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
The EOF Program offers a five-week Summer Scholars Institute designed to give its students a head start on their academic courses and ensure a successful transition to Middlesex College.
The program will take place from June 29 to July 30, 2026, Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
This free program allows our scholars to potentially receive three college credits, learn how to be dynamic EOF scholars at Middlesex College, and grow with a community that will support them.
Attendance for the full duration of the program is required to ensure an enriching experience.
Students who participate in the Summer Scholars 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
General EOF Eligibility
To be eligible for the Middlesex College EOF, you must satisfy the following criteria:
Enrollment Requirements
- 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
Educational Requirements
- Completed a high school degree or GED
- First-time undergraduate degree seeker
- Demonstrate a need for academic support services
Residency Requirements
- NJ residency for at least 12 consecutive months prior to your first semester at Middlesex College
Financial Eligibility
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), provide additional information and follow-up documents as requested.
- Complete one of the following applications based on your session of entry:
- Summer Scholars Institute (five-week summer bridge program for first-time college students only)
- Academic year application (For entry into the program during the fall or spring semester. For current Middlesex college students, EOF transfer students, or readmission into the EOF program)
- Submit income verification documents that include two years of tax returns
- Interview with an EOF Team member