Unemployment Tuition Waiver

    

Resources & References

Policies
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A: 64-13.1 et seq. or 18A: 64A-23.1, the State of New Jersey created a program to allow certain unemployed individuals to attend a public institution of higher education in the state of New Jersey tuition-free on a space available basis. Additionally, individuals who qualify for this program may have certain fees waived or reduced.


Criteria

  1. Student must apply and be accepted for admissions in a degree or certificate program.
  2. Enrollment limited up to 19 credits for each fall and spring semester and 9 credits for summer.
  3. Unemployment Tuition Waiver will be credited towards completed credits.  Classes that are withdrawn from after the 100 percent refund period will have the waiver rescinded and the student will be responsible for any remaining balance.
  4. Students with a prior waiver must have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better before the commencement of the term which funds are being requested for. Should the student fail to meet the 2.5 gpa requirements, the waiver will not be renewed.
  5. Student must meet the minimum requirements set forth in the NJIT Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Financial Aid
  6. Student may only register for courses during the first week of the semester (during the “add course period) on a space available basis.  Students who register before the first day of class forfeit their right to participate in the NJ Tuition Benefit for Unemployed for that term.
  7. Classes by permit and corporate off campus courses offered by Continuing Professional Education are not allowed under the NJ Tuition Benefit Waiver Program. Only programs located on the Newark campus will be considered for eligibility.
  8. Students enrolling under this program are not eligible to enroll in the Executive Management Program. They may pursue study under the regularly scheduled MSM or MBA programs.
  9. Students charged out of state tuition due to NJIT’s residency requirement will have their waivers calculated based on in state tuition charges not out of state, and will be responsible for the balance.
  10. Course overload permits are not allowable. If a course needs permission of the instructor, or has pre-requisite restrictions, authorizations must be obtained prior to registering for the class.               


How To Apply

  1. Student must obtain a certification from the Department of Labor, Division of Workforce New    Jersey that they qualify for this benefit. Additionally, individuals must verify their past presence in the labor market for at least two years and their unemployed status of receipt of layoff notice as proof of eligibility or an employability development plan from the Division of Employment Services.
  2. Student must submit the Unemployed Person Job Training Form (UPJTF) with the original signatures to the Office of Student Financial Aid Services for each semester/term the student is applying for tuition waiver on or before the last day to register for the term the student is applying for the waiver. See the Registrar’s homepage for the academic calendar. The UPJTF must be signed and dated by the Department of Labor, Division of Workforce, New Jersey no sooner than 30 days prior to the start of the semester/term.
  3. Student is required to file a Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA) and provide any supporting documentation as requested including copies of prior year tax returns by the first day of the semester/term in which the student is applying for the benefit. The student is required to file the FAFSA only once an academic year, but is required to file the FAFSA every academic year the student is applying for this benefit. Students who qualify for the NJ Tuition Benefit for Unemployed Program will receive a grant administered by the Office of Student Financial Aid Services that will cover tuition and certain fees, minus any federal or state grants the student may be eligible to receive.  Late fees, course fees, program fees, Distance Learning fees, parking fees, insurance fees and housing and food charges will not be covered.
  4. When the student is eligible for federal and state grants which exceed the student’s cost for tuition and applicable fees, the student does not qualify for the NJ Tuition Benefit for Unemployed.  Students electing to participate in NJIT’s work study program are not eligible to receive the NJ Tuition Benefit for Unemployed persons.


Procedures

  1. Unemployed Person Job Training Forms should be submitted to the Office of Student Financial Aid Services at which time students will be informed of missing information. Registrar will be notified to place hold on student’s registration.
  2. Students who are approved by the Office of Student Financial Aid Services to participate in this program are permitted to register for courses no earlier than the first day of the semester and no later the last day to add a class for the semester or term of enrollment. Registration is done in person at the Registrar’s Office (except for Executive Management students).
  3. Students who qualify for this tuition benefit will be sent a Financial Aid Notification Letter detailing the award and amount.
  4. Students that are denied this benefit may appeal the decision by submitting an appeal letter to the Director of Student Financial Aid Services within 14 days of notification.
  5. Students who do not wish to participate in the program after submitting an Unemployed Person Job Training Form, mush complete a NJ Tuition Benefits Non Participating Form available here.
  6. Matriculated students are required to complete an Income Reduction Appeal to determine if eligible for state and federal aid.

 

Useful Websites

Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID)

FAFSA

NJIT Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Financial Aid

Appeal for Income Reduction