Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) 2010
(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 assistance, the New Jersey EOF Program also makes college affordable for students who 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 2010 |
| Household Size (including student) | Family Gross Income Does Not Exceed |
| 1 | $21,660 |
| 2 | $29,140 |
| 3 | $36,620 |
| 4 | $44,100 |
| 5 | $51,580 |
| 6 | $59,060 |
| 7 | $66,540 |
| 8 | $74,020 |
| ** | For each additional member of the household add $7,480. |
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 noncitizens with valid Alien Registration Receipt Cards (I-151, I-551, I-551C, I-94, I-94A, or T-visa (T-1, T-2, T-3, etc.) with refugee status or asylum granted) indicating that you and your parents have been U.S. 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. Your parents must not be 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 2010-2011 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority filing date of March 15, 2010, and be sure 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 the financial aid office at any Rutgers campus. To file your FAFSA online, you and your parent or guardian each must obtain a Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Back to Top 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-, six-, or seven-week summer program. These programs ease the transition from high school to college. 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 2010.
Back to Top 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 assist 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 resources are available to help you.
Back to Top 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, based on your 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, 2010 as possible to meet the priority application date of March 15, 2010. Visit the
Rutgers Office of Financial Aid web site for more information.
Back to Top
Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program Application
The information on the EOF application is used to make a preliminary determination of students' eligibility for the New Jersey EOF Program.
