Does NJ offer scholarships for international students?

I'm an international student interested in attending college in New Jersey. Are there any specific scholarships available for international students in the state? Any tips on where to look or who to contact?

Yes, New Jersey does offer scholarships for international students. It largely depends on which universities you are interested in, as the majority of scholarships for international students are offered directly through the institutions themselves.

For example, Rutgers University has the Presidential Scholarship, which is a very competitive, merit-based award that covers tuition, room and board, and it is open to international students. It's worth mentioning that international students at Rutgers are also eligible for a few other merit-based scholarships, but these are slightly less generous.

Similarly, The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) offers the International Merit Scholarship, a merit-based scholarship for international students that can range anywhere from $6,000 to full tuition.

Outside of university-specific scholarships, international students in New Jersey can also look into third-party scholarships that are open on a national level. Some scholarships, like the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, The International Peace Scholarship Fund and the Margaret McNamara Education Grants, are exclusive to international students.

Remember, scholarship applications often require additional essays and recommendations, so start the process early and make sure to keep track of deadlines. The international student office at the universities you apply to could be a good point of contact for more information about available scholarships and advice on the application process. Exactly who to contact would depend on the university, as the offices might have different names, but many schools have an Office of International Student Services, or something similar. Good luck with your scholarship search!