (NJ STARS)

High school graduates who finish within the top 15 percent of their class and meet all other criteria are eligible for this award within two years of the year of graduation. Applicants must first apply for all need-based federal and merit based-state financial aid grants first, such as the Pell Grant, the Tuition Aid Grant (TAG), and Distinguished/Urban Scholars Award. After that, NJ STARS will cover the remaining balance of tuition. Those who qualify will have up to two years from the date of high school graduation to enroll and begin using the NJ STARS scholarship at UCNJ.

Governor’s Urban Scholarship

The amount of these state awards is determined by the NJ Higher Education Student Assistance Authority and is indicated on the official Student Eligibility Notice (SEN) sent to students by that agency.

County of Union

Commissioners’ Scholars Program

The Union County Board of Chosen Commissioners has established a “Commissioners’ Scholars Program” for Union County residents. The scholarship covers the cost of UCNJ tuition and fees for entering or returning students who meet the following criteria.

  • Full-time enrollment status at UCNJ (12 or more credits per semester)
  • A minimum of 3.0 or B average achieved in high school
  • Union County resident (per existing UCNJ residency policy)
  • Annual family income of $75,000 or less

Students applying for the Commissioners’ Scholars Program must file for federal and state financial aid; the Commissioners’ Scholars Program award will cover the difference between UCNJ tuition and fees and financial aid received up to $1,500. Students are eligible to receive the scholarship for four consecutive fall/spring semesters providing they maintain a 3.0 grade point average at the College.

The Commissioners’ Scholars Program is subject to appropriation of funds by the County of Union.

Union County College Foundation Scholarships

To help defray the cost of tuition, fees, and other education-related expenses, you may be eligible to receive a UCNJ scholarship. In support of UCNJ, Union College of Union County, NJ’s mission to provide affordable, accessible and quality education, the Union County College Foundation invites students to apply for any of the hundreds of scholarships that the College offers annually.

There is a wide range of criteria for scholarship awards. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program for at least six credits per semester. Scholarships may be based on a number of considerations, including academic merit.

Information on how and when to apply for scholarships can be found by selecting the Admissions & Aid menu on UCNJ’s website (www.ucc.edu). Students are urged to complete the applications as soon as possible, as scholarships are awarded on a first-come/ first-served basis.

In order to be considered for the scholarships which specify financial need, scholarship applicants must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Scholarship recipients must comply with the following:

  • attend the annual Scholarship Reception if donor is in attendance,
  • submit a thank you letter to the donor via the Financial Aid Office,
  • maintain a current mailing address and telephone number with the UCNJ Admissions Office,
  • declare a major

The Union County College Foundation is extremely grateful to those donors whose generosity has made these scholarships possible. A complete listing of the most current scholarships, along with the criteria, may be found on the Foundation’s website: http://www.ucc.edu/union-county-college-foundation

Information on establishing an annual or endowed scholarship may be obtained by contacting the Union County College Foundation, 1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford, New Jersey 07016, (908) 709-7505, foundation@ucc.edu.

Current Union County College Foundation Scholarships as of February 14, 2024

AAI Members Memorial Scholarship

AAUP #2 CC Scholarship

AAUP #3 CC Scholarship

AAUP Scholarship

Academic Learning Center Scholarship

Alatary Memorial Scholarship/CFNJ

Alba Castro vda de Figueroa Mem Scholarship

Alfred and Caryl Kaercher Scholarship

Alumni Association Part Time Scholarship        

American Way Scholarship

Ann Poskocil Scholarship

Ann Richards Memorial Scholarship

Anne E. & James T. Quinn Mem Scholarship

Arthur Geilfuss Memorial Scholarship

Arthur, Caroline & George Small Memorial Scholarship

Barbara Ann Kloss Scholarship

Barbara Neblett Memorial Scholarship

Barwiolek Scholarship

Bracher Family and Hesseman Scholarship

Brail Manger Nursing Scholarship

Bramnick Law Firm Scholarship

Bristol Myers Squibb STEM Scholarship

Bristol-Myers Squibb Scholarship

Brown Family/Ralph Jimenez Memorial Scholarship

Camille and Robert Cormier Scholarship

Cento Amici Scholarship

Charles J. Hanak Jr. & Mary Hanak Mem. Schol

Charles T. Davis Sr. Scholarship

Cheyanne “Shay” Bond Memorial Scholarship

Christine Nelson Scholarship

Coca-Cola Refreshments Scholarship

ConnectOne Bank Scholarship

Corporate Chefs Scholarship

Cranford FMBA Local 37 Scholarship

Cranford Jaycees Scholarship

Cuddie De Davidson Scholarship

Cynthia Ziolkowski-Angus Memorial Scholarship

Del Cid Dreamer Scholarship

Dolores Lanzner Memorial Scholarship

Donald and Leona Van Gordon Nursing Scholarship

Donald E. Billiar Memorial Scholarship

Doris Kiefer Wolf Memorial Scholarship

Dorothy C. Luttgens Scholarship

Dr. Andrea Green Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Mandana Ahsani Scholarship

Dr. Murray Shereshewsky Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Saul Orkin and Maria Lydia Orkin Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Tressa and Dr. Thomas Brown Scholarship

Dr. Wallace Smith & Deborah E. Dobbins Scholarship

Dr. William H. McLean Memorial Scholarship

Dr. E. Hawthorne Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship

Dr .John Russell Mem. Honors Scholarship

Dubitsky-Belmonte Scholarship

E. & P. Hobbie/Loretta Gleason Castaldo RN, Nursing Scholarship

Edward, Alice & Frances Olszewski Scholarship

Eleanor B. Reiner Foundation ASL/Deaf Studies Scholarship

Elizabeth Bielefeld Memorial Scholarship

Elizabeth M. Blatz Scholarship

Elizabeth McMenamin Scholarship For Bookworms & Nerds

Elizabethtown Gas Fueling the Future Scholarship

Emma Geilfuss Memorial Scholarship

Engineering/Technology/Architecture Scholarship

Ernest & Georgia Bell Schol

Ethel M. Heim - A Friend of the College Scholarship

Eugene Bauer Family Scholarship

Everett A. Heim Memorial Scholarship

Faculty Scholarship

Farrell Family Scholarship

Feaster Scholarship

Ferdinand Klumpp Scholarship

Florence Fuchs Levy ‘01 Scholarship

Follett New Student Scholarship

Fox Family Scholarship

Frank & Penny Bolden Scholarship

Fred & Betty Kopf Completion Scholarship

Fred & Betty Kopf Scholarship

Fred & Betty Kopf Scholarship for part time students

Frederick R. Wiehl Memorial Scholarship

Frog Crossing Foundation First in Family Scholarship

Frog Crossing Foundation, Inc. Scholarship

Gasorek Memorial Scholarship

General/Annual Scholarship

Gibson Family Foundation Scholarship

Glasser Foundation 1st in Family Scholarship

Glasser Foundation Completion Scholarship

Glasser Foundation Scholarship

Goppelsroeder Scholarship Award

Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce Scholarship

Hansome Energy Systems Scholarship

Harold Krevsky Memorial Scholarship

Harry B. Freeman Memorial Scholarship

Harry Lampel Scholarship

Helen E. Chaney Completion Scholarship

Helen E. Chaney Scholarship

Helen E. Chaney Scholarship for Part-Time Students

Hermann J. Bielefeld Memorial Scholarship

Hertling/Nickell Family Scholarship

Hispanic Law Enforcement Scholarship

Hudak Scholarship

Ian MacRitchie Memorial Scholarship

Infineum Science & Technology Scholarship

Institute for Intensive English Scholarship

Investors Foundation First in the Family Scholarship

Investors Foundation Scholarship for the Future

Isha & Shree Mehrotra Women’s Scholarship

Jack Zissel Memorial Scholarship

Jacobson Family Scholarship

Jacqueline Seeland Scholarship

James & Bernice McGowan Memorial Scholarship

James & Sheila Campbell Scholarship

James Bashe Scholarship

James P. Ortuso Memorial Scholarship

JC Kellogg Scholarship

Jean Kellogg Scholarship

Jerry Green Memorial Scholarship

JG Petrucci Co. Veterans Scholarship

Joan and Pete Blatz Scholarship

Joan David-Chance Scholarship

Joe & Rev., Jeanette Goodson Educational Schol.

Joe Hines Criminal Justice Scholarship

John & Patricia Griffith Scholarship

John A. & Ruth Davis Manger Full Time Scholarship

John Allison Ward Memorial Scholarship

John H. and Serena M. McCoy Scholarship

Jos. M. Margiotta Award for Exc History & Social Sciences

Joseph Dzuback Memorial Scholarship

Judge Chester and Emily Weidenburner Scholarship

Judy Danetz Mayer Scholarship

Judy Rouse Memorial Scholarship

Kaercher Bridge Builder Scholarship

Karma Foundation Scholarship

Kennedy/Porch Family Scholarship

Kenneth W. and Mildred F. Iversen Scholarship

Lakeland Bank Scholarship

Lavina M. & Michael G. Hand Scholarship

Lawrence-Collins Scholarship

Legacy Completion Scholarship

Leigh and Julian Levitt Scholarship

Leonard James Keating Memorial Scholarship

Les Malamut Art Gallery Artist Scholarship

Lessner Family Scholarship

Linden Mayor’s Scholarship

Louise Yohalem Scholarship

Lown Family Scholarship

Lucky 3 Scholarship

MacDonald/McMinn/Whitakee Scholarship

Madeline M. and Anthony A. Vertelis Scholarship

Margaret Sweeney Mem Scholarship

Margolies Family Scholarship for 1st Gen Students

Marie Carmelle Crepin Mem Scholarship

Mary D. & Lawrence T. Quirk, Jr. Memorial Scholarship I &

Mary D. & Lawrence T. Quirk, Jr. Memorial Scholarship III

N. Larry Paragano Sr. Memorial Scholarship

Nadine Brechner Scholarship

National Board for Respiratory Care Scholarship

Neafsey Family Part-Time Scholarship

Neafsey Family Scholarship

Newark Beth Israel School of Nursing Alumnae Assoc Sch

Norelli Psychology Scholarship

Olga Ritter Scholarship for Survivors & Heroes

Oliver Franklin Scholarship

Orchard Family Scholarship

Overlook Foundation Nursing Scholarship

Parker Enix Ross Memorial Scholarship

Patberg Memorial Completion Scholarship

Paul J. O’Keeffe Memorial Scholarship

Pepsi Scholarship

Phyllis Mayer Memorial Scholarship

Prof. Casey Grygotis Scholarship

Professor Donald Hedeen Scholarship

Professor Elmer Wolf Scholarship

PSE&G Foundation Scholarship

Raudelunas Family Scholarship

Ray & Lillian Krov Scholarship

Rebecca Lydon Memorial Scholarship

Rep. John Lewis Memorial Scholarship

Respect, Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship

Richard & LaVerne Haberski Scholarship

Richard Neblett Prize Awards

Richel Family Scholarship

Richel-Lepree Family Scholarship

Robert & Gloria Law Scholarship

Robert Gray Scholarship

RSI Nursing Scholarship

Sabatino Family Scholarship

Sandra Itzkoff Memorial Scholarship

Schering-Plough Foundation Allied Health Scholarship

September 11th Memorial Scholarship

SGA Partnership for the Future Scholarship

Sherry Warman Scholarship

Sophie and Nicholas Stefiuk Scholarship

Southpole Foundation Scholarship

St. Andrews Episcopal Church Early Childhood Education Sch

Student Government Association Academic Scholarship

Student Government Association Participation Scholarship

Student Government Association Part-Time Scholarship

Student Government Association Scholarship

Student Support Services Scholarship

Sue Novak, RN Scholarship

Susan Bashe Robertson Memorial Scholarship

Susan R. Schrepfer Mem. History Scholarship

Tara Shevchenko Scholarship

TD Bank Scholarship

The Barbara H. Foley Scholarship #1

The Barbara H. Foley Scholarship #2

The Barnes-Taylor Family Memorial Scholarship

The Equanimity Scholarship

The Jaramillo-Regalado Grit Scholarship

The Next Chapter Scholarship

Thelma Hines Scholarship

Thomas Gallagher Scholarship

Thomas H. Hannen Sr. Scholarship

UCC Foundation Partnership for the Future Scholarship

UCC Law Enforcement Scholarship

UCC Physical Plant Assoc. Scholarship

Unidos Por ESL Scholarship

Union County College Adjunct Faculty Scholarship

Vincent & Jennie Piro Memorial Scholarship

Wakefern/ShopRite LPGA Classic Scholarship

Walter & Louise Sutcliffe Foundation Nursing Scholarship

Walter Hazard Family Scholarship 

Weidenburner Family Scholarship

Wells Fargo Scholarship

William West Scholarship

Wm R. Hearst Foundation American Honors Scholarship

Wm. & Helen MacRitchie Scholarship

Women 100 Scholarship

Women Empowerment Club Scholarship

Yosifon & Patchell Scholarship

Young Alumni Committee Scholarship

Zimmermann Family Scholarship