Current Student Financial Aid Services
Financial aid includes scholarships, grants, loans and work-study from federal, state and University sources. Applying for financial aid can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs and support your ability to stay enrolled. Let us help you!
- Social Media
- redhawkcentral@montclair.edu
- 973-655-7600
- Montclair Campus, Susan A. Cole Hall, 2nd Floor
- bloomfieldrhc@montclair.edu
- Bloomfield Campus, Knox Hall, Room 100
Don't Miss the FAFSA Deadline!
You must file a FAFSA every year to be considered for aid.
- The 2026–2027 FAFSA became available on October 1, 2025, and must be submitted by June 30, 2027. Please file your FAFSA as soon as possible.
- If you are a returning NJ Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) recipient, you must submit the FAFSA (or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application, if applicable) by the HESAA renewal deadline each year to be considered for renewal.
- NJ HESAA is offering FAFSA completion webinars. Join a Webinar Today!
Types of Financial Aid
Grants
Grants are typically need-based and do not need to be repaid.
Eligible New Jersey juniors and seniors may qualify for up to four semesters of free tuition and fees through the Garden State Guarantee program.
Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, talent or other criteria. Many are offered through Admissions or outside organizations.
We also have a centralized hub called ScholarshipUniverse that you can access!
Loans
Loans are borrowed funds that must be repaid after you leave school or drop below half-time enrollment.
There are a variety of different types of loans including federal, Parent PLUS loans and private.
Important Information
Verification (If Selected)
Some students are required to complete verification, which is a review of the information submitted on your FAFSA.
- You may be selected by the federal government, NJ HESAA or the University
- Submit requested documents through StudentForms
- Processing may take up to four weeks depending on the time of year
Failure to complete verification will result in cancellation of your financial aid.
Who Can Receive Financial Aid?
To remain eligible for financial aid, you must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards.
- Maintain required GPA
- Successfully complete a minimum percentage of attempted credits
- Stay on track to graduate within the maximum timeframe
SAP is reviewed annually after spring grades are posted. If you do not meet these requirements, you may lose financial aid eligibility.
Receiving & Using Your Financial Aid
- Aid is applied to your bill after the add/drop period
- Excess funds are issued as a refund within approximately two weeks after the add/drop period has ended
- Sign up for direct deposit for faster access
- If you choose not to sign up for direct deposit, your check will be mailed to your current mailing address as registered in NEST.
Financial aid may be used toward:
- Tuition and fees
- Housing and meals
- Books and supplies
- If you have funds in your aid package to support indirect costs such as books, you can transfer a portion of your aid package into Red Hawk Dollars for use in the University Bookstore.
- Any funds not moved to Red Hawk Dollars will be sent to you as a refund approximately two weeks after the add/drop period has ended, (unless your financial aid disburses later). We encourage you to sign up for direct deposit via NEST to avoid lost checks and to receive your funds more quickly.
- Other education-related expenses
Your total aid is limited by your Cost of Attendance.
Stay Informed
Your Montclair email and NEST are the primary ways you will receive updates about your financial aid.
- Check both regularly
- Respond to requests as soon as possible
- Missing information will delay your aid
Financial aid information is shared directly with students.