Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is a federally funded program designed to help the neediest undergraduate pre-baccalaureate students continue their education. Eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant is based on financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and satisfactory academic progress. You must submit the FAFSA online.
After completing the FAFSA, you will receive a FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) in an email from the Federal Student Aid. The student should immediately review the information, to make sure it is accurate and correct if necessary. The amount of a Federal Pell Grant is determined under federal eligibility formulas and may be based on maximum Pell eligibility, minimum Pell eligibility, or the student’s Student Aid Index. The amount disbursed may also be affected by the student’s enrollment intensity, cost of attendance, remaining lifetime eligibility, and attendance during the payment period.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The Federal FSEOG program provides assistance for eligible undergraduate students who show greatest financial need, are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant, and are making satisfactory progress toward their educational goal. The actual amount of the grant will vary depending on the availability of funds at the school, the student's family financial situation, other financial aid the student is receiving and the number of hours for which the student enrolls.
Students must complete the FAFSA to be considered for FSEOG. Because funding is limited, completing the FAFSA does not guarantee an FSEOG award.
New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG)
The New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant, commonly referred to as TAG, is a need-based grant that helps eligible New Jersey residents pay tuition at approved New Jersey colleges and universities. TAG generally assists full-time undergraduate students and cannot be used to attend an out-of-state institution.
Students who are eligible to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, should indicate New Jersey as their legal state of residence and list Rider University as one of the institutions receiving their FAFSA information. Rider University’s federal school code is 002628. The order in which colleges are listed on the FAFSA does not affect eligibility for New Jersey State aid.
Eligible students who cannot complete the FAFSA because of their immigration status may apply for New Jersey State aid through the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application.
To qualify for TAG, students generally must have been legal residents of New Jersey for at least 12 consecutive months immediately before the academic period for which aid is requested. Additional residency requirements may apply based on the student’s dependency and immigration status.
After completing the FAFSA or New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application, students should create or access their New Jersey Financial Aid Management System, or NJFAMS, account. NJFAMS is used to view State aid eligibility, review award status, identify missing information, upload requested documents, and confirm the college associated with the student’s State aid record.
Students should regularly review their NJFAMS To Do List and respond promptly to all requests from the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. Failure to complete required State tasks or provide requested documentation by the applicable deadline may result in the cancellation of State aid.
Rider University may include an estimated TAG amount in the student’s financial aid offer. Final eligibility and award amounts are determined by HESAA and remain subject to verification, enrollment, State appropriations, and other program requirements.
For the 2026-2027 academic year, the State application deadlines are:
- April 15, 2026, for students who received TAG during 2025-2026 and are renewing their aid for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027
- September 15, 2026, for all other students applying for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027
- February 15, 2027, for students applying for Spring 2027 only
Students must also complete their State aid record and all required NJFAMS tasks by the applicable HESAA deadline. Rider’s February 1, 2026, FAFSA priority deadline is earlier than the State deadlines and helps maximize consideration for federal, State, and institutional financial aid.
Other State Grants
There are some states which allow students to carry state aid with them to colleges outside of their home state. These include Vermont, Rhode Island, Maryland and the District of Columbia. If applicable, check with your guidance counselor to determine how to file.