Educational Opportunity Fund
What is EOF
EOF stands for “Educational Opportunity Fund,” and since its establishment by the New Jersey legislature in 1968 EOF has supported and mentored over 50,000 student graduates to become successful professionals in the community. EOF continues to provide meaningful access to underrepresented students that meet the income criteria and demonstrate limited academic preparedness.
What do EOF students receive:
- An exceptional team of EOF professionals who help students adjust to college and achieve their academic degrees through comprehensive advising, career development, four-year college transfer support, financial literacy, and student development workshops/activities, and
- Depending on enrolled credits students may receive financial support in the form of grants ranging from $100 per semester to $800 per semester.
“We’re both really happy that we chose to go with the Middlesex College route. The EOF staff helped me discover my strengths and supported me with any challenges that I had.”Fraternal twins Ania Valle ’21 and Agny Valle ’21 Both were supported by the EOF program at Middlesex College, transferred to Rutgers in Fall 2021
EOF Support Begins Before Your First Semester
Middlesex College EOF provides students the opportunity to participate in a FREE five-week summer bridge program that helps new EOF students successfully transition and adjust to the college campus. Students who participate in the Summer Scholar Institute receive the following FREE benefits:
- College credit course
- Course materials and supplies
- Tutoring and advising support
- Food and Refreshments
- College transition workshops/activities
- EOF peer networking
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Middlesex College EOF, you must satisfy the following criteria:
Enrollment Status
- First-Time Students: Must be enrolled in a degree/certificate program
- Current Middlesex College students: Must have earned 32 degree credits or less to apply and be enrolled in a degree/certificate program
- Transfer Students: Must be enrolled in a degree/certificate program
5-Week Summer Scholar Institute
- Must have earned 12 degree credits or less
Educational Status
- Completed a high school degree or GED
- First-time undergraduate degree seeker
- Demonstrate a need for academic support services
Residency Status
- NJ residency for at least 12 consecutive months prior to your first semester at Middlesex College
Financial Status
How to Apply to EOF
- Apply to Middlesex College
- If you are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application, or
- If you are a NJ Dreamer or non-citizen: Complete the NJ alternative and the Affidavit Form
- Register and complete Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) and provide additional information and follow-up documents as requested.
- Complete the EOF Application
- Submit income verification documents that includes two years of tax returns
- Interview with an EOF Team member