Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG)

Not sure what you want to study? You’re not alone. Lots of students start college still figuring it out.

Your Student Services Specialist can help you explore career paths and choose a major that fits your goals. We've categorized our majors into nine Guided Pathways that can help you determine your college concentration.

Want to start on your own? Try our free online tool Career Coach to match your interests with real jobs and salaries. 

Explore Career Coach

Explore Atlantic Cape's Guided Pathways

Applying is free and it’s the first step toward your future.

You can fill out the application at home, on your phone, or at a kiosk on campus.

Just visit atlanticcape.edu/apply to get started.

Good news: We’re an open enrollment college, which means you’re in.

Apply Now

Once you apply, you’ll get a go-to person to walk you through the rest when you visit our campuses.

They’ll help with everything from placement testing to choosing classes.

If you don’t have SAT, ACT, or transcripts, we may ask you to take a placement test.

No stress. It’s not pass or fail. It just helps us place you in the right course.

Testing Center

College costs less than you think, especially with financial aid.

Filling out the FAFSA is free and it’s the key to grants, state aid, and even tuition-free college.

Start your FAFSA at studentaid.gov and use Atlantic Cape’s school code: 002596. 

Not a U.S. citizen? No problem - you may still qualify for financial aid through New Jersey. Just complete the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application instead of the FAFSA.

Need help? We’ve got you. Just ask your Specialist or stop by the One-Stop.

Start FAFSA

Visit our Financial Aid department

Now it’s time to build your schedule.

You can register online through your Atlantic Cape Connect portal via the Self Service card or meet with your Specialist in person.

We’ll make sure you stay on track with your goals and have a schedule that works for your life.

Want to see the schedule for the upcoming semesters? Visit our Course Catalog & Class Schedules page. NOTE: Atlantic Cape Connect keeps the most up-to-date class schedules.

Register for Classes

Course Catalog & Class Schedules

To reserve your spot in class, you’ll need to make a payment, apply for aid, or set up a payment plan.

 If you apply for financial aid, payment is not due until your award is processed.

You can take care of it all through Atlantic Cape Connect or at the Bursar’s Office. Check out our Cost and Payments page for more information.

We accept all major cards, E-Check, and cash. Payment plans are available for fall and spring semesters.

Pay in Atlantic Cape Connect

If you have already completed your Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) and the supplemental New Jersey state questions or your Alternative Application for New Jersey Dreamers, you will be automatically considered for CCOG  eligibility. Remember, you must be enrolled for 6-18 credits for the semester to receive your grant.

No, you do not have register first, but you do have to apply to Atlantic Cape. We recommend you enroll early, so that you can secure your position in the classes that you want. 

Yes, this grant is good for any credit classes, including those online or at any of our three campus locations.

Yes, the CCOG is for eligible students with an adjusted gross income of $65,000 or less who take 6-18 credits and have applied for federal and state grant aid. 

This grant should cover up to the combined costs of tuition and approved educational fees for up to 18 credit hours per semester. The maximum award for each college shall be capped at an amount no more than 2% greater than the equivalent amounts of tuition and fees the institution charged in academic year 2023-2024. Approved educational fees are not to exceed $1,500 per semester per student.   

If you are a returning student, you currently must meet minimum standards for academic performance and academic progress. Find out more information from the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) on eligibility.

Yes, you must have a declared major to be eligible for CCOG benefits. However, you can change your major at anytime in your Self Service student portal. 

Need help changing, or selecting your major? Visit any of our One-Stop Welcome Center locations where our Student Services Specialists can walk you through the process and help you determine which Atlantic Cape program will best serve your learning needs and career goals.

Schedule an appointment with a Student Services Specialist or check-in at the One-Stop Welcome center kiosk using the button below.

One-Step Welcome Center Information

Unfortunately, no – this grant only applies to credit classes. If you think our non-credit classes are a better fit for your needs, please visit our continuing education site to learn more about the options available to you.

Yes. This grant is good for any credit classes, including those in our Academy of Culinary Arts program.

While there could be some extenuating circumstances that would disqualify you, we expect the majority of our applicants that meet the state’s criteria will receive the grant benefit. Find out more information from the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) on eligibility.

The CCOG is a statewide initiative for any interested student that meets the eligibility requirements and goes through the application process. If your selected major is not offered in your home county, you may still be eligible. Programs that may still be eligible include those within the Academy of Culinary Arts and Drone Pilot and Technician.

Please email Atlantic Cape using the button below or find out more information from the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) to see if you are eligible.

Email Atlantic Cape

No. You are only eligible for CCOG funds if you haven't yet earned a degree.

You may file an appeal with the NJ Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) within 60 days of notification of eligibility or ineligibility.

Please visit the HESSA website for more information.