October 26, 2015
In an effort to help students and families reduce or avoid loan debt, Rutgers-Camden has announced a new financial support program that will provide low-income students with reduced or even free tuition.
The "Bridging the Gap" initiative will be offered to students graduating from high school in 2016. They must be U.S. citizens (or legal permanent U.S. residents) and residents of the state of New Jersey.
Rutgers-Camden students with household incomes of $60,000 or less will receive a grant covering all of their tuition and fees that are not already covered by federal and/or state grants. Those with household incomes of $60,001 to $100,000 will receive a grant covering half of their remaining tuition and fees after any other need-based federal grants are applied.
"Bold moves are necessary to counter the real debt challenges that face college graduates across the nation," Rutgers–Camden Chancellor Phoebe A. Haddon said in a statement.
"This Rutgers–Camden initiative is an innovative response that is structured to help ensure that every New Jersey student and family seeking a world-class Rutgers education can do so right here in South Jersey. Our program offers a pathway to achieve a Rutgers degree regardless of socioeconomic status."
Students can apply for the program simply by completing the 2016-17 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Rutgers says the program is the first of its kind among New Jersey’s public four-year colleges and universities.
Read more about "Bridging the Gap" here.
