Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF)
Our Mission
Consistent with the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE)/Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF), Georgian Court University is committed to aligning educational opportunities to students who meet the EOF academic and financial eligibility criteria. The university provides these students with a comprehensive liberal arts education in the Roman Catholic tradition.
The EOF program also offers academic and educational advisement, tutoring, leadership development initiatives, and a financial aid supplemental grant—all designed to promote persistence through degree completion and the pursuit of their future careers.
Our Vision
The EOF program at Georgian Court University’s vision is to provide educational access and opportunity to promising New Jersey residents from under represented populations throughout the State of New Jersey. It is also our commitment to offer support services aimed at improving students’ personal, social, professional, and academic success throughout their higher education journey.
Our Goals
- Recruit Provide educational opportunities for academically and financially disadvantaged students.
- Retain Create a comprehensive and quality academic experience that will enhance each student’s ability to graduate.
- Graduate Monitor and assist in academic advisement to ensure persistence in meeting the timeliness of degree completion.
To be considered for the GCU-EOF Program, you must apply to the University and complete the 2024-2025 EOF Questionnaire. This can be done in person, via email or by phone.
- Please note that New Jersey DREAMERS are eligible to apply for the EOF Program and New Jersey State Aid, overall. You are an New Jersey Dreamer if you meet the following criteria:
- are NOT a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen (green card holder),
- attended a New Jersey high school for at least three years,
- graduated/will graduate from a New Jersey high school or received/will receive the equivalent of a high school diploma in New Jersey,
- registered for Selective Service (male students only), and
- are able to file an affidavit stating that you have filed an application to legalize your immigration status or will file an application as soon as you are eligible to do so.
DREAMERS should complete the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application: The priority deadline is December 1, 2022.
Documents can be submitted via mail (Georgian Court University: Educational Opportunity Fund Program, 900 Lakewood Avenue, Lakewood, NJ 08701), via email (eof@georgian.edu), or via fax: 732-987-2008.
You may qualify to participate in the EOF program if:
- you have lived in New Jersey for at least a year;
- you are a high school graduate or have a GED;
- you are a U.S. citizen or otherwise eligible;
- you reside in a state-identified target recruitment area;
- show academic and financial need; and
- are a full-time, matriculating student carrying 12 credits or more per semester.
- A six-week comprehensive Summer Program—which allows our first-year students to take up to six college credits. Additionally, they are able to acclimate to the GCU culture, develop strong study habits and build strong connections and relationships across the university.
- Academic coaching, leadership development, community building, and overall support to all undergraduate students who participate in our program.
- State Award up to $1525/semester ($3050/year) for up to ten semesters.
EOF grants are available to eligible undergraduate and graduate students. If you are interested, please complete the Georgian Court University application for admission, and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which must be completed online.
- Undergraduate Students (First-Year): Please complete the Georgian Court University Application and submit it to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. You should also complete the 2024-2025 EOF Questionnaire and submit it via email to eof@georgian.edu. NJ Dreamers should complete the GCU application, along with the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application & the 2024-2025 EOF Questionnaire. Our priority deadline is February 1st. Eligible students with completed applications will be invited to campus for an interview with the GCU-EOF Selection Committee. Those who are selected to participate in the Program will receive a Congratulatory Letter & a Commitment Form to confirm their “seat” in our Summer 2024 cohort.
- EOF Transfers (Program-to-Program): If you participated in the EOF Program at your previous college/university and want to receive your EOF benefits at GCU, then please follow the next two steps: 1) contact your “old” EOF Program and request an EOF Transfer Form; 2) email or call us, once you are admitted to GCU—to confirm that we received your paperwork from your previous institution.
- Graduate Students: Once you are admitted to Georgian Court, please submit a copy of your full-time (9 credits or more) academic schedule, your Financial Aid Award letter and your 2021-2022 1040 Tax Forms & IRS Tax Transcripts to us via email or in person. We will submit a request for your EOF Graduate Grant and will reply to you, once your eligibility is determined.
If selected for verification, you must upload ALL requested documents immediately to the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) and send copies to the GCU Office of Financial Aid. Call 609-584-4480 or visit hesaa.org for additional information regarding student aid. GCU’s priority deadline for financial aid is April 15. Completing your FAFSA by this date will optimize your chances of receiving financial and institutional aid.
EOF participants receive a generous financial aid package. State funding is available for up to 12 semesters (TAG 10 semesters; EOF 12 semesters) for the first bachelor’s degree. Students are expected to take responsibility for a portion of their financial obligation. The program will provide counseling, if needed, in the financial process.
All students must maintain satisfactory academic progress as outlined in the Georgian Court University Undergraduate Catalog to remain eligible for all financial aid programs.