New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund

Scholarship Sponsored by Office of the Secretary of Higher Education

The New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) provides financial assistance and support services (e.g. counseling, tutoring, and developmental course work) to students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds who attend participating institutions of higher education in the State of New Jersey. Undergraduate grants range from $200 annually to $3,050 annually depending on the type of institution and financial need. These grants are renewable based upon continued eligibility.

Forty-two of New Jersey's colleges and universities participate in the Fund. However, the actual number of available spaces at each college or university is limited. Since EOF is a campus-based program, each campus program is responsible for student recruitment, selection, program services, and its own specific criteria for EOF admission and program participation. View the contact information for each of our Public Research Universities, State Colleges and Universities, Community Colleges, and Independent Colleges and Universities and campus programs.

As noted earlier, admission into EOF is conducted at the campus level. Candidates interested in applying for EOF should contact the appropriate EOF Campus Program Director to discuss the specific eligibility requirements and application process of their respective institution.

Undergraduate Eligibility:

1. Must demonstrate an educationally and economically disadvantaged background
2. Must be a New Jersey resident 12 consecutive months prior to receiving the award
3. Must apply and be accepted to a participating New Jersey college or university
4. Must meet the academic criteria as set by the institution of choice
5. Must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application.
6. Gross income and assets must fall within the criteria shown on the online table.

EOF Graduate Grants

The New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund provides financial assistance and support for a small graduate program. The objective of the graduate EOF program is to increase participation in graduate and professional study of New Jersey residents from backgrounds of historical poverty. Students who received EOF grants as undergraduates shall be given priority consideration for EOF graduate grants. These students are presumed to have met the financial eligibility criteria for graduate EOF as long as they continue to demonstrate financial need. Graduate grants range from $200 annually to $4,900 annually depending on the type of institution and financial need. These grants are renewable based upon continued eligibility.

Graduate Eligibility

1. Must demonstrate an educationally and economically disadvantaged background
2. Must be a New Jersey resident 12 consecutive months prior to receiving the award
3. Must apply and be accepted to a participating New Jersey college or university
4. Must be a full-time graduate student as defined by the institution
5. Must meet the financial eligibility criteria as defined in the undergraduate section above
6. Must be in a degree/certificate program with a minimum requirement of 24 equivalent semester hours and be at least one academic year in duration.