Finding money for college shouldn't feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. If you're looking for scholarships for NJ students, you're in the right place. I've compiled this comprehensive guide to help your family navigate the scholarship landscape with confidence and clarity.
New Jersey offers over 90 scholarship opportunities throughout the year. These scholarships for NJ students range from small $100 awards to full-tuition packages worth tens of thousands of dollars. The key is knowing where to look and when to apply.
Quick Answer: New Jersey students have access to 90+ scholarships for NJ students ranging from $100 to full tuition. Many deadlines fall between January and May, with applications requiring essays, transcripts, and GPA minimums typically between 2.3 and 3.75. Use the filters below to find scholarships for NJ students by deadline month and award amount.
How to Use This Guide
I've organized all scholarships for NJ students below with interactive filters. You can search by deadline month, award amount, or both simultaneously. This helps you find opportunities that match your student's timeline and financial needs.
Click on any "Apply" button to visit the official scholarship website. Many deadlines repeat annually. If a deadline has passed, the sponsor will likely update it for the current school year. Always verify details on the official website before applying.
Filter Scholarships for NJ Students by Deadline and Amount
92 scholarships match your filters
| Scholarship Name | Amount | Deadline | Eligibility | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota National Scholarship | $60,000 | January 1st | Available for residents of any state, excluding Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Incoming freshmen are considered for this grant based on an overall assessment of the application for admission. Full consideration for academic scholarships is given to students who submit a complete application for freshman admission by either the Early Action or Regular application deadlines. Recipients must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or eligible under the Minnesota Dream Act. | Apply |
| Ford Built Tough: $1,000 Scholarship | $1,000 | January 9th | Available to students who are pursuing a two-year or four-year degree in any major. Applicants must apply online and then visit their local participating Ford Truck dealer for signature and dealer code. | Apply |
| New Jersey Firefighters Scholarship | $3,000 | January 15th | Available to incoming freshmen who are dependent children of career New Jersey firefighters who are FMBA members. | Apply |
| Seton Hall Hometown Scholarship | $4,000/yr (4 yrs) | January 15th | Available to incoming freshmen who attend a high school or have a permanent address in Essex or Passaic County, New Jersey, for at least one year. Must be Pell eligible, have an unweighted minimum high school GPA of 3.6, and submit an application for admission and FAFSA by the deadline. | Apply |
| Upward Bound Scholarship | $5,000 | January 15th | Available to incoming freshmen currently enrolled in a New Jersey Upward Bound program. Based on academic achievement. Must be Pell Grant eligible. | Apply |
| Princeton Prize in Race Relations (PPRR) | Varies | January 31st | Available to students in grades 9-12. To be considered, you must fill out both parts of the application to demonstrate how you have improved racial equity at your school. You must have a sponsor/supporter that is not a family member who knows about your efforts in improving racial equity. | Apply |
| InspirASIAN Scholarship Program | Varies | January 31st | Available to graduating high school seniors residing in New Jersey who have a minimum of a 3.40 GPA on a 4.0 scale and intend on attending an accredited college or university. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. and complete the student essay when applying. | Apply |
| The Dream.US Opportunity Scholarship | Up to $80,000 | January 31st | Available for undocumented students who live in states where they do not have access to college due to out-of-state tuition or admission restrictions. The award covers tuition, fees, on-campus housing, and meals at partner colleges out of state. | Apply |
| Rowan University Opportunity Program | Varies | February (Varies) | Available to students attending Rowan University. Applicants should check the specific requirements on the university's scholarship portal. | Apply |
| The Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship | $5,000 | February 4th | Available to a student in their fourth year of high school who has an artistic talent in one of four areas, lives in Morris County in New Jersey, and intends on attending college or a program centered on the arts. | Apply |
| The Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarship | $1,500 | February 4th | Available to a student in their fourth year of high school who has an artistic talent in one of four areas, lives in Morris County in New Jersey, and intends on attending college or a program centered on the arts. | Apply |
| Bernard Kilgore Memorial Scholarship | $5,000 | February 5th | Available to New Jersey high school seniors who are planning to pursue a career in journalism. Applicants must be New Jersey residents, have participated in high school journalism for at least two years, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. | Apply |
| Better Business Bureau Tom Hart Memorial Scholarship | $2,500 | February 15th | Available to NJ residents who personify high ethics demonstrated through academic history, integrity, personal values, leadership, and community services. Must plan to attend college in the US as a full-time student. | Apply |
| Simon Youth Foundation Greg Saunders Legacy Scholarship Program | $3,000 | February 16th | Available to candidates who are the child of a worker for the Simon Property Group who has worked with the company for a minimum of a year, be younger than 23 years old, and be a fourth-year high school student or college student intending to attend an associate's, bachelor's, or technical educational institution. | Apply |
| Herb it Forward Scholarship | Varies | February 18th | Available to residents of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or the Greater Philadelphia area counties, including Burlington County in New Jersey. Open to students graduating high school, completing homeschooling, or who previously received a GED, applying to accredited programs at colleges in the United States. | Apply |
| Live Out Loud Scholarships | Varies | February 27th | Available for students who live in the NYC Tri-State Area (NY, CT, and NJ) and identify as LGBTQ. | Apply |
| Elizabeth A. Allen/Isabelle M. Hickman (IMH) Scholarship | $6,000 | February 28th | Available for students who have graduated from a NJ public school, have a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher and be accepted by a four-year institution. | Apply |
| Fred Aug Memorial Scholarship | $1,000 | February 28th | Available to an eligible student interested in continuing their education at a community college. Must be accepted to community college and have a minimum GPA of 2.75 or higher. | Apply |
| Walter P. Krichling Jr. Trade, Vocational, or Career & Technical Education Program Scholarship | $1,000 | February 28th | Available to a student who will be attending a trade/vocational program to earn a certification in a vocational field. Must be accepted to a vocational/trade program and have a minimum GPA of 2.3 or higher. | Apply |
| The Ricigliano & Filopei Scholarship for TBI Survivors | $1,500 | February 28th | Available to current college students and prospective students that are residents of New York or New Jersey, and who have experienced a traumatic brain injury. | Apply |
| Tall Clubs International Student Scholarships | Varies | March (Varies) | Available to students who meet the height requirements of Tall Clubs International (6' for men, 5'10" for women) and are entering their first year of higher education. | Apply |
| TRSRM Foundation Scholarship | Varies | March 1st | Available to Hispanic/Latinx high school seniors who attend school in the NY/NJ area. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of minimum 2.8 and 80 hours of recorded community service. | Apply |
| SOULE Foundation Scholarship | Up to $2,500 | March 1st | Available to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) youth of color who are pursuing a college degree. Open to graduating high school seniors from the Tri-State area (New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey). | Apply |
| Sharing Network Foundation Scholarship | Varies | March 2nd | Available to graduating high school seniors who advocate for and/or whose lives have been touched by organ and tissue donation and transplantation. | Apply |
| Federal Employee Education Assistance Fund | Varies | March 14th | Available for children, step-children or legal dependents under the age of 25 of full- or part-time permanent federal civilian or postal employees. Also open to children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of members of NARFE. | Apply |
| NJCTS Youth Scholarship Program | $1,000 | March 15th | Available to graduating New Jersey high school seniors in public or private school who have been diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome and will be attending a college. | Apply |
| AAA South Jersey Scholarship Contest | $2,500 | March 18th | Available to high school seniors who live in Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, or Salem County and want to attend an accredited two- or four-year institution. | Apply |
| Van Doren Scholars | Varies | March 21st | Available for Somerset County, NJ residents who exhibit a lifelong incentive to learn and evidence of strong moral character. Preference to residents of Peapack-Gladstone. | Apply |
| NJ Wrestling Officials Association Scholarship | Varies | March 28th | Available for senior wrestlers with at least a C+ average who participated in either a minimum of two years varsity or one-year varsity after two years junior varsity. | Apply |
| The Greater Mercer Scholarship | Full Tuition (1 yr) | March 31st | Available to a student who lives in Mercer County in New Jersey and who has displayed a passion to help their community. | Apply |
| The Hearthstone Housing Foundation's Scholarship Fund | $500 to $5,000 | March 31st | Available to applicants who demonstrate financial need, are 15-25 years of age, and reside at a Hearthstone Housing Foundation property or in a county where a Hearthstone property is located. | Apply |
| Jonathan Daniels Scholarship | $500 to half-tuition | April 1st | Available for high school and college students in New Jersey to increase diversity and encourage service to under-served groups. | Apply |
| Dorothea's House Scholarship Program | Varies | April 1st | Available based on achievement, character, motivation, and financial need to permanent residents of Princeton attending two or four-year colleges. | Apply |
| Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation Scholarship | Varies | April 1st | Available to cancer patients and survivors who had a diagnosis prior to age 21. Applicants must be permanent residents of New York City or select counties in New Jersey, North Florida, or South Georgia. | Apply |
| Connections for the Future Scholarship | $1,000 | April 1st | Available for high school seniors receiving special education services through an IEP or 504 plan in specific NJ counties, including Somerset, pursuing post-secondary education or vocational training. | Apply |
| Cathay Bank Foundation Scholarship Program | $1,000 | April 2nd | Available to high school seniors residing in NJ (and other select states) planning to attend an accredited 4-year college or community college as a full-time student. | Apply |
| Richard Drukker Memorial Scholarship | $2,000 | April 3rd | Available to Montclair State University students who are journalism majors, minors, or staff members of The Montclarion, entering as full-time students. | Apply |
| The League Foundation Scholarships | Varies | April (Varies) | Available for students who openly identify as LGBTQ and have a 3.0 GPA. | Apply |
| A. Myrtle Hensor Teaching Scholarship | $1,000 | April 15th | Available to female graduating PHS seniors who are planning to pursue a career in education at a four-year college, two-year college, or vocational school. | Apply |
| Louise Maas Allied Health Professions Scholarship | $1,000 | April 15th | Available to female graduating PHS seniors of good character and with a desire to pursue a career in the allied health professions at a four-year college, two-year college, or vocational school. | Apply |
| Mary Elliott Wislar Memorial Scholarship | Varies (2 yrs) | April 15th | Available for graduating high school seniors who reside in Mercer County and will be continuing their studies at a four-year college, two-year college, or vocational school. Students must exhibit leadership and show financial need. | Apply |
| Cranbury Arts Council – Excellence in the Arts | $500 to $1,000 | April 15th | Available to graduating high school seniors who reside in Cranbury, NJ. This is a merit-based award open to students dedicated to visual arts, film, photography, music, theater, dance, or poetry. | Apply |
| The Land Conservatory of New Jersey Scholarship Program | $7,500 | April 15th | Available to New Jersey residents pursuing degrees in environmental science, natural resource management, conservation, or related fields. Students must be currently enrolled in an accredited college with at least 15 credits completed and a GPA of 3.0 or higher. | Apply |
| Princeton Post #76 American Legion Henry P. Frank Scholarship | $1,000/yr | April 15th | Available to graduating high school seniors residing in Princeton or West Windsor Twp. who are descendants of a war veteran or person who served in the Armed Forces during wartime. | Apply |
| NJ School Buildings and Grounds Association Scholarship | $1,000 | April 17th | Available to any senior entering a two or four-year school. Includes a specific award for children of Facility Managers in good standing with the Association. | Apply |
| Somerset County School Nurses Association Scholarship | $1,000 | April 19th | Available for Somerset County residents planning to pursue a degree in nursing at a school that offers an undergraduate program in Nursing. | Apply |
| Bergen County Irish Association Scholarship | $500 to $1,000 | April 21st | Available to all graduating high school seniors in Bergen County planning to attend an institution of higher learning. Awarded based on an essay promoting Irish culture. | Apply |
| Builders League Scholarship Foundation | Varies (Total $11,000) | April 24th | Available to students from Southern New Jersey (Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, or Salem counties) pursuing fields in real estate development and construction. | Apply |
| Valley Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship | Varies | April 27th | Available to students planning to pursue a career in a health-related field who reside in towns served by The Valley Hospital or are children of Auxiliary members, with 200 hours of volunteer service. | Apply |
| The Sandra M. Glazier Scholarship Fund | Up to $20,000 | April 15th | Available to students from Ocean or Monmouth Counties who have cancer or a parent with cancer, require financial assistance, and have displayed academic success and community leadership. | Apply |
| UNICO National Scholarships | Varies | April 15th | Available to high school students of Italian descent who are residents of Rutherford or other participating chapters. | Apply |
| 101:, Inc. Scholarship | $500 to $10,000 | April 15th | Available to Princeton High School seniors or graduating juniors accepted to a two or four-year college or technical school. Based solely on financial need. | Apply |
| The Woman's Club of Cranbury Scholarship | $2,000 | April 30th | Available to Cranbury Township students entering their first year of post-secondary education who demonstrate commitment to community involvement. | Apply |
| Benjamin Venezia Memorial Scholarship | $1,000 | May 1st | Available to a New Jersey resident graduating high school who excels in academics and is actively involved in community service. | Apply |
| New Jersey Hall of Fame Arête Scholarship | $5,000 | May 1st | Available to a deserving male and female student graduating from a New Jersey high school. | Apply |
| John Lepping Memorial Scholarship | Up to $5,000 | May 1st | Available to students residing in NY, NJ, or PA who have a physical or psychological disability and are seeking to further their education. | Apply |
| The NJACD Memorial Conservation Scholarship Fund | Varies | May 1st | Available to New Jersey residents who are full-time undergraduate students majoring in agriculture or natural resource conservation. | Apply |
| The Discover Penn State Award | $6,000 | May 1st | Available to first-year students who are residents of NJ (and other select states) who enroll at one of Penn State's 20 Commonwealth Campuses. | Apply |
| 200 Club of Bergen County Affiliation Scholarships | Varies | May 1st | Available to children or stepchildren of active, retired, or deceased Bergen County law enforcement officers, firefighters, or ambulance corps members. | Apply |
| New Jersey Elks Vocational Scholarship | $1,000 | May 14th | Available to graduating high school students or those within four years of a diploma/GED who are U.S. citizens and New Jersey residents. | Apply |
| New Jersey Part-Time Tuition Aid Grant for County College Students | Varies | May 15th | Available to eligible students enrolled for between 6-11 credits at a New Jersey county college who demonstrate financial need and have been NJ residents for 12 months. | Apply |
| Music in the Somerset Hills Young Musicians Scholarship | $1,000 | May 15th | Available for students from Somerset, Hunterdon, Morris, or Union County pursuing a major in music. | Apply |
| The Green Brook Lions Club Scholarship | $1,500 | May 15th | Available to students who demonstrate academic achievement, good character, and involvement in community service, particularly with the handicapped or infirm. | Apply |
| North Jersey Branch Scholarship (Civil Engineering) | $1,500 | May 5th | Available to high school seniors residing in the North Jersey Branch jurisdiction (Sussex, Warren, Morris, Passaic, Bergen, Essex, Union, or Hudson Counties) pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. | Apply |
| Donald and Itasker Thornton Memorial Scholarship | Varies | May 7th | Available to deserving young females of color (African-American, Latino-American, Caribbean-American, Native American, etc.) from public high schools in NJ. | Apply |
| Dr. David C. Tudor Memorial Scholarship | $1,500 | May 10th | Available to Cranbury high school seniors or college students majoring in Science at an accredited college. Based on academic merit. | Apply |
| NJREF Chairman's Hospitality Management Scholarship | $1,000 | June 1st | Available to a NJ student pursuing a career in Hospitality Management enrolled in an accredited institution of higher learning. | Apply |
| Greater New York Chinese Community Dollars for Scholars | $1,000 to $20,000 | June 1st | Available to high school seniors of Chinese heritage who live in the greater New York area (NY, NJ, CT). Applicants must have a 3.5 GPA, be full-time students, and demonstrate leadership or community service. | Apply |
| The Dawna J Colbert & John Fitzpatrick Scholarship | Varies | June 3rd | Available to graduating high school seniors residing in New Jersey with a minimum 3.0 GPA pursuing a major in Computing or Information Technology. | Apply |
| Nacca Scholarship | Varies | June 15th | Available to residents of New Jersey between the ages of 18 and 45 who have a permanent physical disability and are anticipating enrollment in an educational or vocational training program. This provides aid for tuition, books, equipment, and transportation. | Apply |
| The Governor's STEM Scholars | Varies | June 14th | Available to New Jersey-based students entering 10th grade through doctoral level with a passion for STEM and a GPA of 3.5 or higher. | Apply |
| The BigSun Organization Scholarship | $500 | June 19th | Available to high school seniors or post-secondary students who are athletes, regardless of the sport or capacity in which they participate. | Apply |
| SFIC Tuition Assistance | Varies | June 13th | Available to parents/guardians of students in grades K-12 from low-income families planning to enroll in a private or parochial school in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, or Union counties. | Apply |
| The Hearts for Community Service Scholarship | $5,000 | June 30th | Available to students who live in one of 16 states including New Jersey, have a GPA of 2.75 or higher, and have engaged in an abundant amount of volunteer work in their community. | Apply |
| John Sexton Essay Contest | $50 to $1,000 | June 30th | Available to high school students across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. This is an essay contest that includes a mentorship opportunity with NYU President Emeritus John Sexton and SAT tutoring from Sentia Education. | Apply |
| New Jersey Elks Family Scholarship | $900 | June 30th | Available to children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of New Jersey Elks. Open to high school seniors and college students. | Apply |
| Fox Pest Control Scholarship | $2,000 | August 1st | Available to students who are 18 years of age, enrolled or planning to go to college, with a high school GPA of 2.5 or higher. Applicants must exemplify core values of building community relationships and providing service to those in need. | Apply |
| New Jersey Foster Care Scholars | Varies (Tuition & Fees) | September 1st | Available to high school seniors or GED recipients who are currently in foster care or were previously in foster care and are now in adoptive or legal guardianship homes. Provides assistance for tuition and fees at a public New Jersey college or vocational school. | Apply |
| The New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship (NJ STARS) | Varies (Covers Tuition) | September 15th | Available to New Jersey residents who rank in the top 15.0% of their class at the end of either junior or senior year of high school. The award covers the cost of tuition at New Jersey's community colleges for up to five semesters. | Apply |
| Live Poet's Society of New Jersey | $100 to $500 | September 30th | Based in NJ, but open to all students. Applicants must submit an original poem for the chance to win an award and publication credit. | Apply |
| Association for Iron & Steel Technology Scholarships | Varies | October (Varies) | Available to students pursuing careers in the iron and steel industry. Specific requirements depend on the individual scholarship category within the association. | Apply |
| New Jersey State Golf Association Caddie Scholarship | Varies | October (Varies) | Available to students who have served as a caddie at a New Jersey State Golf Association member club for at least two seasons. | Apply |
| New Jersey Survivor Tuition Benefits Program | Up to cost of attendance | October 1st | Available to the child or spouse of a New Jersey firefighter, emergency worker, or law enforcement officer who was killed in the line of duty. Covers tuition at a public or independent school in New Jersey. | Apply |
| World Trade Center Scholarship | Varies | October 1st | Available to the child of a New Jersey resident who was killed, is missing, or died as a result of exposure following the events of September 11, 2001. Applicants must be full-time students at a Title IV-eligible institution. | Apply |
| University of Alabama Out-of-State Merit Scholarships | $6,000 up to full tuition | November 1st | Available to qualifying out-of-state incoming freshmen with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Award varies based on academic performance and supporting documents. | Apply |
| Forman Scholars Program | Up to $50,000 | November 18th | Available to seniors in high school who are current residents of Salem City or attend high school in Salem City. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, be part of the Foundation's Acorn Fund, and complete the FAFSA. | Apply |
| NJCPA High School Scholarship | $1,500 | December 11th | Available to college-bound New Jersey high school seniors intending to major in accounting. Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, an essay, and a personal interview. | Apply |
| New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) | $200 to $2,750/yr | Varies | Available to students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds who attend participating institutions of higher education in the State of New Jersey. Provides financial assistance and support services like counseling and tutoring. | Apply |
| The Governor's Urban Scholarship Program | $1,000 | Varies | Available to students who reside in specific urban communities, are ranked within the top 5% of their high school class, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA at the end of their junior year. | Apply |
| Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant | Varies | Varies | Available to students whose parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. armed forces and died as a result of performing military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11. | Apply |
| New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship II (NJ STARS II) | Varies | Varies | Available to successful NJ STARS scholars who transfer to a New Jersey four-year public or non-public college or university to earn a bachelor's degree. | Apply |
| Young Christian Leaders Scholarship | $1,000 | Varies | Available to graduating high school seniors and current undergraduate students who live in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut. Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate dedication to the Christian faith. | Apply |
Making the Most of Scholarships for NJ Students
I've worked with families who applied to 30 scholarships and won eight of them. Their secret wasn't luck — it was strategy. They treated scholarship applications like a part-time job, dedicating specific hours each week to research, writing, and submitting applications.
Start with scholarships for NJ students where your student is a perfect fit. If they're a first-generation college student, prioritize those. If they have a specific major in mind, focus on field-specific awards. If they're involved in community service, highlight those scholarships.
Keep a spreadsheet with deadline dates, required materials, and essay prompts. Many scholarships ask similar questions, so your student can adapt one strong essay for multiple applications rather than starting from scratch each time.
Most importantly, apply even if your student doesn't meet every single requirement. Scholarship committees are looking for students who stand out in some way — whether that's through leadership, overcoming adversity, academic achievement, or community impact.
New Jersey State Financial Aid Programs
Beyond the individual scholarships listed above, New Jersey students benefit from a strong suite of state-funded programs. The Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) is one of the nation's most generous need-based aid programs, available to eligible NJ residents attending approved in-state colleges. The NJ STARS program covers community college tuition for students who graduate in the top 15% of their high school class, and NJ STARS II supports those same students as they transfer to a four-year institution.
The New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) serves students from disadvantaged backgrounds with both financial assistance and academic support services. Students who qualify should apply through their college's EOF office. New Jersey also offers the Governor's Urban Scholarship for students in select urban communities who rank in the top 5% of their class.
For families affected by military service, the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant and the World Trade Center Scholarship provide meaningful support. First responder families should look closely at the New Jersey Survivor Tuition Benefits Program, which covers tuition for children and spouses of firefighters, emergency workers, and law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
County-Specific Opportunities for NJ Students
New Jersey's scholarship landscape is particularly rich at the county level. Students in Bergen County should explore the Bergen County Irish Association Scholarship and the 200 Club's awards for first responder families. Mercer County students have access to several Princeton Area Community Foundation scholarships, including the Greater Mercer Scholarship covering full tuition for one year. Somerset County residents should check Van Doren Scholars, the Somerset County School Nurses Association award, and the Music in the Somerset Hills scholarship. Students in Morris County can apply for the Elaine Ehlers and Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarships. South Jersey families in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, or Salem counties should look at both the AAA South Jersey Scholarship and the Builders League Scholarship Foundation.
What to Do Next
Use the filters above to identify five to ten scholarships for NJ students that match your student's timeline and qualifications. Set aside time this week to start the first three applications. The sooner you begin, the more opportunities you'll have time to pursue.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the college admissions process, we can help. At Stand Out College Prep, we work with families to create a comprehensive plan that includes scholarship strategy, application support, and financial aid guidance.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss how we can support your family through this process.
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