Bridging the Gap - Before Fall 2022

New Jersey undergraduate students can reduce their college costs by up to 100% at Rutgers University–Camden. The first of its kind among New Jersey’s public four-year colleges and universities, the Bridging the Gap program can help you greatly reduce or completely avoid student loan debt.

This page is for Rutgers University–Camden students admitted, enrolled, and matriculated between Fall 2015 and Spring 2022. For students admitted after Fall 2022, check our Bridging the Gap overview after the Fall 2022 expansion.

How It Works

Rutgers University–Camden applies this special financial aid to the remaining costs of your in-state tuition and additional fees after any other need-based federal, state, and/or institutional aid has been applied. As the name suggests, this program bridges the gap between the financial support you received and the money you still owe by drastically reducing or eliminating your student debt. All figures are based on family-adjusted gross income (AGI).

$0–65,000: 100% of the difference
$65,001–100,000: 50% of the difference

How to Apply

Applying for Bridging the Gap is easy.

There is no separate application for the program. Applicants who meet the criteria are automatically considered when they apply and are admitted for admission to Rutgers–Camden.

Who Is Eligible?

The program is open to students who have never attended college and enroll as first-year undergraduate students on a full-time basis (at least 30 credits per academic year*) in degree programs on the Rutgers–Camden campus. (*Please note that developmental courses that are successfully passed will be counted toward a student’s 30 earned credits per academic year requirement.)

New Jersey residents who are also U.S. citizens (or legal permanent U.S. residents) are eligible.

This program is not transferable to other Rutgers campuses or off-campus Rutgers programs.

Criteria for Annual Renewal

Students may renew their Bridging the Gap grant annually provided that they:

successfully complete 30 credit hours in an academic year;
remain in good academic standing;
complete the FAFSA every year; and
complete the roadmap to success program.

Additional Resources