Warren Community College was one of a handful of community colleges that were part of a pilot program for New Jersey’s tuition free program back in 2019. Two years later, buoyed by the success of that initial pilot program, at Warren and elsewhere, the state has not only continued the program, but continues to expand it to cover more students. 

Students who are enrolled in at least 6 credits per semester in Fall 2021 and/or Spring 2022 and whose household has an adjusted gross income of $0-$65,000 will be considered for the Community College Educational Opportunity Fund Grant (CCOG). Students must then maintain satisfactory academic achievement to retain assistance. NJ CCOG recipients will now also be eligible to continue to a 4 year degree tuition-free with the garden state guarantee grant.

Prospective students who meet the financial requirements can get an excellent college education – while incurring little or no student loan debt. Numerous Warren students have taken advantage of this opportunity for the past two years. 

“The Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) program allows access to a college education to those in financial need so they can focus on their grades rather than bills,” Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement. 

CCOG students are eligible if they meet financial requirements and do not already have a college degree. 

New students must fill out the FAFSA (Federal Application for Federal Student Aid) or the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application if a NJ Dreamer by NJHESAA’s deadline of September 15, 2021. Warren offers several other options to cover their college tuition. By completing the FAFSA, students will be considered for Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant, NJ Tuition Aid Grant, Educational Opportunity Grant, NJ STARS, scholarships, and Federal Direct Student loans along with the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG).

“We were very excited to be part of the pilot program and are very happy to have been very successful in attracting students for this program,” said Dr. Will Austin, President of Warren. “For students who might not otherwise be able to attend college this is a chance for them to continue their educational pursuits whether they are just coming out of high school or may be looking to explore a new career.”

Meanwhile, for current students, there is the continuation of the CARES ACT GRANT that has also been expanded to include more students and more types of expenses for those who have been faced with a hardship during the pandemic.

For more details about the CCOG program, go to https://www.hesaa.org/pages/ccog.aspx.

To find out if you or someone you know is eligible for the CCOG program or other financial aid opportunities at Warren, call the financial aid office, 908-835-2396 or visit http://www.warren.edu/financial-aid/.