Bridging the Gap

The Bridging the Gap program is a “last dollar” financial aid initiative designed to help cover the difference between a student’s federal, state, institutional, and private aid and any remaining balance for tuition and mandatory fees (excluding the new student fee). Rutgers University–Camden applies this program after all other grants and scholarships have been awarded, which can significantly reduce, or in some cases eliminate, out-of-pocket costs for tuition and mandatory fees and help minimize student debt.

Please note that Bridging the Gap does not cover housing, dining, books, or other non-eligible fees. Students remain responsible for these costs, as well as any remaining tuition and mandatory fees after the award has been applied.

Applying to Bridging the Gap is easy!

There is no separate application for the program. Applicants who meet the criteria are automatically considered when they are admitted to Rutgers–Camden and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Financial Eligibility

Eligibility is determined annually based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application (NJAFAA). The Bridging the Gap program provides funding to New Jersey students with an adjusted gross income (AGI) between $0–$65,000.

Credit Eligibility Requirements

In addition to meeting financial eligibility criteria, students must be enrolled full-time (at least 12 credits per semester). The program is available to:

• First-year students (0–29 completed credits)
• Second-year students (30–59.5 completed credits)

Funding is available for up to four semesters.

To stay on track for timely graduation and maximize eligibility, students are strongly encouraged to complete an average of 15 credits per semester (30 credits per year). Once enrolled full-time, students are not charged additional tuition for credits beyond 12. Please note that some academic programs may require more than 15 credits per semester to meet degree requirements

This program is not transferable to other Rutgers campuses or off-campus Rutgers programs. Bridging the Gap is a Rutgers–Camden only program. (Please note that developmental courses that are successfully passed will be counted toward a student’s 30 earned credits per academic year requirement.)

To qualify for Bridging the Gap, students must:

• Be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National; or
  • Be a U.S. permanent resident who has an I-151, I-551, or I-551c (Alien Registration Receipt Card); or
  • Be a recipient of New Jersey S2479 (the Tuition Equality Act/NJ Dream Act)
• Be admitted, enrolled, and matriculated as a first- or second-year undergraduate student 
• Be enrolled full-time (minimum of 12 credits per semester) 
• Qualify for in-state tuition (including NJ Dreamers) and be confirmed by HESAA as eligible for New Jersey State Aid 
• Be pursuing their first bachelor’s degree 
• Be enrolled in a program eligible for the Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG) 
• Complete the FAFSA or NJAFAA by state deadlines 
• Meet Rutgers’ Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards 
• Submit all requested documentation for federal, state, and institutional verification by established deadlines

In 2015, the Bridging the Gap program was announced and became the first of its kind among New Jersey’s public four-year colleges and universities. It has helped over 1,200 students gain access a world-class education where they get to do hands-on work with faculty that are leaders in their field.