Educational Opportunity Fund
The EOF Program
The Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program, in partnership with Caldwell University, provides financial and educational assistance to eligible students who come from lower-income families. EOF students at Caldwell University receive supportive services such as academic and career advisement, tutoring, and academic skills workshops. The EOF program s guided by a caring and professional staff that stands ready to assist in making the path to a college degree a qualitative educational experience.
How do I Apply?
Students who are interested in applying to Caldwell University through the EOF program must:
- Apply to Caldwell University
- Arrange to have the following mailed to the Admissions Office:
- Official High School transcript or G.E.D. certificate
- SAT or ACT scores (optional)
- Letters of recommendation (2)
- Essay
- Federal Tax Returns (IRS form 1040 or 1040A) from 2023 and 2024 must be emailed to [email protected] upon request, OR if your FAFSA has not yet been completed.
- Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application. List Caldwell University as one of the schools you want to receive the financial aid information (College code 002598).
Students who qualify will then be invited to campus for an interview.
How Do I Qualify?
To qualify for the EOF program you must:
- Be a New Jersey resident for at least one year.
- You must be a US citizen, legal resident or dreamer.
- Have a high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate.
- Have taken the SAT or ACT (optional) (with essay) and meet EOF Academic requirements.
- Meet income eligibility guidelines as set by the NJ Commission on Higher Education.
- Possess the potential and genuine interest in completing a bachelor’s degree program.
Undergraduate Eligibility:
- Must demonstrate an educationally and economically disadvantaged background.
- Must be a New Jersey resident 12 consecutive months prior to receiving the award.
- Must apply and be accepted to a participating New Jersey college or university.
- Must meet the academic criteria as set by the institution of choice.
- Must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application.
What Can I Expect?
The EOF Pre-Freshman Summer Program at Caldwell University is offered to high school graduates in the summer after your graduation. This required five week residential summer enrichment program is designed to strengthen your preparation for college-level work and academic success. This exceptional program also provides students with time to become familiar with the campus and faculty while earning college credits!
The Achievement Motivation Workshop Program is a series of workshops designed to assist students like yourself reach your personal and academic goals. These workshops are held during the Pre-Freshman Summer Program and throughout the academic year. They enable our students to focus upon specific skills that will enhance their academic experience.
What are the Financial Requirements?
Financial eligibility for EOF is based on the size of the family and the combined gross household income.
2026-2027 EOF FINANCIAL ELIGIBILITY SCALE WITH ASSET CAP CALCULATION
| Household Size | Gross Income (Not to Exceed) | Max. Asset Cap (Not to Exceed) |
| 1 | $31,300 | $6,260 |
| 2 | $42,300 | $8,460 |
| 3 | $53,300 | $10,660 |
| 4 | $64,300 | $12,860 |
| 5 | $75,300 | $15,060 |
| 6 | $86,300 | $17,260 |
| 7 | $97,300 | $19,460 |
| 8 | $108,300 | $21,660 |
| *** | Add $11,000 for each additional family member | Add $2,200 for each additional family member |
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 $4,350 annually depending on the type of institution and financial need. These grants are renewable based upon continued eligibility.
Graduate Eligibility
- Must demonstrate an educationally and economically disadvantaged background
- Must be a New Jersey resident 12 consecutive months prior to receiving the award
- Must apply and be accepted to a participating New Jersey college or university
- Must be a full-time graduate student as defined by the institution
- Must meet the financial eligibility criteria as defined in the undergraduate section above
- 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.
The EOF program has limited enrollment capacity and is filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.
How has EOF shaped your experience at Caldwell?
When I first started, I had a fruitful experience the summer before my freshman year in the Educational Opportunity Fund Program. I became involved in campus activities and began working closely with the Office of Student Engagement as a student leader, which taught me interpersonal skills and team communication/collaboration.