Douglas Olsen
Rutgers University offers a range of resources and services for nontraditional students, including those who are independent, have children, or are military-affiliated. To be considered independent, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and may need to provide additional documentation, such as tax returns or lease agreements. Students seeking to establish New Jersey residency for tuition purposes must also submit a Residency Analysis Form (RAF) and supporting documentation before the beginning of the semester. Independent students at Rutgers University can access a variety of academic advising, housing, scholarship, and financial aid opportunities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of nontraditional student | Students with children, adult learners, veterans or military-affiliated students, and undocumented students |
| Nontraditional student benefits | Exempted from the requirement of full-time enrollment, access to courses meeting early morning through late evening, specialized services for student veterans |
| Nontraditional student resources | Handbook for Nontraditional Students, Resources for Nontraditional Students Guide, support for undocumented students, career and internship advising |
| Nontraditional student application process | Email name, RUID number, and required documentation (copy of the most recent 1040 tax return and a signed, dated copy of the current lease) |
| Tuition eligibility | Determined by state residency status; students must submit a Residency Analysis Form (RAF) and supporting documentation |
| Residency qualifications | Must be domiciled in New Jersey for at least one year prior to enrollment; dependent students are presumed to be domiciled in the state of their parents' residence |
| Financial aid | Students must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and may be eligible for VA Education Benefits |
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What You'll Learn
Nontraditional student status
Rutgers University defines nontraditional students as those who have personal and professional demands on their lives that make it challenging to meet their academic goals. Nontraditional students at Rutgers University can benefit from programs and services designed to complement and enrich their education.
Students who wish to be designated as nontraditional by the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) at Rutgers University must apply for formal nontraditional status. To do so, students must email their name, RUID number, and the following required documentation:
- A copy of their most recent 1040 tax return indicating that they claim themselves
- A signed, dated copy of their current lease showing their name, their landlord’s name, and their monthly rental fee
Students who have been formally designated as nontraditional by SAS are exempted from the requirement of full-time enrollment that applies to all other SAS undergraduates. Nontraditional students may register for fewer than 12 credits in any semester, or reduce their enrollment below 12 credits during any semester, without additional permission from SAS. However, students registered for fewer than 12 credits are considered part-time under University regulations and federal law, which can affect their visa status and eligibility for financial aid, military benefits, health insurance, campus housing, scholarships, and more.
Resources for Nontraditional Students
Rutgers University offers a variety of resources for nontraditional students, including:
- Academic advising geared towards the needs and interests of adult learners, students with children, and veterans or military-affiliated students
- Access to courses at a variety of times, including early morning, late evening, and weekend classes
- Career and internship-related advising, resources, and programs
- Support for undocumented students, including academic information, counseling services, legal advice, immigration information, and medical services
- On-campus family housing options
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Financial aid and tax returns
Rutgers University offers a range of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, grants, student employment, loans, and tuition payment plans. The university also assists eligible students in obtaining federal and state financial aid. The university's Net Price Calculator can be used to estimate the cost of attendance, which includes tuition, fees, room, board, textbooks, and personal expenses. This cost varies depending on factors such as school affiliation, campus, and program.
To apply for financial aid at Rutgers University, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually. The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for federal grants, loans, merit-based scholarships, and work-study offers. Additionally, it helps determine if New Jersey students are eligible for state aid. All students, including those from New Jersey, are encouraged to submit the FAFSA every year.
The university also offers institutional aid, which is financial aid provided directly by Rutgers University. This aid can be in the form of scholarships, grants, or other awards. Rutgers University's institutional aid rate is higher than the average for public schools, indicating that the university offers relatively competitive financial aid.
For students seeking to establish themselves as independent, there are a few considerations. Firstly, residency status plays a role in determining financial aid eligibility. Rutgers University defines residency based on the New Jersey Administrative Code, which considers individuals domiciled in New Jersey for at least one year prior to enrollment as in-state residents. Dependent students are presumed to have the same residency status as their parents or legal guardians. To qualify for in-state tuition rates, students may need to complete a residency analysis form and provide supporting documentation.
Additionally, tax returns can impact financial aid eligibility. Students applying for financial aid may be required to submit their tax returns, and those seeking independent status may need to provide a copy of their tax return indicating that they claim themselves as independent. Tax benefits, such as education tax credits, are also available and are based on qualified tuition and related expenses paid by the taxpayer or their dependent. These benefits may include deductions, credits, or other incentives to offset the cost of higher education.
Rutgers University provides various resources and support services for nontraditional students, including students with children, veterans, and military service members. These resources include academic advising, specialized services, scholarships, and campus housing options. Nontraditional students at Rutgers University are exempt from the requirement of full-time enrollment and may register for fewer credits without seeking additional permission. However, part-time enrollment may impact eligibility for certain benefits, including financial aid.
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Residency status
Rutgers University determines a student's residency status for tuition assessment based on the information provided in their admissions application. The Rutgers University state residency policy is governed by the New Jersey Administrative Code 9A:5, which requires that individuals be domiciled within the state of New Jersey for at least one year immediately before enrollment. Domicile is defined as an individual's true, fixed, permanent home and principal establishment, to which they intend to return whenever they are absent.
Dependent students are presumed to be domiciled in the state where their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) reside. On the other hand, residency for non-U.S. citizens is determined based on federal immigration laws. Most visa holders in the United States on a temporary visa are considered out-of-state for tuition and fee purposes, regardless of their length of residence in New Jersey.
Students who wish to petition for in-state residency or are requested to submit documentation by the Undergraduate Admissions Office must provide residency documentation. This typically includes a copy of a New Jersey driver's license or non-driver ID, a New Jersey motor vehicle registration, and a copy of a lease or deed to a New Jersey home.
Students who are eligible for VA Education Benefits under Chapters 30, 31, 33, or 35 of the GI Bill may qualify for New Jersey resident tuition rates. Additionally, students who are required to provide parent information on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) will complete the family size worksheet for dependent students. If parent information is not required on the FAFSA, independent students will complete the family size worksheet for independent students for the appropriate aid year.
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Health insurance
Rutgers University requires full-time students and all F&J Rutgers-sponsored visa students to waive or enrol in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) each semester before the deadline. Students must complete the online enrolment form before the deadline to finalise the process. Students with comprehensive health insurance may complete the waiver form each semester before the deadline. Students in “online-only” degree programmes or non-matriculated students registered for online courses only are not eligible to enrol in the SHIP.
Part-time students are not required to maintain active health insurance coverage, but they are eligible to purchase the SHIP. Rutgers Student Health (RSH) accepts all insurance plans for full-time students. Students with NJ State Medicaid or NJ Family Managed Care Policies will receive basic healthcare at Rutgers Student Health but may need to be referred back to their primary care physician for certain immunisations, procedures, or referrals. All full-time students pay a health fee as part of their tuition and fees. Insurance co-payments are pre-paid as part of this health fee and are not required at the time of the student’s visit to Student Health.
For any charges not covered by the student’s insurance carrier, Rutgers will email a billing statement to the student’s email address on file. Payments can be made by check or credit card. Credit card payments can be made directly to Rutgers Student Health’s payment portal. Summer fees apply to students who wish for health services but are not currently enrolled for summer classes.
Rutgers University also offers a voluntary DeltaCare Dental Plan, VSP Vision Care Plan, and property insurance. Students can enrol in these plans on a voluntary basis.
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Academic advising
Advisors can help students understand their options, determine resources, and identify alternatives. They can also assist in developing academic and career plans consistent with the student's interests, strengths, and ambitions. Advisors can also provide accurate information about policies, procedures, and requirements.
Students are encouraged to schedule advising appointments in advance, prepare a list of questions, and use resources like Degree Navigator to review their major/minor options. During peak periods, such as pre-registration weeks, Rutgers offers extended drop-in hours for quick questions. For longer conversations, students should email their advisor to schedule an appointment.
Students should also be aware of their responsibilities, such as keeping parents informed of plans and progress, regularly checking their Scarletmail email account for messages from advisors, and maintaining attendance as outlined in the course syllabus.
Overall, academic advising at Rutgers University is a supportive process that empowers students to make decisions, plan their academic paths, and connect with the necessary resources to achieve their goals.
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Frequently asked questions
To claim yourself as an independent student, you must submit a Verification of Non-Filing (VONF) Letter to the Office of Financial Aid with your student RU-ID on every page. You will also need to submit a signed Family Size Non-Filer Statement Form.
The New Jersey Administrative Code 9A:9-2.6 defines what qualifies a student as dependent versus independent for tuition assessment and financial aid. Dependent students are those who are presumed to be domiciled in the state where their parent(s) or guardian(s) are domiciled.
Independent students are exempted from the requirement of full-time enrollment. They can register for fewer than 12 credits in a semester without additional permission from SAS.
Rutgers University offers a range of support services for independent students, including academic advising, access to courses at different times, and specialized services for student veterans and military service members.
