Qualifying for the EOF Program
Requirements for Consideration into the EOF Program
To be considered for the SPU-EOF Program, you must apply to the university and complete an EOF Interest Form. Upon completion of the electronic EOF Inquiry Form via our website, applicants are encouraged to contact the EOF Program directly at (201-761-6380) and/or email eof@saintpeters.edu to follow-up with their application status.
- Must be a New Jersey resident 12 consecutive months prior to receiving the award
- High school diploma or its equivalency
- Accepted to Saint Peter’s University
- Register for Placement Testing
- Meet financial guidelines established by the state of New Jersey
- Meet academic guidelines for the EOF Program established by Saint Peter’s University
- Must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available online at https://www.fafsa.ed.gov. NJDreamers should complete the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application at https://www.hesaa.org/pages/njalternativeapplication.aspx
- Call and schedule an entrance interview with an EOF Counselor
Transfers
- Apply to Saint Peter’s University as a Transfer Student, and be accepted
- Complete an EOF Interest Form
- Students who participated in an EOF program at their previous institution must submit a completed Student Transfer Form to EOF (eof@saintpeters.edu), which is to be completed by the previous institution EOF Program. All transfer students will be considered for the EOF Grant. Students who participated in an EOF program at their previous institution will be prioritized. These students are presumed to have met the financial eligibility criteria for undergraduate EOF as long as they continue to demonstrate financial need.
- Student interviews will be selected based on staff recommendations, financial eligibility verification, and the program’s current enrollment. After the interview, applicants will be notified of the admittance decision via their SPU email address. Students who are provisionally accepted to the program after the interview will be notified via their SPU email address of the next steps to officially become part of the program. Note: Submitting an EOF Interest Form does not guarantee an interview.
- Attend a Mandatory EOF TRANSFERMation Orientation in the Fall and Spring semester
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the EOF Program
Q: What is the function of the EOF Program at SPU?
A: The Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program is a State-funded program established to provide economically and academically challenged students an opportunity to pursue higher education. The EOF Program is a State-funded program established to improve access of low-income, first-generation, and historically disadvantaged students with the potential for academic success by making higher education a possibility.
Q: What are the benefits of the EOF Program?
A: The EOF Program has comprehensive support services which include, but are not limited to, summer program, academic, career, personal advisement and guidance, enrichment learning labs, tutoring, mentoring, workshops, student leadership and activities, cultural enrichment trips, financial aid assistance, and a large state-wide EOF network. In addition, the program will provide a grant to eligible and accepted EOF students that are applied towards the cost of tuition.
Q: Are EOF students automatically eligible for an EOF grant or other financial aid?
A: Accepted EOF students are eligible to receive an EOF grant if they met the financial guidelines established by the state of New Jersey and maintain compliance with the EOF Program requirements. An EOF grant is not a financial aid entitlement. Also, keep in mind that funding is limited; therefore, an EOF Grant is not guaranteed. Students must complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other documents as required by the Financial Aid Office and EOF Program.
Q: How many semesters can you receive an EOF Grant?
A: Students enrolled at senior institutions may receive a maximum of 12 semesters of the EOF undergraduate grant payments to complete a baccalaureate degree, as long as they continue to meet the eligibility requirements for the program and are making satisfactory academic progress.
Q: Once accepted into EOF, do I have to reapply?
A: EOF students would not need to complete another EOF Application but all accepted students must file a FAFSA Renewal annually to continue to receive EOF and other financial aid awards based on the income reported. If students miss deadlines for Financial Aid, this will disqualify them for any financial aid for the upcoming year.
Q: When does the summer program start? How long does it last?
A: The EOF program typically begins around the first week of August and continues for 4 weeks. The candidate will receive exact dates at the time of their interview. Classes are held Monday through Thursday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The students will work intensively for this period of time in Reading, Writing, Math, and History-121 Western Traditions. Upon successful completion of History class, students would earn three (3) credits towards their undergraduate degree. Students will also attend orientation, tutoring, receive mentoring, learn the campus environment, and university requirements and producers. Students who declared their major and/or undecided will receive academic advisement to register for the upcoming fall semester during this time.
Q: Can I dorm during the summer program? Do I have to pay for any portion of the program?
A: The State and Saint Peter’s University will cover the cost of the summer program. For this reason, there are limitations as to who can dorm during the summer program. Most students will commute.
Q: Can I skip the summer program and begin freshman year as an EOF member?
A: The summer program participation is MANDATORY. If a student wants to receive funding through the EOF program, the student must attend and successfully complete the summer program.
Q: How does EOF help my college experience?
A: EOF provides a head start on getting to know the campus, administration, and faculty members. During the summer program students bond with other EOF and non-EOF colleagues, thus, making the transition much smoother upon the arrival of the fall semester.
Q: If Saint Peter’s University does not accept me, can EOF accept me?
A: Unfortunately, not. Students must be accepted by University Admissions.