Follow Us
Quicklinks
Follow Us
students under white tent at campus event

NJ Dreamers

Important Contacts

Mays Landing Campus
Cape May County Campus
Worthington Atlantic City Campus
Atlantic Cape Financial Aid Email: finaid@atlanticcape.edu
NJ Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA)
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Veterans Administration Regional Office

Apply for Financial Aid

Choose the application that matches your status to get started.

Use the FAFSA if you’re a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen (like a permanent resident).

Atlantic Cape school code: 002596

Use the NJ Alternative Application if you’re a New Jersey Dreamer who meets state eligibility for aid.
Not sure? Contact Financial Aid or visit the One-Stop Welcome Center for help.

Alternative Financial Aid for NJ Dreamers

If you’re an NJ Dreamer, someone brought to the U.S. as a child and now building your future here in New Jersey, you may qualify for state financial aid through NJ HESAA (Higher Education Student Assistance Authority).

The state of New Jersey allows undocumented students planning to enroll in eligible New Jersey colleges and universities to apply for state financial aid.

You can complete the NJ Alternative Application if you are not a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen and meet all of the following criteria:

  • You are not eligible to file the FAFSA

  • Attended a New Jersey high school for at least three (3) years

  • Graduated from a New Jersey high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in New Jersey

  • Registered for Selective Service (male students only)

  • Are able to file an affidavit stating that you will file an application to legalize your immigration status or will file an application as soon you are eligible to do so

Students who have completed the process should file the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application even if they have a Social Security number.

Follow these steps:

  1. Apply to Atlantic Cape online. Don't worry, we are an open enrollment institution and accept everyone.

  2. Submit proof you have attended a New Jersey high school for at least three (3) years (such as a high school transcript) to Atlantic Cape at the One-Stop Welcome Center.

  3. Submit proof you have graduated from a New Jersey high school (such as a final high school transcript which shows your date of graduation) or its equivalent (such as a GED certificate) to Atlantic Cape at the One-Stop Welcome Center.

  4. Apply for the NJ Alternative Application online.

  5. Males must register for Selective Service at www.sss.gov

  6. Complete the New Jersey Dreamers Grant Recipient Affidavit

  7. Select “Login to NJ FAMS” on the Financial Aid Resources for New Jersey Dreamers page, create an account, log in, and see if NJ HESAA (Higher Education Student Assistance Authority) is requesting any additional information. Please check this website regularly.

Questions? Not sure if you qualify? Please email finaid@atlanticcape.edu or call (609) 343-5082 for assistance.