Hey all, I'm looking to apply to Rutgers New Brunswick but am kinda freaked out about the tuition. Any comments on financial aid or scholarships they offer? Are there surprise fees that I should be aware of?
Rutgers University - New Brunswick tuition can indeed seem daunting at first glance, particularly for out-of-state students. However, the school offers several financial assistance options to make education more manageable for its students. They have need-based aid, merit-based scholarships, federal and state grants, work-study opportunities, and student loans.
In terms of need-based financial aid, Rutgers uses the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to decide who qualifies for most types of aid. The aid might be a combination of grants, loans, and work-study. Typically, the more financial need you have, the more aid you'll be awarded.
Rutgers also offers merit-based scholarships, which are awarded based on academic achievement. There's no separate application for these—when you apply for admission, you're automatically considered. There are also departmental scholarships for specific majors, including those within the School of Engineering and the School of Arts and Sciences, among others.
Regarding unexpected fees, it's important to know that tuition is just one aspect of the total cost of attending Rutgers. In addition to tuition itself, students will also need to consider housing, meal plans, course fees, and books. The school's expectation is that you'll spend a certain amount on personal expenses and transportation as well. All put together, these costs make up what's known as the Cost of Attendance.
To help anticipate these costs, you should utilize Rutgers' Net Price Calculator (https://app.meadowfi.com/rutgers). It'll use information about your family's financial situation and your academic record to predict your out-of-pocket cost to attend the university.
Just remember every college financial aid situation is different, and amounts can vary from year to year. Make sure to reach out to the Rutgers financial aid office if you have further questions. Good luck with your application!
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