Bridging the Gap

The Bridging the Gap program helps cover the difference between federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid and the remaining balance of tuition and mandatory fees (excluding the new student fee). Rutgers University–Camden applies this special “last dollar” financial aid program after all other grants and scholarships have been applied. This program reduces or eliminates out-of-pocket costs for tuition and mandatory fees, helping to drastically reduce student debt.

Award Amounts (based on family Adjusted Gross Income)

• AGI: $0-65,000
  • Students at this threshold will have an annual net cost (tuition and mandatory fees) of $0.
• AGI: $65,001-80,000
  • Students at this threshold will have an annual net cost (tuition and mandatory fees) of no more than $3,000.
• AGI: $80,001-100,000
  • Students at this threshold will have an annual net cost (tuition and mandatory fees) of no more than $5,000.

Students are responsible for any remaining tuition and mandatory fees after the Bridging the Gap award has been applied.

Applying to Bridging the Gap is easy!

There is no separate application for the program. Applicants who meet the criteria are automatically considered when they are admitted to Rutgers–Camden and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Bridging the Gap is open to new students that are enrolled and matriculated on a full-time basis** in degree programs at Rutgers–Camden working toward completing their first Bachelor's degree. Students must also fit into one of the following citizenship categories:

• New Jersey residents who are also U.S. citizens;
• Permanent U.S. residents with an I-151, I-551, or I-551c; or
• Recipients of New Jersey S2479 (the Tuition Equality Act/NJ Dream Act).

Students must complete federal, state, and institutional verification requirements.

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; and
• complete the FAFSA every year.

This program is not transferable to other Rutgers campuses or off-campus Rutgers programs. Bridging the Gap is a Rutgers–Camden only program. (Please note that developmental courses that are successfully passed will be counted toward a student’s 30 earned credits per academic year requirement.)

Eligible students who began at Rutgers–Camden between Fall 2016 and Spring 2022 can check the Bridging the Gap renewal requirements before the Fall 2022 expansion.

In 2015, the Bridging the Gap program was announced and became the first of its kind among New Jersey’s public four-year colleges and universities. It has helped over 1,200 students gain access a world-class education where they get to do hands-on work with faculty that are leaders in their field.