My name is Genesis Crespo, I’m a Nursing student at Rutgers University–Camden and this is my financial aid experience!
When I was applying for college, my biggest worry was financial aid. I come from a low-income household, one that could barely afford my charter school uniform. It was truly a struggle to find a university that suited me. I had hopes and dreams as a child that I would attend my hometown’s university, which was Rutgers University–Camden. Rutgers–Camden was also able to provide me with merit scholarships, student loan opportunities, and grants that would cover the costs of the entire year.
We have many scholarship and funding opportunities available to students here on campus. These programs include Merit Scholarships, Bridging the Gap, Bridging the Gap, Road to Success Transfer Scholarship, International Chancellor’s Scholarship, and even scholarships for current students through their academic school or program. These scholarships can be provided to first generation, transfer, and even international students to ensure the cost of education is within reach.
Some of the loan opportunities that were provided to me were federal direct loans. Rutgers–Camden also help me secure loan opportunities when I needed it most. For example, I decided to live on campus during the summer of 2022, and Rutgers was able to provide loans for my stay here. Loans can come in handy for situations like mine where you do not have enough to cover the costs, but the school is willing to help you out to make it through the semester without stressing the financials until post-graduation.
There are many grant opportunities available to students as well. I was blessed with many other opportunities such as federal Pell grants, New Jersey tuition aid grant, and the Scarlet Promise grant. There are more grants available such as federal supplemental educational opportunity grant, equal educational opportunity fund programs, STARS, funding for disadvantaged students and even aid for undocumented students.
At times, when I felt like hope was lost when it came to my financial aid, I turned to the financial aid counselors at the One Stop for support. They allowed me to write an appeal for additional funding, when all the grants, scholarships, and loans, couldn’t quite get me the amount I needed. I was also able to turn to support programs on campus that helped me with aid when nothing else could like the TRiO and EOF programs.
What is TRiO, you may ask? Rutgers-Camden TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded program within the Division of Undergraduate Education and Student Success. Their services include one-on-one professional and peer tutoring, academic coaching, and academic enrichment and financial literacy workshops. TRiO also provides grant aid and scholarships to eligible SSS participants.
EOF is another program funded by the state of New Jersey. EOF supports New Jersey’s aspiring students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, who may be the first in their family to attend college, by providing financial aid, one-on-one and group academic counseling, academic support services, workshops, programs, events, and experiential learning and leadership opportunities to achieve success in college and beyond. The EOF program and coaches have helped many of my peers achieve their educational goals by providing academic and financial support.
I say all of this to say, Rutgers–Camden was able to give me many opportunities for funding when it came to my education. The opportunities and the advice of Financial Aid Counselors made the financial aid process relatively stress free. I was able to keep my focus on my number one goal in pursuing my degree in Nursing to help others heal and grow. Navigating college can be stressful enough as it is, financial aid should not be another stressor in your life.