Bergen Community College

NJ STARS Frequently Asked Questions

You can find answers to most questions asked about the NJ STARS program on this webpage.  If your question isn’t listed here, please email [email protected].

Why Take advantage of the NJ STARS?

• Affordable Start, Big Impact: Start college debt-free—or nearly debt-free—earn your Associate’s degree, and transfer confidently to a four-year university.
• Proven Success: 83% of NJ STARS students graduate and transfer, performing just as well in bachelor’s programs as students who start at four-year schools.
• Stay in New Jersey, Build Your Future: Top students remain in-state after graduation, contributing to the local economy.
• Elite Academic Opportunities: Join the Judith K. Winn School of Honors to take challenging courses that stand out on transcripts.
• Graduate with Distinction: Earn honors with only 18 credits—prestige without extra time.
• Prestigious Honor Societies: Qualify for Alpha Mu Gamma, Phi Theta Kappa, Psi Beta, and Sigma Chi Eta.
  To learn more, review the Academic Matters>Academic Honors content section of the academic Catalog.
• Boost Transfer Success: NJ STARS and Honors courses give you a head start for four-year colleges.
• Elevate Your College Journey: Gain leadership experience, engage in community initiatives, and enhance your academic profile through programs like THRIVE, mastering project management while making a real impact.

How Do I Qualify for the NJ STARS?

Even if you didn’t qualify at the end of junior year, you can still qualify at the end of senior year by submitting proof of your class rank:

1.  Academic Excellence:
   • Rank in the top 15% of your high school class at the end of junior or senior year.
   • Submit a final, official high school transcript with class rank and class size.
   • Complete a rigorous high school curriculum that prepares you for college-level work.
2. Financial Aid Completion:
   • Complete both the FAFSA and HESAA NJFAMS each year by the deadlines.
   • List Bergen Community College as one of your college choices.
3. Enrollment Requirements:
   • Enroll full-time (12+ credits) each semester, unless fewer credits are needed in your final semester.
   • Maintain continuous enrollment, unless you request and receive an approved leave of absence.

What does the NJ STARS scholarship cover?

• Tuition Coverage: Covers tuition only at your home county community college for 12–18 credits per semester, up to five semesters, or until you earn your Associate’s degree.
• Student Responsibilities: You are responsible for fees, books, and supplies.
• Unfunded Students: If federal or state aid already covers tuition, you’re considered a non-funded NJ STARS student. You can still qualify for NJ STARS II if you graduate within five semesters with a 3.25 GPA or higher.
• Using Other Scholarships: Scholarships that cover books, fees, or educational purposes can be applied alongside NJ STARS; tuition-specific scholarships cannot.

What should I expect after learning about the NJ STARS program?

Your high school should notify you of your eligibility at the end of your junior year if you were in the top 15% of your class.

Prospective NJ STARS students should receive a letter from HESAA sometime at the end of February or in early March during their senior year of high school.  Students who did not activate their NJ STARS eligibility by the date in the HESAA letter will still be eligible to apply to the NJ STARS program at Bergen Community College until September.  Students signing their NJ STARS Application/Contract after the start of the Fall semester will have to pay their tuition and wait for reimbursement from the State of New Jersey.

A letter will be going out from Bergen Community College after the HESAA letter goes out with information regarding how to apply to the NJ STARS program.

If you did not receive a letter from HESAA or a postcard from Bergen Community College, please see the next question.

What if I Did Not Receive a HESAA Letter?

• If you do not receive the HESAA letter that does not necessarily mean you’re ineligible: You may not have ranked in the top 15% at the end of your junior year however you are eligible for your senior year and can still apply for NJ STARS.
• You Can Still Qualify: Ranking in the top 15% at the end of senior year makes you eligible.
• Missed Names on HESAA List: Students who should have been listed or who qualify at the end of senior year can still apply.
• Provide Proof: Submit either:
  • An official final transcript with class rank and size, signed and sealed, or
  • The Certification of HS Class Rank Form for Prospective NJ STARS Students with your school seal.
• More Info: Visit the NJ STARS Information for New Jersey High Schools webpage.
  💡 Why it matters: NJ STARS gives you access tuition-free college, Honors programs, and a smooth transfer to a four-year degree.

How do I get Started with NJ STARS?

1. Download the Form: Save the Self-Identification Form for Prospective NJ STARS Students to your computer.
2. Complete the Form: Read, fill out, and save it.
3. Submit the Form: Email it to [email protected].
4. Follow with the Verification of Eligibility:
   • Bergen will confirm your eligibility once your form is received.
   • Students who  have already applied for admissions to Bergen CC will be identified as prospective NJ STARS students in their records.
   • Senior-Year Qualifiers: Students who qualify at the end of senior year must have their high school submit proof of eligibility to Bergen.
5. Meet the Placement Test requirements: Eligible NJ STARS students are waived from placement tests. More information about the placement test can be found at www.bergen.edu/testing
6. Seek the Temporary Tuition Protection: In July for Fall semesters and December for Spring semesters, temporary protection is added to student records so tuition does not need to be paid upfront. Protection remains as long as all steps are completed and the NJ STARS Application/Contract is signed before the first day of the semester.

How Do I Apply as a New or Transfer NJ STARS Student?

• Visit the How to Apply to NJ STARS Program webpage.
• Access the NJ STARS Application Process Checklist, complete all steps including registering full-time, and sign and submit the NJ STARS Application/Contract.

Am I Eligible for the NJ STARS if Graduated from a Small High School Class?

Potential NJ STARS eligibility for small graduating classes is shown below:

• Class size of 1: not eligible;
• Class size of 2-6: #1 student is potentially NJ STARS eligible;
• Class size of 7 or greater: top 15 percent of students are potentially NJ STARS eligible.

Do I have to take placement tests?

On June 21, 2021, the full New Jersey Council of County Colleges unanimously approved a resolution that changes the test used for final NJ STARS program eligibility, designating “a student’s high school academic ranking as the test of a student’s final eligibility for the NJ STARS program.”

Therefore, prospective NJ STARS students are considered college-ready if they are in the top 15% of their high school class at the end of their junior or senior year of high school.  However, prospective NJ STARS students must be waived from taking placement tests by the college before they can register for classes.

Students submitting the Self-Identification Form for Prospective NJ STARS Students to [email protected] will be waived from taking placement tests but only after proof of students’ NJ STARS program eligibility is received.  The college receives proof of students’ eligibility from HESAA in approximately mid-February of qualified students’ senior year of high school.  Students who did not qualify at the end of their junior year but qualified at the end of their senior year of high school must have their high school submit proof Bergen Community College.  See the NJ STARS Information for New Jersey High Schools webpage for more information.

Prospective NJ STARS students can also be waived from taking placement tests by other means as outlined on the Office of Testing Services website.  Click here for further information.

Students can still take placement tests and required remedial courses if they wish.  However, students must take 12 college-level credits in addition to any remedial courses.  In addition, NJ STARS does not pay for remedial courses.

What happens if I took placement tests or the SATS and it is suggested that I take remedial courses for English or Math?

Students can take a remedial course or courses at their expense (or paid out of non-NJ STARS funds) if they feel it is necessary to prepare for college-level courses. If taken during the fall or spring semester, the student must enroll in at least 12 college-level credits in addition to remedial courses to retain NJ STARS eligibility.

How do I get credit for AP exams and for courses I took at other colleges?

If you didn’t already specify that your AP scores should be sent to Bergen Community College, please visit the College Board website.  You will have to pay a small fee to have your AP scores sent to Bergen Community College.  If you took college courses at any other college, please have your official transcript sent to Bergen Community College.  Since it may take two or more weeks for your credits to be applied to your student record, you should take care of this as soon as possible before your first semester, especially if they will count as a pre-requisite for a course or courses that you want to take.

I have changed my major and now require a remedial course(s) for my new major.  Do I lose my NJ STARS eligibility?

No, the student will not lose his or her eligibility.  The student could take the required remedial course or courses at their expense (or paid out of non-NJ STARS funds).  If taken during the fall or spring semester, the student must enroll in at least 12 college-level credits in addition to remedial courses to retain NJ STARS eligibility.

What are the Financial Aid Application Requirements for an NJ STARS Student?

💡 Tip: Completing financial aid requirements on time ensures NJ STARS funding is applied seamlessly and any additional aid is maximized.

1. Complete the FAFSA Each Year: Include Bergen Community College (College Code: 004736).
2. Update Your College Choice with the State: Register on the HESAA>NJFAMS website and click “View and Update Your School.”
3. Complete State-Based Financial Aid Review: Ensure your NJ financial aid review is complete after registering on NJFAMS.
4. Submit Required Documentation: Provide any documents requested by Bergen Financial Aid or the State of New Jersey.

For more information, visit the Financial Aid website or email [email protected]

Can I receive NJ STARS and other scholarships or financial aid at the same time?

• Order of Payment:
  • • Additional aid or scholarships apply to your account first.
    • NJ STARS covers the remaining tuition balance.
• Student Responsibility: Outstanding fees, books, or supplies not covered by aid are your responsibility.
• Non-Funded NJ STARS Students: If other aid fully covers tuition, you are still an NJ STARS student.
• Scholarship Guidelines:
  • Scholarships must specify they can be used for books, fees, or educational purposes.
  • Tuition-specific scholarships are applied first; NJ STARS then covers remaining tuition.
• BCC Foundation Scholarships: Inform the Foundation you are an NJ STARS student to ensure scholarships work alongside NJ STARS.

Since NJ STARS is a merit-based scholarship, why do I need to apply for financial aid?

HESAA requires that all students apply for financial aid so that if a student qualifies for any need-based aid, those monies will be applied to the student’s account before NJ STARS will be applied.  Eligibility for additional aid besides NJ STARS is determined by completing the FAFSA application and the state financial aid paperwork by registering on the HESAA website.  Finally, if the student is selected for Federal or State verification, students must submit the required verification paperwork to Bergen Community College via the Financial aid section in their student portal for federal verification or directly to HESAA via the NJFAMS student portal for state verification by the required deadlines.  For more information on financial aid, please visit the BCC financial aid website or email [email protected].

When Will My Tuition Be Paid by my NJ STARS scholarship?

Tuition will be funded by the State by the end of each semester as long as all eligibility requirements are complete/met.

How Much Are my Fees and Where Do I Pay Them?

• Check Your Fees:
  Log in to your BCC student portal at my.bergen.edu.
  Go to Student Finance / Payments.
  Select the semester you want to view.
  Click “View Statement” at the top right of the Account Activity screen.
  Tuition and fees are listed at the top, with a detailed fee breakdown at the bottom.
• What to Pay:
  Students should only pay fees associated with tuition.
• How to Pay Fees:
  Partial payments cannot be made online.
  After registering, adding, or dropping courses, NJ STARS students can pay:
  In person: Bursar’s Office, One-Stop Center, Pitkin Education Center
  Visit the Bursar’s Office in the One-Stop Center.
  Call: 201-447-7105
  Email: [email protected]

I was eligible for NJ STARS when graduating high school, but decided not to use it right away.  Am I still eligible for the NJ STARS program?

Yes, students have until their 5th semester following high school graduation to activate their STARS eligibility, even if they went to another college/university.  Please download the Self-Identification Form for Prospective NJ STARS Students,   save it to your computer, complete it and save it again, and email it to [email protected].

New and transfer students should visit the How to Apply to the NJ STARS Program webpage, access the NJ STARS Application Process Checklist, complete all steps including registering full-time, and sign and submit the NJ STARS Application/Contract.

What happens if I drop/add/withdraw from a course or courses?

Since NJ STARS students must be full-time (12 or more credits), any action that changes a student’s enrollment status (dropping, adding, withdrawing from courses) may result in a balance being owed, being dropped from classes, or loss of NJ STARS eligibility.  In order to protect your NJ STARS eligibility, it is imperative to communicate these changes prior to making them.

NJ STARS students should communicate any change made from the date their NJ STARS Application/Contract is approved through the end of add/drop week to an Academic Counselor to be sure the course or courses will be covered, and that they will still be considered full-time students.

Students who wish to drop a course or courses after the end of add/drop week should communicate this with the NJ STARS Representative and/or Financial Aid before doing so.  Please check the Registration Calendar for the current semester for the deadlines when students can add/drop courses as well as other important dates.

How many semesters of NJ STARS eligibility do I have?

Students are eligible for up to 5 semesters of eligibility. NJ STARS students have up to 5 semesters of eligibility or until they have enough credits to graduate with an Associate’s Degree.  Nursing and engineering majors may take a 6th, unfunded semester in order to meet graduation requirements.

Can NJ STARS cover the cost of summer courses?

No.  NJ STARS students can take summer courses to graduate faster; they are responsible for paying for any summer courses, however.

How do I renew my NJ STARS eligibility?

Semester Requirements for NJ STARS Students

• Must enroll in at least 12 college-level credits each semester.
• Must complete the FAFSA and state financial aid applications each year by the deadlines.
• Early registration is highly recommended to:
  • Get the most class options
  • Pay any fees by the payment deadline

GPA Requirement 

• Must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA by the start of the third semester (second year) to stay in the program.

What happens if my GPA falls below 3.0?

NJ STARS legislation requires that students maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA by the start of the 3rd semester of eligibility.  Grades for any remedial courses taken will not be included in the cumulative GPA.  Students whose GPA falls below 3.0 must meet with an Academic Counselor to discuss options to bring up the GPA prior to the start of the 3rd semester.  Students will also engage in an Enrichment Program forum during the warning period.

I do not need to be a full-time student in my final semester in order to meet all of my graduation requirements.  Am I eligible to attend part-time?

A student may attend part-time in his or her final semester provided that he or she will meet all graduation requirements as a part-time student.  Students who are enrolled part-time MUST meet with an Academic Counselor to be sure they have completed all other necessary courses.  Failure to complete this step may result in loss of NJ STARS and/or NJ STARS II.

If I am determined as being academically eligible as a transfer student, what else do I need to do to be eligible for the NJ STARS Program?

If you are transferring in from another school mid-year, several steps will need to be completed. Students will need to request that their official transcripts from the institution be sent to Bergen Community College, Office of Registration to be evaluated. Bring unofficial transcripts with you on the day of registration.  Be sure to have any AP scores sent to Bergen Community College from the College Board website for credit. Students will also be required to update their financial aid information.  This includes updating the FAFSA to reflect Bergen Community College as one of their college choices. If a FAFSA was not filed for the appropriate academic year, an application must be completed for the new semester.  Students are responsible to confirm with the financial aid office that all documentation has been received.  To see if any additional information is needed by the State, register on the HESAA NJFAMS student portal and click on “To-Do List” to see if any additional information is needed by the State.  You must also check to see that Bergen Community College is listed as one of the college choices. This can be done by clicking “View and Update Your School” in the HESAA student portal and adding Bergen Community College from the drop-down menu.

If you are transferring for the fall semester, request an official transcript to be sent to Bergen Community College, Office of Admissions to be evaluated. Bring an unofficial copy with you on the day of registration.  The FAFSA application will need to be completed for the appropriate academic year and Bergen Community Community College must be indicated as one of the school choices.  To see if any additional information is needed by the State, register on the HESAA NJFAMS student portal and click on “To-Do List” to see if any additional information is needed by the State. You must also check to see that Bergen Community College is listed as one of the college choices. This can be done by clicking “View and Update Your School” in the HESAA student portal and adding Bergen Community College from the drop-down menu.

How do I qualify for NJ STARS II?

NJ STARS II Eligibility

• Application:
  • Must apply and be accepted to an NJ STARS II participating 4-year institution.
• Important Notes:
  • NJ STARS / NJ STARS II eligibility does not guarantee or give preference for transfer admission.
  • All other admissions criteria of the 4-year institution must be met.
• GPA Requirement:
  • Graduate with an Associate’s Degree from a community college with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher.
• Timeframe:
  • Must graduate within 5 semesters.
  • A 6th semester (unfunded) is available for nursing and engineering majors.
• Income Requirement:
  • Family income (taxable + untaxed) must be less than $250,000.

For more information, visit the NJ STARS II webpage or check the HESAA NJ STARS II Fact Sheet for the current year.

Will my credits transfer to a 4-year institution?

• Plan early: Proper planning is key to a successful transfer.
• Use resources: Bergen Community College offers many resources to help students transfer successfully.
• Start research early:
  • Explore potential majors and transfer schools.
  • Meet with a transfer advisor before completing your 20th credit.
• Visit Transfer Services for details on:
  • Guaranteed admission programs
  • Articulation agreements
  • On-campus bachelor’s degree completion programs

Academic Advisors can be found in One Stop Center, Room OS-102, Pitkin Building (1st Floor) at the college’s main campus in Paramus, NJ.

What does NJ STARS II cover?

Award Amount

• NJ STARS II provides $1,250 per semester for two years at participating 4-year New Jersey institutions.
• Total award can be up to $5,000.

Eligible Schools

• Can be used at public and private New Jersey schools.

Eligibility Information

• Visit the NJ STARS II webpage or check the HESAA NJ STARS II Fact Sheet for the current year.