Information for Prospective and Current DACA and Undocumented NJCU Students

DACA and undocumented students add richness and value to the NJCU community. We understand that there are particular challenges for these students as they navigate policies, processes, and academic requirements of university study, and we are here to help. 

This page contains the following information for DACA and undocumented students to use throughout their time at NJCU: 

• An admissions checklist for prospective students; 
• Financial aid information (including state aid and outside scholarships) to help pay for education at NJCU ; 
• On-campus resources, including information about student activities, counseling services, and campus public safety; and
• Off-campus and general resources, including information on legal aid, mental health services, and community partners. 

All information here can be used directly by prospective or current NJCU students. Administration, faculty, and staff also can help our NJCU community by sharing these resources with students and their families. 

NJCU is committed to supporting and empowering our DACA and undocumented students to help them reach their full potential at NJCU and beyond.

What is the New Jersey DREAM Act?

The New Jersey Tuition Equality Act (Statute P.L. 2013, c.170), otherwise known as the DREAM Act, became law in 2013 and allows undocumented students who meet certain criteria to qualify for in-state tuition rates at all of New Jersey’s public higher education institutions.

Admissions Information

• Apply for NJCU admission by completing the admissions application and submitting all transcripts, essays, and test scores. 
• Please email NJCU admissions at 201-200-3234 or at admissions@njcu.edu if you need us to waive the application fee. 

Financial Aid Information

Scholarship and financial aid opportunities exist for DACA and undocumented students. Contact the NJCU Financial Aid office at 201-200-3173 or at financialaid@njcu.edu. Please include your NJCU Gothic ID number on all voicemail and/or email correspondence.

Apply for New Jersey state financial aid through NJCU Financial Aid Office to ease the cost of your bill. 

In order to qualify for state aid, you must have: 

• Attended high school in New Jersey for three or more years; and
• Graduated from a New Jersey high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in this State; and
• Registered as an entering student or are currently enrolled in a public institution of higher education not earlier than the fall semester of the 2013-2014 academic year; and
• Filed an affidavit with NJCU stating you have applied or, upon eligibility, will apply as soon as possible to legalize your immigration status.

Apply for New Jersey state financial aid before the semester you enroll.

• The New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application allows undocumented students enrolled in eligible New Jersey colleges and universities to apply for state financial aid. Complete this application if you are not a United States citizen or eligible noncitizen but otherwise meet all State of New Jersey Eligibility Criteria. 
  • Important: The online application will not save an incomplete application, so you must complete the application from start to finish at one time. 
  • Important: If a pop-up appears on your application screen requesting to track your physical location, select “Options for this site” and then choose “Always deny and don’t tell me” and continue with your application.
• Create a NJFAMS account to view and track your eligibility for state aid.
• For state aid deadline dates, please visit New Jersey Financial Aid Deadlines. 

After Admission to NJCU

• Take the required placement test (if necessary), attend an advising and registration day, and register for classes.
• Attend required New Student Orientation.
• Connect with the NJCU Community Center. 
• Reach out to the Student Outreach and Retention (SOAR) Office.

Internships and Fellowships

Best Colleges maintains a resource guide containing many internships and fellowships for DACA and undocumented students. For more information on these and other internship and fellowship opportunities, please contact the NJCU Career Center.