As a first-generation college student, I am very happy to be able to pursue higher education and challenge myself. It means the world to me that I was able to receive financial help. – Brookdale Community College Scholarship Recipient

OceanFirst Foundation has a long-standing tradition of supporting higher education. Each year, the Foundation awards grants to local Colleges and Universities for the purpose of awarding scholarships. In the previous fourteen years of the Ocean First Scholarship Program, $4+ million has been awarded to more than 2,800 students from across OceanFirst Bank’s footprint to help them pursue their dream of higher education.

In 2024, we’re awarding $270,000 to our partner schools – Atlantic Cape Community College, Brookdale Community College, Georgian Court University, Monmouth University, Ocean County College, Rowan College South Jersey, Rowan University, Stockton University, and The College of New Jersey to provide scholarships for direct educational expenses to students in any year of undergraduate study. OceanFirst Scholarship recipients at Community Colleges receive $1,000 awards and students attending the 4-year public and private Universities receive $2,500 awards.

Each College/University evaluates all scholarship applications and selects recipients based on the school’s existing policies and procedures for awarding scholarships. Selection decisions are made completely independent of OceanFirst Foundation. Representatives from OceanFirst Bank and OceanFirst Foundation, including all employees and board members, do not participate in the selection process.

2024 Application Process is CLOSED. Check back in 2025! 

2024 OceanFirst Scholarship Application (PDF Version)

2024 OceanFirst Scholarship Application (Word FORM)

2024 Scholarship Program Application FINAL24