Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF)
(Only for first-year students who are New Jersey residents)
Educational Opportunity Fund Mission Statement
The New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program contributes to the development of a college-educated public. In partnership with Rutgers, the New Jersey EOF Program provides access to higher education and support for highly-motivated students who exhibit the potential for success, but who come from economically and educationally disadvantaged families/communities. Accordingly, the New Jersey EOF Program supports innovative educational initiatives, supplemental instruction, support services and leadership development activities to improve students’ academic performance. In concert with other sources of financial aid, the New Jersey EOF Program also makes college affordable for students who otherwise would find the costs of higher education prohibitive.
Back to Top Eligibility Requirements
Generally, families who have accumulated assets do not qualify for financial assistance through the New Jersey EOF Program. To be considered, you and your family must have a documented history of academic and financial disadvantage and meet the income guidelines listed below.
| EOF Income Eligibility Scale 2012 |
| Household Size (including student) | Family Gross Income Does Not Exceed |
| 1 | $21,780 |
| 2 | $29,420 |
| 3 | $37,060 |
| 4 | $44,700 |
| 5 | $52,340 |
| 6 | $59,980 |
| 7 | $67,620 |
| 8 | $75,260 |
| ** | For each additional member of the household add $7,640. |
If you meet these income guidelines, you also must meet the following requirements:
- 1. You and your parents must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens with valid Permanent Resident Card (I-551, or I-551C), I-94 (with refugee status or asylum granted), or T-visa (T-1, T-2, T-3, etc.) indicating that you and your parents have been permanent residents for at least one year prior to fall semester enrollment. You and your parents must also be New Jersey residents for at least one year prior to fall semester enrollment.
- 2. You must be a first-generation college student (i.e. your parents are not four-year college graduates).
- 3. You must have received a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma by the time you register at Rutgers.
- 4. You must complete the 2012-2013 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority filing date of March 15, 2012. Ensure that Rutgers receives your FAFSA from the federal processor by including the Rutgers federal school code 002629 in step 5 (online) or step 6 (paper). You can complete and submit your FAFSA online, or you can obtain the paper FAFSA from your high school guidance office, the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 800/4FEDAID, or any one of the regional financial aid office at Rutgers. To file your FAFSA online, you and your parent or guardian each must obtain a Personal Identification Number (PIN).
- 5. You must submit all requested documents to the Rutgers' Office of Financial Aid prior to the start of the EOF Summer Institute to complete the FAFSA verification process. In addition, if you are selected for State Verification by the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA), you must also submit all requested documents directly to HESAA to ensure eligibility for both TAG (Tuition Aid Grant) and EOF grants. For additional information about state aid eligibility, you may contact HESAA at 1-800-792-8670 or visit hesaa.org.
Back to Top EOF Summer Institute
The New Jersey EOF Program can help you before and during college.
If you are admitted to one of Rutgers' undergraduate schools as an EOF student, you must attend a free five-to six-week summer program that eases the transition from high school to college and sharpens your English, math, and science skills. You’ll meet new friends, and your Summer Institute educational expenses will be paid for. Your successful completion of the EOF Summer Institute, which begins toward the end of the June 2012, is a requirement for fall semester enrollment at Rutgers.
Back to Top Advising/Counseling
Before the fall semester begins, your EOF advisers will help you plan an academic program to meet your interests and needs. You will be supported by tutorial services and a special staff of academic, career, and peer counselors so you’ll be able to identify your academic strengths, overcome any limitations, and define careers that interest you. In addition, all of the university's other resources are available to help you succeed at Rutgers.
Back to Top Financial Assistance
Although the New Jersey EOF Program can provide financial help, you and your family will be asked to contribute to the costs of your education. EOF students receive both TAG (Tuition Aid Grant) and EOF grants from the state of New Jersey. In addition, qualified students are eligible to receive grants from the federal government and Rutgers. Financial assistance will vary depending on your need as determined by the FAFSA and the availability of funds.
To receive an official offer of financial assistance from Rutgers that includes the EOF grant, the TAG, and other need-based aid programs, you should submit your FAFSA to the federal processor as soon after January 1, 2012 as possible to meet the priority application date of March 15, 2012. Visit the
Rutgers Office of Financial Aid website for more information.
Back to Top Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program Application
The EOF Application is included in the Undergraduate Admissions Application online. The EOF application also may be downloaded in Portable Document Format (PDF):
The information applicants provide on the EOF application is used to make a preliminary determination of students' eligibility for the New Jersey EOF Program. Final acceptance into the New Jersey EOF Program is contingent upon the results of the required Free Application for Federal Student Aid (
FAFSA).
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