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!
Apply for Aid Now
This process applies to most undergraduate and graduate students.
Step 2: Review Your FAFSA Summary
- Check your FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS)
- Correct any errors if needed
- Confirm whether you were selected for verification
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
- Log in to StudentForms through NEST
- Submit any requested documents as soon as possible
- Monitor your Montclair email for updates
Step 4: View Your Financial Aid Offer
- View your aid in NEST
- New students receive an estimated offer
- Continuing students receive updates after spring grades are posted
Your offer may include grants, loans and work-study.
Step 5: Accept or Adjust Your Aid
In NEST, you can:
- Accept, reduce or decline loans
- Review your full aid package
First-time borrowers must complete:
Step 6: Pay Your Bill
- Financial aid is applied after the add/drop period
- You are responsible for any remaining balance
- Payment plans and additional loan options are available
Types of Financial Aid
Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, talent or other criteria. Many are offered through Admissions or outside organizations.
Loans
Loans are borrowed funds that must be repaid after you leave school or drop below half-time enrollment.
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 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
- Sign up for direct deposit in NEST for faster access
Using Financial Aid
Financial aid may be used toward:
- Tuition and fees
- Housing and meals
- Books and supplies
- Other education-related expenses
Your total aid is limited by your Cost of Attendance.
Garden State Guarantee
Eligible New Jersey juniors and seniors may qualify for up to four semesters of free tuition and fees through the Garden State Guarantee program.
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.