Opening Doors to
Rutgers University
The 4R Society Scholarship supports deserving high school seniors from our community who are ready to begin their journey at Rutgers University — New Brunswick.
Application deadline: May 8, 2026
Our Story
The 4R Society was founded in 2014 by six Rutgers University roommates who shared a simple but powerful idea: give back to the high schools that shaped them. What began as a modest start-up scholarship has grown into an annual tradition of community investment and educational support.
Each year, the 4R Society awards $1,000 to a deserving high school senior who plans to attend Rutgers University — New Brunswick as a full-time student. The scholarship is designed to help offset the real-world expenses that come with starting college life — from textbooks and supplies to housing and transportation.
The award rotates annually among four high schools whose alumni make up the 4R Society's founding members: Hackensack High School, Rutherford High School, Roselle Park High School, and Sayreville War Memorial High School. Each school's students have the opportunity to apply in the year the scholarship is designated for their school.
For the 2026 cycle, the scholarship is open to seniors currently attending Hackensack High School.
Selection Criteria
- High school academic performance
- Demonstrated financial need
- Extracurricular activity involvement
- Short essay response
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible schools rotate each year — see FAQ for details.
- 2026 cycle: Currently attending Hackensack High School
- Enrolling at Rutgers University — New Brunswick
- Entering as a full-time student in Fall 2026
- High school senior at time of application
Apply for the Scholarship
Complete the application electronically — including the short essay.
Deadline
May 8, 2026
Before You Begin
- 1.Complete all fields in the application, including the short essay question.
- 2.To keep a copy of your responses, copy and paste your answers beforehand, or select "Send me a copy of my responses" at the end of the form.
- 3.Submit before the May 8, 2026 deadline. Late applications will not be considered.
- 4.Questions? Email us at [email protected]
If the form above does not load, you can also access it directly:
Open Application FormPaying for College
Financing your college education can feel overwhelming. Here are the key resources every high school senior should know about — from federal aid to Rutgers-specific scholarships.
Federal Financial Aid
FAFSA — Free Application for Federal Student Aid
The FAFSA is the starting point for all federal, state, and institutional financial aid. File it as early as possible — aid is often first-come, first-served.
Complete the FAFSAFederal Student Aid Overview
Learn about grants, loans, and work-study programs available through the U.S. Department of Education. Understand the difference between aid types before accepting any offer.
Explore Aid TypesPaying for College — U.S. Dept. of Education
An official guide to all federal programs, tools, and resources to help students and families plan and pay for higher education.
Visit ResourceRutgers University Financial Aid
Rutgers Costs & Financial Aid
Official Rutgers–New Brunswick page covering tuition, fees, and how to apply for financial aid. Includes information on the annual FAFSA requirement for Rutgers grants.
View Rutgers Aid InfoRutgers Merit-Based Scholarships
Rutgers offers a range of merit scholarships for incoming freshmen. Many are awarded automatically based on your application — no separate application required.
Explore ScholarshipsRutgers Grants & Need-Based Aid
Grants are awarded based on financial need and do not need to be repaid. Learn about Rutgers-specific grants and how completing the FAFSA makes you eligible.
Learn About GrantsFind Additional Scholarships
Fastweb Scholarship Search
One of the largest free scholarship search databases. Create a profile and get matched with scholarships you may be eligible for based on your background and interests.
Search ScholarshipsScholarships.com
A comprehensive database of scholarships, grants, and fellowships for students at all stages of their education. Filter by major, background, and award amount.
Find ScholarshipsCollege Board Scholarship Search
The College Board's scholarship search tool connects students with thousands of scholarships, internships, and other financial aid programs.
Search NowPro Tip: File Your FAFSA Early
The FAFSA opens on October 1st each year for the following academic year. Filing early maximizes your chances of receiving state grants and institutional aid, as many programs award funds on a first-come, first-served basis. Don't wait until spring — file as soon as possible after October 1st.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Take the Next Step?
The 4R Society Scholarship is about more than money — it's about a community of Rutgers alumni investing in the next generation. We look forward to reading your application.