Scholarships are free money that you don’t have to repay, and they can make a big difference when it comes to covering your college costs. Some are based on your grades, talents, or community service, while others depend on your major, background, or financial need.
Atlantic Cape Foundation Scholarships: Each year, the Foundation awards scholarships to current and incoming students. Most require a simple application and a short essay. Keep an eye out for email announcements each semester.
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships: If you're a member of Phi Theta Kappa, you may be eligible for exclusive scholarships from both Atlantic Cape and transfer colleges. These awards recognize academic excellence and leadership in the community college honor society. Learn more about PTK Scholarships
Outside Scholarships: Many community organizations, employers, and national programs offer scholarships. You can find them by searching online, talking to your guidance counselor, or asking your employer.
Atlantic Cape receives generous donations and raises funds through our Foundation so that a wide range of scholarships are available for both new and current students. The Atlantic Cape Community College Foundation is dedicated to serving Atlantic Cape's mission by providing financial support to the college and its students. We understand the need for scholarships to help with college costs throughout your time here, and we have many scholarships available to help with tuition, fees, and books.
Our annual scholarship campaign for students returning to Atlantic Cape or transferring to another institution for the Fall 2026 will open in November. Students enrolled for the Fall 2025 semester will receive an email notification to their Buccaneer email account with more details. Last year, we awarded over $400,000 to our new and returning students! We have awards available to students based on GPA, county of residence, community service, and major. Our scholarship committee will be reviewing applications throughout March. Students who have applied will be notified in April whether they received a scholarship.
Incoming students starting courses for the first time in the Spring 2026 semester do not need to complete a scholarship application. Scholarships are awarded based on criteria on a first-come, first-served basis. Students will be notified in July if they are recipients. We encourage students to register early.
If you still have questions after visiting our Scholarship FAQ below, don't hesitate to contact the Financial Aid Office at (609) 343-5082 or (609) 625-1111, ext. 5082, or email Financial Aid. In Cape May County, call (609) 463-4774, ext. 5082.
Start early and stay organized.
Write one strong personal statement you can adapt for multiple applications.
Don’t ignore smaller awards – they can add up!
Returning students:
The campaign will open in November and close in February. Enrolled students will receive an email notification with details on how to apply.
New students:
After completing your Atlantic Cape application, submitting your high school transcript to Admissions and completing your FAFSA, students are automatically considered for scholarship opportunities, no separate application required. Incoming scholarships are awarded based off of criteria on a first come, first serve basis. Award notifications will be sent to your Buccaneer Email.
There are three open-ended questions that all applicants must answer. A response to Question 1 is required for everyone and then any two of Questions 2 -5. Please submit an original, thoughtful response; there is no minimum word count. AI tools should only assist with brainstorming and grammar checking – not generating your content.
Required Response
Our scholarships are donated to or raised by Atlantic Cape Community College and the Atlantic Cape Foundation. Foundation funds provide college scholarships to students with financial need, capital for campus improvements, and cultural and educational community outreach programs. In its history, the Foundation has raised well over $6 million for college scholarships, academic programs, and it has enhanced the campus environment. All of our awards are contingent upon donor participation and vary each year. Our Scholarship Committee chooses recipients from the scholarship applications.
The criteria vary according to the donor's wishes. Many require a minimum GPA, some specify financial need, and some are for a specific major, county of residence, community service or veteran status. There is even one for students who just love the beach!
No; however, if you wish to be considered for a "need-based" scholarship, you must provide us with your financial information. If you applied for Financial Aid (FAFSA) and applied to the College, we populate that information for you! We encourage you to apply for financial aid because you may be eligible. Did you know that many students lose out on grants because they apply because they don't think they are eligible?
Yes. Atlantic Cape subscribes to a scholarship search engine called FASTWEB. You will need to answer several questions about yourself, including major, hobbies, interests, etc. The search engine will seek out any scholarship you meet the criteria for and instruct you on how to apply.
You can also find scholarships through:
Your high school counselor, employer, or community organizations
Yes. Our scholarship programs do not restrict Dreamers from applying for scholarships. And, did you know that Governor Murphy approved a bill so Dreamers can apply for State Grants.
Contact our Financial Aid Office. We’re happy to help you understand your options and submit your applications on time.
