Grants
Unlike loans, grants never have to be repaid. Most grants are need-based, determined by the information you provide on your FAFSA — which is exactly why filing it early matters.
Federal Grants
Federal Pell Grant — The largest source of federal need-based grant aid, available to eligible undergraduate students who haven't yet earned a bachelor's or professional degree. Your Pell eligibility is calculated automatically when you file the FAFSA.
Federal TEACH Grant — Provides funding to students who plan to teach in a high-need field at a low-income school. You don't need to demonstrate financial need to receive a TEACH Grant, but you must sign a Agreement to Serve and meet ongoing teaching-service requirements after graduation, or the grant converts to a loan that must be repaid with interest.
New Jersey State Grants
Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) — New Jersey's primary state grant program for residents attending an approved in-state institution. To qualify, you must demonstrate financial need, maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, and not already hold a bachelor's degree. Reported automatically to HESAA (the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority) when you file your FAFSA.
NJSTARS — A supplemental award for students who graduated from a New Jersey county college with an associate's degree and a GPA of 3.25 or higher, now continuing at a four-year institution that participates in the TAG program. The award covers the gap between other state/federal aid and your charges, up to $1,250 per semester for the 2025–2026 academic year. Eligibility requires family income under $250,000 and NJ STARS or non-funded status during your semester of county college graduation.
Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) — A state-funded program supporting New Jersey residents from economically and educationally underserved backgrounds, with academic support services layered alongside financial aid.
Learn more about EOF
Undergraduate vs. Graduate Grant Eligibility
Undergraduate students are eligible for Pell Grants and NJ TAG, in addition to GCU institutional grants.
Graduate students are not eligible for Pell Grants or NJ TAG, but may apply for the federal TEACH Grant if pursuing a qualifying teaching credential.
Financial Aid Staff
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Manisha Anand 732-987-2274
Title: Assistant Director of Financial Aid
- [email protected]
- Scully Registration and Finance Center
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Bernard Gajano 732-987-2230
Title: Director of Financial Aid
- [email protected]
- Scully Registration and Finance Center
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Edward Machnicki 732-987-2257
Title: Senior Financial Aid Counselor
- [email protected]
- Scully Registration and Finance Center
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Austin Whitehurst 732-987-2746
Title: Financial Aid Counselor
- [email protected]
- Scully Registration and Finance Center
