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School of Engineering
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Educational Opportunity Fund

EOF at SoE

The Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) is a NJ state-supported effort to provide access to higher education to students who exhibit evidence of academic and/or creative promise but lack adequate resources for college. Students enrolled in an EOF program receive financial assistance through grants and scholarships and support services. 

The School of Engineering’s EOF program is known as Engineers of the Future and is more widely open to students who may not qualify for the state-sponsored program. These students are admitted through the Engineering Opportunity Program (EOP) after holistic review of the Rutgers admission application. In addition to academic access, our program includes support services such as counseling, developmental course work, tutoring, study groups, professional development workshops, and a supportive network.

At a Glance

>300
EOF/EOP Cohort
88%
Two-year Retention Rate 
72%
Graduation Rate 
82%
Full-time Job or Graduate School Placement 

EOF/EOP Offers College Access 

  • Economically and educationally disadvantaged students 
  • First generation college students 
  • Traditionally underrepresented populations in engineering 

Students enrolled in an EOF program receive financial assistance through grants and scholarships ranging from $200 to $5,000. These grants are renewable annually based upon continued eligibility. 

There are a limited number of student spaces available for each campus program so it is important to apply early. Final determination of eligibility is made by the campus director.

group of female students

Eligibility

To be considered for the EOF program, a student must:

  • Demonstrate an economically and educationally disadvantaged background.
  • Be a resident of New Jersey for 12 months immediately preceding enrollment.
  • Be accepted through University admissions for EOF and/or be enrolled at a participating NJ college or university.
  • Have a family income that falls within the established income eligibility criteria.
  • Meet the academic criteria as set by the institution of their choice.
group of students working with an advisor

Academic Development and Advising 

Students receive support services such as counseling, developmental course work, tutoring, study groups, professional development workshops, and a supportive network. 

  • Academic skills course 
  • Assigned academic counselor 
  • Individual tutoring for 100% of first-year needs 
  • Proactive support for all students 
male student being advised by female counselor

Summer Institute Bridge Program 

Our five-week summer residential program ensures students are college ready by giving them an opportunity to experience the School of Engineering from the academic program to the campus environment. Students are exposed to:

  • Math, physics, computer programming, and writing preparation 
  • Research projects 
  • A community for success
students in classroom

Professional Development  

The program prepares students beyond graduation, setting them up for success.

  • Professionally focused societies and organizations
  • Corporate partner connections and resources 
  • Professional Development Skills Course 
  • Internal liaison with the Office of Career Exploration and Success 
female and male student in regalia at graduation

EOF Transfer Students 

If you are receiving EOF at your current institution and are in good standing with the program, you will be eligible to receive all non-monetary benefits from Rutgers School of Engineering EOF. Depending on availability, you may be eligible to receive the EOF grant and apply for other monetary aid (i.e. summer course tuition reimbursement).

male and female student working in engineering lab
group of female students
group of students working with an advisor
male student being advised by female counselor
students in classroom
female and male student in regalia at graduation
male and female student working in engineering lab