TAG tuition grants down in New Jersey

It’s a sign of the economy that more students qualify. Colleges and universities are hoping it won’t deter students from continuing school.

Thousands of low-income college students in New Jersey are getting less money from a popular state grant program.

Because of the economy more students are eligible for the Tuition Aid Grant program, and the average amount they’re getting is almost eight percent lower than last year.

More than 11-thousand students at Rutgers receive those grants.
Courtney McAnuff (mac-ENOUGH) is the university’s vice president for enrollment management. He says the smaller grant amounts are causing hardship for students and their parents.

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“The average grant was reduced by over $700 for our neediest students and their alternatives really are more student loans at higher interest rates or perhaps borrowing from other family members. So it’s proving very difficult for many families.”

McAnuff says the grant reductions do not appear to be deterring students from going to college, but more of them are seeking delays in paying their tuition.

In Trenton, I’m Phil Gregory WBGO/WHYY/NJN News