Applying For Federal Student Aid: FAFSA Deadlines In New Jersey

NEW JERSEY — If you’re a high school senior or New Jersey resident thinking about enrolling in college next fall, the time has come to start applying for federal student aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, more commonly known as the FAFSA, was released Friday for the 2022-23 academic year. Typically made available in October, the FAFSA is required for students wanting to apply for federal grants, work-study programs, or loans.

In addition to federal aid, states and colleges also use FAFSA information to award their own aid.

Students must complete FAFSA forms for each year of college in order to receive aid. While the form is emphasized to high school seniors, graduate and professional students should complete the form each year as well.

Before applying for federal student aid, it’s helpful to know how to apply and what important deadlines you should know.

How To Apply

The FAFSA form is available in several formats. Forms can be submitted online, or filers can request a paper copy if needed.

The quickest option is to complete the web-based version. It includes step-by-step instructions as well as pre-application worksheets.

If you have specific questions about applying, StudentAid.gov provides answers to common questions that FAFSA filers may have.

Deadlines To Know

The FAFSA form cannot be submitted before Oct. 1, even if the paper and PDF versions are available sooner.

The federal deadline for the 2022-23 academic year is June 30; however, to be considered for certain aid programs, many states and colleges set priority deadlines to submit the form.

In New Jersey, the deadline for renewal applicants to submit the FAFSA is April 15, 2022 by midnight central time. For all other applicants, the deadline for fall and spring terms is on Sept. 15, 2022 by midnight central time.

Finally, the college deadline in New Jersey varies by college or university. Visit the school's website or contact its financial aid office. School deadlines are usually early in the year, often in February or March, though some are earlier.

If you still have questions, more information about the FAFSA and federal student aid is available online.