Federal Student Aid Form (FAFSA)
Students in non-degree bearing programs cannot apply for traditional financial aid, such as Stanford and State Higher Education Loans. However, the CCS @ TCNJ Program has been designated by the US Department of Education as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP), and therefore CCS students are eligible to apply for Pell Grants and other possible federal / state funding support. As a result, students applying to the CCS program are strongly encouraged to complete a Federal Student Aid Form (FAFSA) since there may be possible funding from federal / state sources. This can be completed at: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Please note: The College of New Jersey should be noted as a recipient and write TCNJ’s school code number (002642)
The following state resources have been identified as possible sources and can assist in covering the costs of tuition, books/materials, and possibly housing:
NJ Division of Development Disabilities (DDD) / NJ Department of Human Services
CCS Students who live in New Jersey are strongly encouraged to apply to the NJ Division of Development Disabilities prior to their 21st birthday (if eligible, financial support for inclusive college programs may be provided by NJ DDD upon their 21st birthday and in some cases prior).
Please Note: To date students in the CCS program have been granted approval to apply eligible DDD funds for select portions of the Career and Community Studies Program (Fall/Spring/Summer Semesters) under the category of “Goods and Services”
Eligibility requirements and processes for applying for financial support can be identified by contacting a NJ DDD Representative. https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/ddd/
If you are approved, and are currently attending the CCS program, please contact ccs@tcnj.edu for appropriate documentation reflecting college coursework.
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS), NJ Department of Labor
CCS Students who live in New Jersey are strongly encouraged to apply to the NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) prior to their 18th birthday. (If eligible, financial support for inclusive college programs may be provided by NJ DVRS upon their 18th birthday).
On October 10, 2024, NJ DVRS issued an Administrative Memorandum (AM 24-045) [Supersedes AM 22-005] which outlines potential use of DVRS funds for Institutions of Higher Education who have a CTP status (such as the Career and Community Studies Program). This memo outlines possible use of funding for various areas of the program Fall/Spring semesters from Freshman – Senior year.
However, you must be a current and active client of NJ DVRS and have an assigned Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. In addition, DVRS requires that the student complete a FAFSA, as stated above. We suggest you discuss the above with your designated NJ DVRS Representative.
https://www.nj.gov/labor/career-services/special-services/individuals-with-disabilities/
If a CCS student is deemed eligible, they can utilize the CCS program planner for further conversation with their DVRS representative / counselor: https://ccs.tcnj.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2021/07/CCS-Program-Planner-Four-Year-as-of-2021.pdf
Non-New Jersey Residents:
Non-New Jersey residents applying / attending the CCS program should bring this information to their local support agencies/coordinators to assess support across states.
For students with disabilities, here are other possible sources of funding for college.
Dual Enrollment
Dual enrollment occurs when high school students enroll and participate in college courses, while still being supported by their local school district. The advantage to this type of enrollment is that a student can receive individualized support from their high school (under IDEA) while also having the opportunity to experience college. In this circumstance, the school district may be responsible for transportation and educational coaching. Also, the school system may cover the cost of college tuition, fees, and/or books. Parents will need to discuss this option with their district independently to make these arrangements.
Personal Assistance Services Program (PASP)
Mercer County PASP Coordinator 609-989-6459
Services include assistance with activities of daily living and household duties essential to the individual’s health and comfort.
Individual Training Accounts
ITAs are funds set aside by the One-Stop Career Centers to help individuals pay for training that will lead to obtaining employment. However, eligibility for an ITA is at the discretion of the local One-Stop. Often, an individual must demonstrate a financial need and the likelihood of improved employability as a result of receiving further training. For more information, visit the Department of Labor website.
Plans for Achieving Self-Support
PASS Plans were developed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) as an incentive to encourage individuals who may be receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Supplemental Security Disability Income (SSDI) to enter the workforce. In essence, this plan allows an individual to work and save money and not be penalized by a deduction from their SSI or SSDI check. However, there are restrictions on what the saved money may be used for. To learn more about PASS Plans in general, or to find out what is covered under this type of plan, go to: https://www.passplan.org
Scholarships and Resources for Students with Disabilities
https://www.publicservicedegrees.org/financial-aid/scholarships/students-with-disabilities/ **
**CCS is not affiliated with this website, or with any of the scholarship opportunities linked on it.