Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) 2008
(For First-Year Students who are New Jersey Residents Only)

Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Mission Statement
Eligibility Requirements
EOF Income Eligibility Scale
Summer Institute
Advising/Counseling
Financial Assistance
Educational Opportunity Fund Questionnaire

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’ chances of academic success. In concert with other sources of financial assistance, the New Jersey EOF Program also makes college affordable for students who find the costs of higher education prohibitive.

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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.

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If you meet these income guidelines, you also must meet the following requirements:

1. You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen with a valid Alien Registration Receipt Card (I-151, I-551, I-551C, or I-94 with refugee status or asylum granted) indicating that you have been a permanent resident for at least one year prior to fall semester enrollment and you have been a New Jersey resident 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 for college.

4. You must complete the 2008-2009 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority filing date of March 15, 2008, and be sure that Rutgers receives your FAFSA from the federal processor by including the Rutgers federal school code 002629 in step 6. 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 offices at Rutgers. To file your FAFSA online, you must obtain your Personal Identification Number (PIN).

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Summer Institute

The New Jersey EOF Program can help you both before and during college. If you are admitted to one of Rutgers’ undergraduate colleges as an EOF student, you must attend a free five-, six-, or seven-week summer program. These programs ease the transition from high school to college and sharpen your English, math, and science skills. You’ll meet new friends, and your Summer Institute tuition and other educational expenses will be paid for. The EOF Summer Institutes will begin toward the end of June 2008.

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Advising/Counseling

Before the fall semester begins, your EOF advisors will help you plan an academic program to meet your interests and needs. Your undergraduate college will provide you with tutorial services and a special staff of academic, career, and peer counselors. With this support, you’ll be able to identify your academic strengths, overcome limitations, and define career fields that interest you. All of the university’s other resources also are available to help you.

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Financial Assistance

Although the New Jersey EOF Program can provide financial help, you and your family are asked to contribute as much as you can reasonably afford. 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 grant assistance from the federal government and Rutgers. Financial assistance will vary depending upon 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 grant, and other need-based aid programs, you should submit your FAFSA to the federal processor as soon after January 1, 2008 as possible to meet the priority application date of March 15, 2008. Visit the Rutgers Office of Financial Aid web site for more information.


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