The Community College Opportunity Grant, or Tuition-Free College, has been renewed for Atlantic Cape’s academic year 2019-2020. The state of New Jersey approved funding for the program with expanded eligibility, including raising the adjusted gross income to $65,000 or less for all part time or full time students. Students are encouraged to apply now since Fall semester starts September 3.

Atlantic Cape President Dr. Gaba, has strongly advocated for the program and recently commented about the grant: “For many, one of the biggest barriers to a college degree is the cost. New Jersey has taken that obstacle away and is inviting you to pave your way to a new future. You don’t have to worry about student loan debt with this opportunity.”

To qualify, a student must have a total household adjusted income not exceeding $65,000; be a resident of Atlantic or Cape May counties, apply to the college and complete an online application for financial aid prior to September 15, 2019.

To begin the process, students and prospective students should fill out the 2019-2020 FASFA application at fafsa.gov or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application at HESAA.org. The college’s school code is 002596.

The New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application allows NJ Dreamers enrolled in eligible New Jersey colleges and universities to apply for state financial aid.

Any student who has completed their financial aid application will be automatically considered for this last-dollar state grant funding. There is no separate application needed and all steps are free to complete.

Links to both applications can be found on Atlantic Cape’s free college website, atlantic.edu/freecollege.

Classes for the fall semester begin on September 3, with the Cape May County campus starting September 23.

For more details about tuition-free college, e-mail [email protected], call 609-343-5000 or visit atlantic.edu/freecollege. They also have representatives available to answer questions in person at any of their three campus locations.