What You Should Know About Graduating From College in New Jersey
New Jersey’s thriving economy means graduates will have their pick of fulfilling careers. Recent data shows that many of New Jersey’s hardworking residents are employed in trade, transportation, and utilities positions. These positions account for 872,200 jobs, but there are many other employment options. Professional and business careers, health and education services, government jobs, and retail positions comprise the other four spots in New Jersey’s top five industries.
For workers with bachelor’s degrees, the list of growing careers is a diverse one. The number of positions for animal scientists, for example, is expected to increase by 100% by 2030. Other careers that should see rapid growth include agents and talent managers, coaches and scouts, athletic trainers, and museum technicians and conservators.
Employers in New Jersey are looking for graduates from all disciplines. Some of New Jersey’s largest employers include the research department at the New Jersey Medical School, United Airlines, Samsung Electronics, Resorts Casino Hotel, and Princeton University.
What’s Next?
Many students turn to financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans to pay for college. If you’re considering calling one of New Jersey’s universities home for the next four years, you need to know what aid the state provides.
- New Jersey’s Higher Education State Assistance Authority (HESAA). HESAA helps direct students to grants and scholarships they may be eligible for and breaks down filing deadlines. It also provides students with the New Jersey Financial Aid Management System (NJFAMS).
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many universities require students to fill out the federal government’s financial aid form, known as FAFSA, before they can decide your eligibility for aid. You can also determine your own eligibility with the FAFSA4caster. There are numerous FAFSA deadlines, so be sure to fill out their online form early in your college search.
- CareerOneStop. Through CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor provides a comprehensive list of local, state, and federal aid awards for students. Students can filter the results by degree type, state, and the type of award — scholarship, grant, loan, prize, or fellowship.