Scholarships
Atlantic Cape receives generous donations and raises funds through our Foundation so that a wide range of scholarships are available for both new and current students. The Atlantic Cape Community College Foundation is dedicated to serving Atlantic Cape's mission by providing financial support to the college and its students. We understand the need for scholarships to help with college costs throughout your time here, and we have many scholarships available to help with tuition, fees, and books.
Our annual scholarship campaign for students returning to Atlantic Cape or transferring to another institution will open again in the Fall semester. Last year, we awarded over $590,000 to our new and returning students! We have awards available to students based on GPA, county of residence, community service, and major. Please make sure to check your Buccaneer email account regularly for updates.
Incoming students starting courses for the first time in the Fall 2025 semester do not need to complete a scholarship application. Scholarships are awarded based on criteria on a first-come, first-served basis. Students will be notified in July if they are recipients. We encourage students to register early.
OceanFirst Bank has donated $25,000 to Atlantic Cape Community College for our Incoming and Returning students for the Fall 2025 semester. To apply, students will need to have a minimum 3.0 G.P.A., enroll at Atlantic Cape for at least 6 credits in the Fall 2025 semester, have the 2025/2026 FAFSA application completed and reside within the OceanFirst footprint. New students will also need to submit a current copy of their high school or college transcript. The deadline to submit your OceanFirst Bank scholarship application is Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Email your completed application to scholarship@atlanticcape.edu. Visit here to learn more about the OceanFirst Bank Foundation.
If you still have questions after visiting our Scholarship FAQ below, don't hesitate to contact the Financial Aid Office at (609) 343-5082 or 625-1111, ext. 5082, or email Financial Aid. In Cape May County, call (609) 463-4774, ext. 5082.
Scholarship FAQs
Returning students:
Our annual campaign for the Fall 2025 semester closed on March 3, 2025. Our next annual campaign for the Fall 2026 semester will open in December. Enrolled students will receive an email notification with details on how to apply during the Fall semester.
New students:
After completing your Atlantic Cape application, submitting your high school transcript to Admissions and completing your FAFSA, students are automatically considered for scholarship opportunities, no separate application required. Incoming scholarships are awarded based off of criteria on a first come, first serve basis. Award notifications will be sent to your Buccaneer Email in July.
Our scholarships are donated to or raised by Atlantic Cape Community College and the Atlantic Cape Foundation. Foundation funds provide college scholarships to students with financial need, capital for campus improvements, and cultural and educational community outreach programs. In its history, the Foundation has raised well over $6 million for college scholarships, academic programs, and it has enhanced the campus environment. All of our awards are contingent upon donor participation and vary each year. Our Scholarship Committee chooses recipients from the scholarship applications.
The criteria vary according to the donor's wishes. Many require a minimum GPA, some specify financial need, and some are for a specific major, county of residence, community service or veteran status. There is even one for students who just love the beach!
No; however, if you wish to be considered for a "need-based" scholarship, you must provide us with your financial information. If you applied for Financial Aid (FAFSA) and applied to the College, we populate that information for you! We encourage you to apply for financial aid because you may be eligible. Did you know that many students lose out on grants because they apply because they don't think they are eligible?
Yes. Atlantic Cape subscribes to a scholarship search engine called FASTWEB. Click on Internet Links & Documents for FASTWEB and other links. You will need to answer several questions about yourself, including, major, hobbies, interests, etc. The search engine will seek out any scholarship you meet the criteria for and instruct you on how to apply.
Yes. Our scholarship programs do not restrict Dreamers from applying for scholarships. And, did you know that Governor Murphy approved a bill so Dreamers can apply for State Grants. Click here for more information for New Jersey State Aid for Dreamers.