N.J. gave 500 undocumented immigrants tuition money. Here’s where they are going to college.

For the first time, undocumented immigrants in New Jersey are getting some help from taxpayers in paying their college tuition.

A total of 513 immigrants living in the country illegally received $1.6 million last fall through a new state program that offers them the same college financial aid offered to U.S. citizens living in New Jersey, according to statistics released by the state Higher Education Assistance Authority.

The program is the result of a new law signed by Gov. Phil Murphy last year that makes New Jersey one of less than a dozen states in the nation offering college aid to so-called “Dreamers,” who have been living in the U.S. illegally since they were children.

“The successes of these first 513 students, who are now attending county colleges, state colleges and universities and independent institutions around the state, will have a positive impact on countless additional lives,” said David Socolow, HESAA’s executive director.

More than 1,500 applications were submitted for the fall semester, but only 1,209 came in before the deadline and were considered complete, according to the state. Of the 655 unauthorized immigrants who were approved for state aid, 513 actually enrolled in New Jersey colleges and received their grants.

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