Welcome to Rutgers–New Brunswick
Whether you're a first-year student or well on the way to your degree, Rutgers is a big place with limitless possibilities. Click below to find handy tips to start your semester off right.
Information and resources to empower Rutgers–New Brunswick students to complete their degree on-time and with minimal debt
At Rutgers–New Brunswick, student success is defined as empowering all students to graduate on time and with minimal debt. Through the 15+ to Finish intiative, Rutgers–New Brunswick connects learners with academic, financial, and career support services to better equip them to achieve their future pursuits.
Students who successfully complete an average of 15 credits each semester can be on a path to graduate in 4 years from programs requiring a minimum of 120 credits for graduation.
15 credits/semester = 30 credits/year x 4 years = 120 credits
Once registered at full-time (12 credits), students may add additional credits at no cost. You can add a class during the first two weeks of the semester according to the timelines outlined in the academic calendar. Some schools and majors may require more credits to fulfill degree requirements.
If you need to take fewer credits one semester, work with your academic advisor to identify when you will take additional credits to keep you on a path toward timely graduation. Additional credits may be taken during any semester or in the summer.
Most students at Rutgers receive financial aid, which is determined annually by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application (NJAFAA).
Tips for Making the Most of Your Financial Aid Package
Regularly check the myRutgers dashboard and your My Financial Aid and My Money widgets to view financial awards, ensure all documents are submitted, confirm aid has been disbursed to your account, and address any critical alerts. Questions? Use the One Stop widget on myRutgers to submit your inquiry. Financial holds can delay, or prevent, course registration.
Maintain a satisfactory cumulative GPA and complete a minimum number of credits based on credits attempted for continued eligibility for financial aid. Both the grade you receive in each course and the number of credits you successfully complete each semester are important for your continued academic eligibility for financial aid. This is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) determines your academic eligibility for financial aid.
For continued financial aid eligibility, all students must attempt and complete a minimum number of credits and maintain a satisfactory cumulative GPA. Failing courses and withdrawing from courses may impact future financial aid eligibility. A student's entire academic record is included in the SAP determination.
Some Rutgers University and New Jersey state financial aid programs also have credit eligibility requirements and designated years for funding. These programs include:
Each semester, students should review their financial aid awards and the requirements to maximize continued eligibility.
Get the support needed to complete degree requirements on time and with minimal debt.
An academic advisor can help you put together an academic plan that includes strategies for realistic and achievable class schedules. This planning process can help facilitate timely completion of degree requirements and maintaining academic eligibility for financial aid during all semesters.
Students can receive academic coaching, find study groups, or get peer tutoring to help them learn difficult course material and improve their time management and study skills.
For support outside of class, instructors are available during their designated Office Hours. This time is dedicated to support students.
Students with a documented disability should register with the Office of Disability Services to receive accommodations. Requests for testing accommodations should be sent at least ten days in advance of exams.
Still exploring majors or unsure about your post-graduate plans? Consider joining a career community, pursuing an internship, or meeting with a career advisor.
When life circumstances impact academic success, students can meet with someone in Advocacy, Outreach & Support in the Office of the Dean of Students.
Challenges in classroom learning and performance can be impacted by many factors unrelated to academics, so identify what additional resources may be most helpful for you.
SAP is reviewed once per year after spring semester grades are finalized.
After final grades are calculated, you will be notified by email if you are not meeting SAP requirements. You should also regularly check the My Financial Aid widget in myRutgers for any notices or alerts. Learn more about SAP on Scarlet Hub.
Talk with an academic advisor at your school of enrollment after the fall semester if you are concerned about your academic progress based on grades or completion of credits. This can be a helpful mid-year check-in to discuss performance, review your credit progress, and check your planned courseload for the spring. Your advisor can help make sure your schedule is manageable so you can successfully complete all courses and make progress toward your degree.
For questions about your financial aid and eligibility requirements for any specific aid program, contact the One Stop Student Services Center.
This FAQ section will be updated in December 2024 with detailed information on how to complete your SAP plan as a Rutgers–New Brunswick student.
Have questions? We're here to help. Whether you need clarification on SAP or are searching for information about available resources, we can help you along your journey towards graduation.