Garden State Guarantee

Free Tuition Support for Eligible New Jersey Students

The Garden State Guarantee (GSG) is a New Jersey financial aid program that may provide up to four semesters of free tuition and mandatory fees for eligible juniors and seniors at Montclair State University.

Funding is determined by the State of New Jersey and may change based on annual budget decisions.

Who Is Eligible

You may qualify for the Garden State Guarantee if you:

  • Are a New Jersey resident (including NJ Dream Act students)
  • Are working toward your first bachelor’s degree
  • Have earned between 60 and 128 credits
  • Are enrolled full-time (12 credits or more)
  • Meet income requirements based on your FAFSA
  • Complete all required financial aid documentation

Students must also meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.

student wearing headphones doing work on laptop

How It Works

The Garden State Guarantee is a last-dollar grant.

This means:

  • Your tuition and mandatory fees are calculated
  • Other financial aid (grants and scholarships) is applied first
  • GSG covers any remaining eligible balance

If your tuition and fees are already fully covered by other aid, GSG will not apply additional funds.

Income Requirements

Eligibility is based on your federal Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) reported on the FAFSA.

  • Families with an AGI between $0 and $65,000 may qualify for full tuition coverage
  • Income is based on:
    • Parent income (for dependent students)
    • Student and spouse income (for independent students)

How to Apply

There is no separate application.

To be considered, you must:

Failure to complete your state aid process will make you ineligible.

Important Requirements

  • Available for fall and spring semesters only
  • Limited to four semesters total
  • Must remain enrolled full-time
  • Must maintain eligibility each semester

If you earned 128 credits, you are no longer eligible for the program.

If You Withdraw or Change Enrollment

  • Your GSG award may be reduced if your tuition changes
  • Partial payments still count toward your four-semester limit
  • Dropping below full-time enrollment will make you ineligible

Transfer and Returning Students

  • Transfer students may qualify if they meet all eligibility requirements
  • Credits accepted by Montclair count toward eligibility
  • Returning students may qualify if they meet current requirements

Important to Know

  • GSG only applies to tuition and mandatory fees
  • It does not cover housing, meals or other expenses
  • Other scholarships and grants are applied first
  • State funding and program details may change

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about the Garden State Guarantee, including eligibility, award calculations, enrollment requirements, transfer students and maintaining your grant throughout your time at Montclair.

GSG is a last-dollar grant. It covers any remaining tuition and mandatory fees after all other grants and scholarships are applied.

GSG is added once you meet all eligibility requirements, including completing your FAFSA and any requested documentation through NJ HESAA and the University.

Yes. Transfer students may qualify if they meet all eligibility requirements and have earned between 60 and 128 credits.

You may still use your remaining semesters of eligibility when you return, as long as you continue to meet all program requirements.

Your GSG award may be reduced or canceled. You must be enrolled full-time to remain eligible.

No. GSG only applies to tuition and mandatory fees.

Missing NJ HESAA deadlines will make you ineligible for GSG for that semester.

Questions & Next Steps