TCNJ and its students benefit from the generosity of donors – including organizations, alumni, and friends of the college – who support student success through scholarships, awards, and other forms of financial assistance.
The College of New Jersey is able to offer competitive financial aid packages based on two sources of funding: the institution itself and our generous donors, the latter of whom make possible more than 300 unique scholarship funds. Your financial aid award — determined by the financial aid and admissions offices — is a commitment to you on behalf of the college. It is initially packaged and presented as a single amount but may actually comprise both institutional and foundation (donor) funding.
If any portion of your financial aid package is supported by donor funding, often in the form of a named scholarship, we will share this information with you in hopes you might be willing to express your gratitude by filling out a scholarship recipient profile. Just a few minutes of your time and brief words of appreciation can have an enormous impact on a donor’s motivation to continue funding scholarships for future Lions. Thank you in advance for paying it forward.
Below are the different types of TCNJ Foundation funds:
- Scholarships support existing institutional funding (such as merit-based, need-based, EOF, and Bonner programs). These funds are included as part of your financial aid package and will not appear as a separate item on your PAWS account.
- Awards will appear on your PAWS account and can result in additional financial support, not to exceed the cost of attendance.
- Prizes and other forms of assistance received as a result of a qualifying competition, internship, or fellowship will be issued in the form of a check from the college. As a result, this funding will not appear on your PAWS account and may be subject to applicable tax or reporting requirements depending on the nature of the funding.
For administrative purposes, TCNJ distinguishes between “scholarships” and “awards” based on how funds are applied and displayed. However, both represent forms of student financial assistance and are subject to applicable federal and state regulations.
TCNJ Foundation Scholarships
What is a foundation scholarship?
TCNJ offers competitive financial aid packages, many of which include scholarships funded through the TCNJ Foundation. These scholarships support existing institutional aid and do not appear as separate line items on your PAWS financial aid offer.
If eligible, these funds are reflected within your financial aid package under categories including but not limited to:
- TCNJ Merit (Presidential, Dean’s, Provost, Chairman of the Board, Transfer)
- Lions Pride Need
- EOF Promise/Incentive
- TCNJ Bonner Scholarship
- Other institutional awards
Does this scholarship affect my financial aid award?
No. Foundation scholarships do not change the total amount of institutional funding you receive.
The TCNJ funding in your financial aid package is initially taken from a general pool of financial aid resources. TCNJ then identifies specific funding sources through one or more foundation scholarships to help fund your total TCNJ-funded aid.
Why was I selected for this scholarship?
Students receiving institutional funding are automatically considered for the majority of our foundation scholarships. The Office of Financial Aid oversees selection and awards scholarships based on how closely a student meets the scholarship’s criteria. Please note that scholarship donors are not involved in selecting recipients for their funds.
How will I know that I have received a foundation scholarship?
The Office of Advancement Services’ stewardship team will notify students who are matched to a foundation scholarship. If you do not receive a notification, your institutional aid has been funded by other sources. The matching process occurs annually, so funding sources for your institutional aid may change each year.
Can I thank the donor?
Yes! Your notification email will include a form that makes it easy for you to say thank you. We ask all scholarship recipients to complete this form annually as a means of expressing gratitude for the donor’s support.
Where can I learn more about my foundation scholarship?
Contact the Office of Financial Aid at osfa@tcnj.edu.
TCNJ Foundation Awards
What is a foundation award?
A foundation award will appear on your PAWS account and can result in additional financial support, not to exceed the cost of attendance.
Does this award affect my financial aid?
Yes. Receiving a foundation award may require adjustments to your existing financial aid due to federal and state regulations, including cost of attendance limitations.
Why was I selected for this award?
Each year, the Office of Financial Aid reviews foundation award criteria, including academic performance and campus involvement. You were selected because your profile directly aligns with the award criteria.
How can I apply for a foundation award?
The Office of Financial Aid does not require an additional application for foundation awards. Eligibility is determined annually using FAFSA information and institutional data. Some awards may require a separate application administered by a school, department, or program.
How will I know that I have received a foundation award?
The Office of Advancement Services’ stewardship team will notify you if you have been selected to receive a foundation award.
When will I receive this award?
Awards are added to your PAWS account as anticipated aid. Typically, after the add/drop period, eligibility is confirmed and funds are disbursed by the Office of Student Accounts. Awards may be issued in the fall and/or spring semesters. Details will be included in your award notification.
Can I thank the donor?
Yes! Your notification email will include a form that makes it easy for you to say thank you. We ask all award recipients to complete this form annually as a means of expressing gratitude for the donor’s support.
Where can I learn more about my foundation award?
Contact the Office of Financial Aid at osfa@tcnj.edu.
Additional Forms of Financial Assistance
What additional forms of financial assistance does the foundation offer?
Additional foundation-supported funding may include:
- Prizes awarded through competitions
- Internship support
- Certain fellowships
- Support for postsecondary opportunities (e.g., graduate school)
These funds are issued directly to students in the form of a check. The Office of Financial Aid has no involvement in the selection of these funds.
Depending on the nature and amount of funding, it may be considered taxable income. In some cases, students may receive a Form 1099-MISC from TCNJ if the amount meets applicable IRS reporting thresholds. Students are encouraged to consult a tax advisor or review IRS guidance for more information.
Will this additional assistance appear in my financial aid package?
No. These funds will not appear on your PAWS account.
Can I thank the donor?
Yes! The Office of Advancement Services’ stewardship team will notify you if you are selected to receive this type of funding. Your notification email will include a form that makes it easy for you to say thank you. We ask all recipients to complete this form annually as a means of expressing gratitude for the donor’s support.
Where can I learn more?
For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid at osfa@tcnj.edu.