Garden State Guarantee

Earn Your Degree Tuition-Free
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Thomas Edison State University began its participation in the Garden State Guarantee (GSG) in fall 2022. The GSG is New Jersey’s promise to make a college degree more accessible and affordable.

All full-time New Jersey resident students or New Jersey Dreamers with the following criteria will have no tuition costs.

  • Full-time enrollment in the following terms:
    • 12-week terms — September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April or May (June, July and August excluded)
    • 16-week terms (July excluded)
  • Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) between $0 and $65,000
  • Must be in third or fourth year at start of term (definition of third year is at least 60 credits toward their first bachelor’s degree; and fourth year is at least 90 credits toward their degree)
  • Must not have already received four Garden State Guarantee Scholarships
  • The maximum GSG award for full-time study in an eligible term is $3,419

The Garden State Guarantee scholarship will be applied to student accounts after any federal or state grants, or other scholarships. Students must demonstrate Satisfactory Academic Progress for eligibility for financial aid.

Students must complete the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the New Jersey Alternate Financial Aid Application by the following dates:

  • Fall 2024: June 1, 2024 if TAG was received in the previous year or October 15, 2024 if TAG was not received in the previous year
  • Spring 2025: February 15, 2025

Students are required to meet satisfactory academic progress and course engagement standards in order for the Garden State Guarantee award to be applied.

Download the Flier

Download the Garden State Guarantee program flier for an overview of the program.

Download (PDF)
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  • What is the Garden State Guarantee?

    The Garden State Guarantee (GSG) is New Jersey’s promise to make a college degree more accessible and affordable. By reducing out-of-pocket costs for students and families, New Jersey is limiting the amount of debt that residents must borrow to attend an in-state, public college or university. This program further builds on Gov. Phil Murphy’s commitment to improving college affordability.

  • Who is Eligible?

    New Jersey residents who attend an in-state, public, four-year institution and have an annual adjusted gross income (AGI) between $0 and $65,000 will pay a net price of $0 for tuition and fees during their third and fourth years of study. GSG covers the cost of tuition and fees that are not already covered by federal and state financial aid or other scholarships. Students must be enrolled full time (at least 12 credits per semester) and must be working toward completing their first bachelor’s degree.

  • How to Apply

    You will automatically be considered for the GSG when you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or, if you qualify as a N.J. Dreamer, the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application.

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