Purpose and Scope

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A: 64-13.1 et seq. or 18A: 64A-23.1, the State of New Jersey created a program to allow certain unemployed individuals to attend a public institution of higher education in the state of New Jersey tuition-free on a space available basis.  Additionally, individuals who qualify for this program may have certain fees waived or reduced.

The purpose of the tuition waiver program is to enable certain unemployed individuals to enroll, without payment of tuition and fees, in a job training course which shall provide them with an identifiable job skill and shall assist them in gaining reemployment. A course of instruction does not assist the individual in gaining reemployment if the individual already possesses identifiable job skills, unless those skills need to be upgraded in order for the individual to reach a level of self-sufficiency. Identifiable job skill means an identifiable marketable skill in a labor demand occupation.

Proof of Program Eligibility

In order to be eligible for enrollment in a course with a public institution of higher education under the tuition waiver program, an individual shall submit to the public institution of higher education documentation from a One-Stop Career Center verifying the following:

• The individual’s past presence in the labor market for at least two years.
• The individual’s unemployed status or his or her receipt of a layoff notice.
• That the individual has received employment counseling at a One-Stop Career Center.
• That the One-Stop Career Center recommends enrollment in the particular job training course sought by the individual with the public institution of higher education under the tuition waiver program.

Employment during a Semester

Any individual participating in this program, who obtains employment subsequent to the commencement of the semester, shall be permitted to complete the semester in progress.

Eligible Coursework

• Only those courses in which enrollment space is available and tuition paying students constitute the minimum number required for the course are eligible for a tuition waiver.
• Course Overload Permits are not allowed.
• Individuals are not permitted to be “wait-listed.”
• Matriculated and non-matriculated individuals are eligible for a tuition waiver.
• Prior Learning Experience Programs (PLEX) are  not eligible for a tuition waiver.
• Authorization for courses that need permission of instructor or have pre-requisite restrictions, must be obtained prior to registering for the class.
• Registration prior to the designated time forfeits the right to receive for a tuition waiver.
• Disbursement of the tuition waiver will not be made until the Financial Aid Office has received all required information and financial aid eligibility has been confirmed.
• Students must apply for a tuition waiver each semester.
• Only the cost of tuition, minus grant or scholarship assistance, will be used to calculate the amount of the waiver. Late fees, course fees, program fees, parking fee, student insurance fee and room & board charges will not be covered.

Registration

Special registration dates and times are designated for this program. Fall and spring registration is only done on the web. Summer registration must be done in-person.

Financial Obligation

The tuition waiver is administered by the Office of Student Accounts for qualified individuals in this program. The waiver will not be posted until the Financial Aid Office has received all required information and a determination of financial aid eligibility had been made.

• An individual must formally apply for the waiver each semester.
• Only the cost of tuition, minus grant or scholarship assistance, will be used to calculate the amount of the waiver. A tuition waiver will not be applied if the individual’s aid exceeds the cost for tuition and applicable fees.
• Late fees, course fees, program fees, parking fee, student insurance fee, room & board charges, cost of equipment, materials, and textbooks are the responsibility of qualified individuals.
• Non-payment of an individual’s outstanding bill by the published deadlines may result in assessment of a Late Payment Fee and deregistration.

Eligibility for Financial Aid

• Each eligible individual seeking to enroll in credit courses under this program is responsible for filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year and providing the college with all information necessary to determine possible financial aid eligibility. The application must be filed on or before the day of registration. If additional information is required it must be provided within five (5) days of the request or the waiver will be denied. If an individual is ineligible for State or Federal financial aid due to a default on a student loan, enrollment in the tuition waiver program is prohibited.
• In determining eligibility for financial aid, the college shall consider both State and Federal sources of aid including grants, scholarships and any other sources of financial aid (other than loans) available to the institution’s general student population.
• Financial aid (other than loans) which is not sufficient to pay the full amount of tuition and fees at the college shall be entitled to have the remaining amount of tuition and fees not covered by financial aid waived by the college.

Application of General Institutional Rules

Individuals participating in this program shall be governed by those procedure and rules applicable to the College’s regularly enrolled student population, including rules regarding academic progress and standards for the admissions of students into specific degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate level.

How to Apply for the Program

• Submit the One-Stop Career Center Unemployed Person Job Training Form (Tuition Waiver Program) to the Office of Student Accounts prior to registration.
• Complete the student’s section of the Ramapo College Request for Unemployment Tuition Waiver Form. The form is available in the Office of Student Accounts.

The College reserves the right to change costs, dates and procedures at its discretion.

Under New Jersey Statute N.J.S.18A:62-24, any member of the New Jersey National Guard shall be permitted to attend regularly scheduled courses at Ramapo College and receive up to 15 credits per semester tuition free provided that the member has completed Initial Active Duty Training and is in good standing as an active member of the New Jersey National Guard. All fees and other charges are the responsibility of the student. Inactive members will not be eligible for tuition-free courses and may have their waiver revoked if they rescind their commitment to the New Jersey National Guard during any specific semester.

Students must submit the “Commander’s Certification” from their New Jersey National Guard unit at the beginning of each semester.

Any child or surviving spouse of a member of the New Jersey National Guard who completed Initial Active Duty Training and was killed in the performance of his/her duties while on active duty, or who completed Initial Active Duty Training and was killed in the performance of his/her duties while a member of the New Jersey National Guard, shall be permitted to attend regularly scheduled courses at Ramapo College as enumerated in N.J.S. 18A:62-25 and receive up to 15 credits per semester tuition-free. To receive and continue benefits, the member, child, and/or spouse must:

1. Be matriculated and be in good academic standing.
2. File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.
   Graduate students and students pursuing a second bachelor’s degree are exempt.
3. Complete a New Jersey National Guard Tuition Free Program Application Form found in the Financial Aid Office.

Eligible classes are those which have space available and where tuition paying students constitute the minimum number required for the course.

Documents should be brought to the Office of Financial Aid for verification. I you have any questions; contact Office of Financial Aid at (201) 684-7549.

The College reserves the right to change costs, dates and procedures at its discretion.

As enumerated in N.J.S.A. 18A:62-3, any New Jersey resident age 65 or over may attend regularly scheduled undergraduate courses at Ramapo College and receive a waiver of tuition, provided that available classroom space permits and that tuition paying students constitute the minimum number required for the course. Only the cost of tuition will be waived. All Course Fees and Parking are the responsibility of the student. New participants in this program must show identification to prove eligibility. Certain programs may have entrance requirements and restrictions.

The College reserves the right to change costs, dates and procedures at its discretion.

Tuition Waiver Forms

Tuition Waiver Forms