Mar 19, 2024  
2021-2022 Online Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Online Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Financial Aid


Financial Aid

 

Welcome

The Financial Aid Department administers a number of state and federal financial aid programs to help Union County College 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 Union County College 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 April 15 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.fafsa.gov. Remember to enter the school code of 002643 for Union County College 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 Union’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 Union County College 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 Financial Aid Services.  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 on line
All communication from the Financial Aid Office is in an electronic format. This means, as a Union County College 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

A 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 2019 tax returns for the 2021-2022 academic year.  If you previously received a Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) you will need to complete your FAFSA by April 15, 2021 in order to be considered for the grant in the next academic year (2021-2022). 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.
  • Register with Selective Service if required.
  • 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 2021-2022 Academic Year

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

Below is the estimated cost of attending Union County College 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 and Fees

$5,281.00

$5,281.00

Books and Supplies

$1,440.00

$1,440.00

Room and Board

$12,678.00

$4,246.00

Transportation

$2,582.00

$2,582.00

Living Expenses

$2,832.00

$2,832.00

Total
Budget

$24,813.00

$16,381.00

Types of Aid Available

Union County College 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 2021-2022 academic year is $6,495 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 - Union County College 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. 

  2020-2021  INTEREST RATES**
  Subsidized Loan*                  2.75%
  Unsubsidized Loan                  2.75%
  PLUS (Parent) Loan                  5.30%


* With a first disbursement date after July 1, 2020.

** Interest rates are subject to change after July 1, 2021.

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 his/her 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 www.njstars.net.

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 - $65,000 (as of the 2020-2021 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 
  • Enrolled in at least six (6) credits per semester Fall and/or Spring
  • Do not have a prior Associate or bachelor’s degree 
  • Make satisfactory academic progress 
  • Have a total household adjusted gross income between $0 - $65,000 (as of the 2020-2021 AY)

Union County College Scholarships

The Union County College Foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships to help you achieve your educational goals. Last year, the Union County College 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 Union’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 Financial Aid Office 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 Union County College 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. Union County College 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 Union County College.

Completion Rate:  Students must complete 67% of all hours attempted at Union County College.  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, he or she 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 he or she will no longer be eligible for financial aid.

Exceeds Maximum Time Frame:  If a student fails to meet the Maximum Time Frame standard, then he or she 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 he or she 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 why he/she failed 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 his or her 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 why he or she failed 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, Union County College 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 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 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 Union County College, 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 Union County College. 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 Union County College.

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

Commissioner Scholars Program

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

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

Students applying for the Commissioner Scholars Program must file for federal and state financial aid; the Commissioner Scholars Program award will cover the difference between Union County College 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.

Commissioner scholarships are 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 Union County College scholarship. In support of Union County College’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 Union’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,
  • submit a thank you letter to the donor via the Financial Aid Office,
  • maintain a current mailing address and telephone number with the Union County College 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: www.uccfoundation.org.

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 Scholarships

Current Union County College Scholarships as of April 1, 2021

AAI Members Memorial Scholarship (Amateur Astronomers, Inc.)
Academic Learning Center Scholarship
Achieving the Dream Scholarship
Adjunct Faculty of Union County College Scholarship
Dr. Mandana Ahsani Scholarship
Alumni Association Part-Time Scholarship
Alumni Scholarship for Degree Completion (In Memory of Winifred Weislogel)
American Association of University Professors Scholarship (#1, #2, #3)
American Way Scholarship
Virginia and Henry Apelian Scholarship
The Barnes-Taylor Family Memorial Scholarship
Alan R. Barwiolek Memorial Scholarship
James C. Bashe Memorial Scholarship
Eugene H. Bauer Family Scholarship
Ernest & Georgia Bell Scholarship
Ceinwen Bergen Memorial Scholarship
Elizabeth J. Bielefeld Memorial Scholarship
Hermann J. Bielefeld Memorial Scholarship
Donald E. Billiar Memorial Scholarship
Samuel Blake Memorial Scholarship
Elizabeth M. Blatz Scholarship
Joan and Pete Blatz Scholarship
Frank and Penny Bolden Scholarship 
Cheyanne “Shay” Bond Memorial Scholarship 
Bracher Family and Hesseman Scholarship
Bramnick Law Firm Scholarship
The Nadine Brechner Scholarship
Bristol Myers Squibb Scholarship
The Brown Family Paramedic Scholarship
Drs. Thomas and Tressa Brown Scholarship
Dr. Tressa and Dr. Thomas Brown Scholarship
Bruckner Family Scholarship
James A. Burns Memorial Scholarship
James & Sheila Campbell Scholarship
Jim & Maggi Campbell Scholarship
Rosemary and Eugene Carmody Scholarship (#1 and #2)
Careers in Transportation Scholarship
The Celgene Future Caregiver Award Scholarship
Cento Amici Scholarship (in memory of John Neiswanger)
Helen E. Chaney Scholarship
Helen E. Chaney Completion Scholarship            
Helen E. Chaney Scholarship for Part-Time Students 
The Christ Fellowship Kingdom Advance Scholarship
Coca-Cola Refreshments Scholarship
Colonna/Cormier Scholarship
ConnectOne Bank Scholarship
ConnectOne Bank Completion -Scholarship
Camille and Robert Cormier Scholarship
Corporate Chefs Scholarship
Professor Pedro X. Cosme Psych-Soc. Services Scholarship
Joana Costa’s Scholarship for Dreamers in STEM
County Commissioners Scholars Program
Daniel G. Covine Memorial Scholarship
Cranford Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Assoc., Local 37, Scholarship
Cranford Jaycees Scholarship 
Marie Carmelle Crepin Memorial Scholarship
Criminal Justice Through Diversity Scholarship
Joan David-Chance Scholarship 
Judge Cuddie E. Davidson, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
Charles T. Davis, Sr. Scholarship
Maurice “Moe” DeGennaro Scholarship
Del Cid Dreamer Scholarship
Lillian Pierce Dievler Arts & Humanities Scholarship
Rachel Ann Drinkwater Scholarship
Dubitsky-Belmonte Scholarship
The Joseph Dzuback Memorial Scholarship
Elizabethtown Gas “Fueling the Future” Scholarship
Engineering/Technology/Architecture Department Scholarship
Faculty Scholarship
Farrell Family Scholarship
Donald J. & Margaret V. Feaster Scholarship
The Dr. Sondra Fishinger Scholarship 
The Dr. Sondra Fishinger Honors Scholarship 
John G. Flynn Memorial Scholarship
The Barbara H. Foley Scholarship (#1 and #2)
Follett New Student Scholarship 
The Fox Family Scholarship (#1 and #2)
Oliver Franklin Scholarship
Freeholder Scholars Program 
Harry B. Freeman Memorial Scholarship – He Gave Everything to His Siblings & Their Children
Frog Crossing Foundation, Inc. Scholarship
Frog Crossing Foundation First in the Family Scholarship
Thomas Gallagher Scholarship
Dorothy Gasorek Memorial Scholarship
The Arthur Geilfuss Memorial Scholarship
The Emma Geilfuss Memorial Scholarship
General Endowment Scholarship
Gibson Family Foundation Scholarship
Glasser Foundation Scholarship
Glasser Foundation Completion Scholarship
Glasser Foundation First in the Family Scholarship 
Dr. Edward Golda Scholarship
Joe & Rev. Dr. Jeanette Goodson Educational Scholarship
Goppelsroeder Scholarship Award
Robert M. Gray Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Andrea Green Memorial Scholarship
Jerry Green Memorial Scholarship
John & Patricia Griffith Scholarship
Dr. Toby Grodner Scholarship
Professor Casey Grygotis Scholarship 
Richard & LaVerne Haberski Scholarship
Charles J. Hanak Jr. and Mary Hanak Memorial Scholarship
Lavinia and Michael Hand Scholarship
Robert F. Hand Scholarship
Thomas H. Hannen, Sr. Scholarship
Margaret B. Hanson Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Elizabeth K. Hawthorne Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship
The Walter Hazard Family Scholarship
William R. Hearst Foundation American Honors Scholarship
Professor Donald Hedeen Scholarship
Sherry Heidary Scholarship
Heidary Education Scholarship
Ethel M. Heim – A Friend of the College Scholarship
Everett A. Heim Memorial Scholarship
Hertling/Nickell Family Scholarship
Thelma Hines Scholarship
The Hispanic Law Enforcement Association of Union County, Inc.
Ed & Pat Hobbie/Loretta Castaldo, RN, Nursing Scholarship
Phillip Robert Hudak Scholarship
Robert Hudak Memorial Scholarship
Infineum Science & Technology Scholarship
Institute for Intensive English Scholarship
Investors Foundation 1st in the Family Scholarship 
Investors Foundation Scholarship for the Future
Sandra Itzkoff Memorial Scholarship
Kenneth W. and Mildred F. Iversen Scholarship
Jacobson Family Scholarship
Jeantus: Lift & Climb Scholarship
Sharon Johnson Educational Excellence Scholarship
Alfred and Caryl Kaercher Scholarship
Kaercher “Bridge Builder” Scholarship
Bonnie Sue Kaplan Memorial Scholarship
The Karma Foundation Scholarship
Sharon Karmazin Scholarship
Leonard James Keating Memorial Scholarship
J.C. Kellogg Foundation Scholarship
Jean Kellogg Scholarship
Kiwanis Luerich Scholarship
The Barbara Ann Kloss Scholarship
Ferdinand Klumpp Scholarship
Fred & Betty Kopf Scholarship 
Fred & Betty Kopf Scholarship for Part-Time Students 
Fred & Betty Kopf Completion Scholarship
Harold Krevsky Memorial Scholarship 
Raymond B. and Lillian B. Krov Scholarship
Esther and Jerome Krueger Scholarship
Catherine & Myron Kuscenko Memorial Scholarship
Lakeland Bank Scholarship
Harry Lampel Scholarship for Part-Time Students
Dolores M. Lanzner Memorial Scholarship
Mr. & Mrs. James Lappino Scholarship
Robert and Gloria Law Scholarship
Lawrence-Collins Scholarship
The Legacy Scholarship
The Legacy Completion Scholarship
Lessner Family Scholarship
Leigh and Julian Levitt Scholarship
Rep. John Lewis Memorial Scholarship
Linden Mayor’s Scholarship
L’OREAL Scholarship
Richard O. Luster Memorial Scholarship
Dorothy C. Luttgens Scholarship
Rebecca Lydon Memorial Scholarship
MacDonald/McMinn/Whitaker Scholarship.
Dr. Kenneth C. MacKay Memorial Scholarship
Ian MacRitchie Memorial Scholarship
William & Helen MacRitchie Scholarship
Make A Difference Scholarship
The John A. & Ruth Davis Manger Scholarship
Manger/Brail Family Nursing Scholarship
Manley-Winser Foundation Scholarship
Joseph M. Margiotta Award for Excellence in History & the Social Sciences
Margolies Family Scholarship for 1st Generation Students
Harry B. Martin Memorial Scholarship
Judy Danetz Mayer Scholarship
The Phyllis Mayer Memorial Scholarship
John H. and Serena M. McCoy Scholarship
James & Bernice McGowan Memorial Scholarship
Peter J. McGuire Organized Labor Scholarship
Dr. William H. McLean Memorial Scholarship
Elizabeth McMenamin Scholarship for Book Worms & Nerds
Stephen McMenamin Scholarship for Women in Computer Science
Anna C. Moore Scholarship
Barbara Neblett Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Richard F. Neblett Memorial Engineering Scholarship
Robert Sydney Needham Memorial Scholarship
Christine S. Nelson Scholarship
The New Future Scholarship
New Horizons Endowed Scholarship
New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship (NJ STARS)
Newark Beth Israel Hospital School of Nursing Alumnae Assoc. Scholarship
Duane & Joanne Norelli Memorial Scholarship
Michael Anthony Norelli Memorial Scholarship
Northfield Bank Foundation Scholarship
Sue Novak, RN, CHPN Nursing Scholarship
Paul J. O’Keeffe Memorial Scholarship
Edward, Alice & Frances Olszewski Scholarship
Dr. Saul Orkin and Maria Lydia Orkin Memorial Scholarship
Susan Pancurak Memorial Scholarship
Elizabeth M. & Jesse B. Patberg Memorial Completion Scholarship
Pepsi Scholarship
Perry Family Scholarship
Frank J. Peterpaul Scholarship
J.G. Petrucci Company Veterans Scholarship
Vincent C. Piro Memorial Scholarship
Ann M. Poskocil Scholarship
Power to Heal Scholarship
Emil Prazak Memorial Scholarship
Project Achievement Student Scholarship
PSEG Foundation Scholarship
Public Safety Department Scholarship
Anne E. & James T. Quinn Memorial Scholarship
Gregoria Ramirez Achievement Award
Raudelunas Family Scholarship
Eleanor B. Reiner Foundation ASL/Deaf Studies Scholarship
The Ann Richards Memorial Scholarship
Andrea and Victor M. Richel Family Foundation Scholarship
Richel-Lepree Family Scholarship
Susan Bashe Robertson Memorial Scholarship
Arlene Rogoff Scholarship for Women in Mathematics
Roman Family Scholarship
Ronda Ross Memorial Scholarship
The Judy Rouse Memorial Scholarship
The Sabatino Family Scholarship
Santander First Generation Honors Scholarship 2
Carol Saunders-Corbin Memorial PN Scholarship
Schering-Plough Foundation Allied Health Scholarship
Susan R. Schrepfer Memorial Scholarship
Ben A. Sciarrillo Memorial Scholarship
Jacqueline Seeland Scholarship
William John Seeland Scholarship
September 11th Memorial Scholarship
SGA Ambassadors Scholarship
C.W. Sharp and T.L. Murphy Scholarship
Dr. Murray Shereshewsky Memorial Scholarship
Taras Shevchenko Scholarship
Dr. Anthony Signorelli Memorial Scholarship
Arthur, Caroline & George Small Memorial Scholarship
Roy W. Smith Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Wallace Smith & Deborah E. Dobbins Scholarship
Southpole Foundation Scholarship
Rosa Bello Spina Memorial Scholarship
SSBH Scholarship
Sophie and Nicholas Stefiuk Scholarship
Stronger Together: Women Helping Women Scholarship
Student Government Association Scholarship
Student Government Association Academic Scholarship
Student Government Association Participation Scholarship
Student Government Association Partnership for the Future Scholarship
Student Government Association Part-Time Scholarship
Student Support Services Scholarship
Margaret Sweeney Memorial Scholarship
TD Bank Scholarship
TLC Nursing Award
Vito Todaro & Joseph Bent Scholarship
Tomorrow’s Healthcare Hero (1)
Tomorrow’s Healthcare Hero (Level 2)
Mitch Turner Memorial Scholarship
UBS Westfield Scholarship
Union County College Foundation Partnership for the Future Scholarship
Union County College Foundation Scholars – Initial
Union County College Foundation Scholars - Renewal
Union County College Foundation Scholarship for International Students
Union County College Foundation Scholarship for Part-Time Students
Union County College Law Enforcement Scholarship    
Union County College Physical Plant Association Scholarship
Dean S. Van der Clute Scholarship
Donald and Leona Van Gordon Nursing Scholarship
Madeline M. and Anthony A. Vertelis Scholarship
Wakefern/ShopRite Scholarship
John Allison Ward Memorial Scholarship
Sherry Warman Scholarship
Weidenburner Family Scholarship
Judge Chester and Emily Weidenburner Scholarship
The Harry and Travis Weinberger Paramedic Scholarship
Wells Fargo Scholarship
William West Scholarship
Westfield Foundation Scholarship
Westfield Rescue Squad EMT Opportunity Scholarship
Westfield Rescue Squad Paramedic Scholarship
Frederick R. Wiehl Memorial Scholarship
Lenny Andre Williams (LAW) Scholarship
Sturgis Wilson Memorial Scholarship
Doris Kiefer Wolf Memorial Scholarship
Professor Elmer Wolf Scholarship
Mary L. Wrice Scholarship for Computer Science
Lenny Andre Williams Scholarship
Louise Yohalem Scholarship
Yehoshua (Joe) Yosifon & George L. Patchell Scholarship
Zimmermann Family Scholarship
Cynthia Ziolkowski-Angus Memorial Scholarship
Maria & Bruno (Bud) Ziolkowski Scholarship
George P. Zirnite Memorial Scholarship Award
Jack Zissel Memorial Scholarship