The Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) is a state-funded program designed to provide academic and financial support to students economically and educationally affected by a history of poverty. EOF supports students who are capable and motivated, but who may lack adequate preparation for college, and/or may be the first in their families to attend college.
To provide access to higher education
Students are evaluated for admission based on state financial criteria, including a history of poverty, academic readiness, potential, and motivation. An interview is required.
We recommend students register full-time (12 credits or more), as limited part-time opportunities exist. Applicants must also complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually.
All are welcome to apply, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. EOF enrollment is determined by state funding, apply early.
This is a summary of identified eligibility for EOF. Additionally, applicants must have income that falls within the EOF Income Eligibility Scale.
History of Poverty
Long-term, documented economic hardship, no accumulation of assets, inability to provide more than the basic needs, demonstrated by one of the following:
Having successfully completed a NJ GEAR UP state project or NJ College Bound grant program
Having attended or graduated from a school district where 40% or more of the enrolled students meet the eligibility criteria for the free/reduced-price lunch program
Having resided in a municipality that is a high-distress/labor surplus area, or is considered an eligible urban aid municipality
Having resided in an area that historically has been populated by low-income families; such an area, commonly called a “pocket of poverty,” has characteristics of a high-distress/labor surplus area, even if the municipality is not formally so identified
Being a first-generation college student who is, or whose family is, eligible for government assistance and/or educational programs targeted toward low-income and disadvantaged populations (TRIO programs, free and reduced breakfast/lunch programs, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly food stamps)
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.
Gross income and assets must fall within the criteria shown:
| Household Size | GROSS INCOME 2024-2025 | ASSET CAP 2024-2025 | GROSS INCOME 2025-2026 | ASSET CAP 2025-2026 |
| 1 | $29,160 | $5,832 | $30,120 | $6,024 |
| 2 | $39,440 | $7,888 | $40,880 | $8,176 |
| 3 | $49,720 | $9,944 | $51,640 | $10,328 |
| 4 | $60,000 | $12,000 | $62,400 | $12,480 |
| 5 | $70,280 | $14,056 | $73,160 | $14,632 |
| 6 | $80,560 | $16,112 | $83,920 | $16,784 |
| 7 | $90,840 | $18,168 | $94,680 | $18,936 |
| 8 | $101,120 | $20,224 | $105,440 | $21,088 |
| *** | GROSS INCOME: Add $10,280 for each additional family member | GROSS INCOME: Add $10,760 for each additional family member | ||
| ASSETS: Add $2,056 for each additional family member | ASSETS: Add $2,152 for each additional family member |
https://www.nj.gov/highereducation/EOF/EOF_Eligibility.shtml
Anyone who believes that they may be eligible for EOF is welcome to apply. Our service priorities are as follows:
Renewal students who were funded during the previous academic year.
First-time, full-time freshmen
Students that have earned 24 or more college credits while in high school or who participated in a dual enrollment program and have earned an associate’s degree as part of their high school graduation requirements and have no prior history of EOF funding support.
EOF transfer students who received an EOF student grant at their previous institution, in the preceding academic year.
Renewal students readmitted or returning who did not receive funding the prior academic year.
Eligible students who do not fall into any of the other four categories listed above.
Waiting List – A waiting list will be established if funds are exhausted before the last date of the grant-awarding period. The waiting list will be in effect until the last day of the spring award cycle.
EOF is an academic support program that makes access to college possible with funding and guidance to students who have grown up in poverty.
If you can answer yes to one or more of these questions, you may be eligible:
YES. EOF will be listed among other financial aid awards. Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to continue eligibility for federal and state aid like EOF.
We seek motivated students with potential, interest, and the ability to partner with an advisor. The interview is important in making admission decisions. It offers EOF an opportunity to get to know applicants and determine if EOF is a good match, and allows applicants to be informed and make an active choice in accepting an offer.
We follow state regulations documenting financial need and review each application with attention, and care. EOF is not an entitlement program – eligibility does not always result in acceptance or an award.
The interview helps us to review your eligibility. It is a chance for us to meet one-on-one and begin relationship-building. Working together with an EOF advisor is the cornerstone of the work we do.
The interview is from 45 to 60 minutes long. We ask a series of questions. All you need to do is be yourself. We suggest you use the interview to determine if EOF is a good match for you. Does our program support your goals and objectives? Can EOF help you earn your degree? Ask us how we can help.
NO. As long as you remain enrolled from semester to semester, you do not have to reapply. However, you must complete a FAFSA each year to maintain EOF eligibility.
If eligible at OCC, you may be EOF eligible at a senior institution. We recommend you check with that institution regarding their admission process. Additionally, you may need to complete an EOF application, interview, etc. This link identifies participating institutions and contact information: https://www.nj.gov/highereducation/EOF/EOF_Eligibility.shtml
Senior institutions will require a Transfer Form. That form identifies you as an EOF recipient and places you higher on the priority funding framework. Once you have completed our exiting process, we will send a transfer form to that institution with a copy to you.
No. Grants are a form of free monies and do not require repayment.
EOF is a vibrant community. We require academic coaching, meeting with your advisor, and being engaged on campus. We want you to grow as a scholar and as an individual. We want you to embrace the concept of lifelong learning.
A course shell in Ocean Connect lists all program requirements. Upon acknowledgment of acceptance, permission to access the course is provided.
Enjoy our EOF newsletter that celebrates who we are, commending our accomplishments and successes.
We are ready to accept applicants for the next academic year 2025-2026.
FIRST, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at
https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
SECOND, complete the EOF@OCEAN application for academic year 2025-2026.
WHAT NEXT?
– We will request any additional information
– We will schedule your interview
– 2025 EOF@OCEAN Summer Orientation Program on July 30, 2025
Throughout your time with EOF, you will receive individualized guidance and support, maximizing opportunities for success and learning.
EOF requires your presence and engagement. Review the EOF@OCEAN program requirements below.
The EOF Canvas Shell looks just like a traditional course shell. ALL the requirements and activities you should be engaged in during your time at EOF are organized by credit hour and semester to guide you toward your Associate’s Degree.
In Announcements, we share the latest news about EOF and program happenings. You can reach out to academic coaches, advisors, and peers. You can upload documents and find any EOF document needed. Use this as another tool for your success – stay connected!
NJ DREAM Act allows undocumented college students to pay in-state tuition rates. To request exemption from Nonresident Tuition and Fees, charged to non-New Jersey residents, students must complete, sign and submit the Application for In-State Tuition form via mail or bring the completed form with your high school transcript to Registration and Records, Ocean County College, College Drive, PO Box 2001, Toms River, NJ 08754-2001
Documentation of ALL household income both taxable and non-taxable is required. Only tax transcripts from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are accepted. Whether you worked and filed, worked and did not file, or were not employed, official documentation from IRS is required.
ID.me is a way you can register and identify yourself once and then access Veterans Association, Social Security, and IRS documents. See https://www.id.me/government.
ID.me is a digital identification platform. A one-time identification allows users to create a profile, account to access government information.
It provides a TWO-FACTOR IDENTIFICATION (2FA)
To create an ID.ME ACCOUNT
Once the account is created you will be able to retrieve from these entities, the following:
FROM IRS
Apply for ITIN
Refund Status
Tax Records
Laura Rickards
Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2400
Email: lrickards@ocean.edu
Michele Gioxaris
Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2340
Email: mgioxaris@ocean.edu
Jordan Mabe
Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2981
Email: jmabe@ocean.edu
Jennifer Olah
Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2950
Email: jolah@ocean.edu
EOF State Graduate Achievement Awards
Each year graduating EOF students are recognized by the EOF Board of Directors and the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. To students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement during their college careers.
| Name | GPA & Honors / Distinctions |
| Alexis Bajada | 3.618 – Outstanding Academic Achievement |
| Albert Burd | 3.387 – Academic Achievement |
| Elisabeth Burns | 3.733 – Outstanding Academic Achievement |
| Wilson Castillo Alvarez | 3.523 – Outstanding Academic Achievement |
| Caitlin Cortes | 4.0 – Distinguished Scholar Award |
| Dante Fernandes | 3.255 – Academic Achievement |
| Viena Fuentes | 3.681 – Outstanding Academic Achievement |
| Billy Garces | 2.304 – Outstanding Achievement |
| Khadira Johnson | 3.21- Academic Achievement |
| Diana Lopez | 3.373 – Academic Achievement |
| Elizabeth Macchioni | 3.886 – Outstanding Academic Achievement |
| Itzel Mateos | 3.589 – Outstanding Academic Achievement |
| Marco Ruiz | 3.547 – Outstanding Academic Achievement |
| Shana-Kay Smith | 4.0 – Distinguished Scholar Award |
| Bianca VanBerkle | 3.635 – Outstanding Academic Achievement |
| Kenya Warren | 3.683 – Outstanding Academic Achievement |
| Arianna Young | 3.383 – Academic Achievement |
| Maryam Zaman | 3.929 – Outstanding Academic Achievement |
| Areeba Zulkarnain | 3.957 – Outstanding Academic Achievement |
| Alexis Bajada | Albert Burd | Elisabeth Burns |
| Jessica Campos | Wilson Castillo Alvarez | Caitlin Cortes |
| Erin Elizabeth | Dante Fernandes | Viena Fuentes |
| Billy Garces | Khadira Johnson | Diana Lopez |
| Elizabeth Macchioni | Mariah Macias | Itzel Mateos |
| Marco Ruiz | Bianca VanBerkle | Kenya Warren |
| Maryam Zaman | Areeba Zulkarnain |
Educational Opportunity Fund Statewide Alumni Association (EOFSAA): http://www.eofsaa.org/
Educational Opportunity Fund Professional Association of New Jersey (EOFPANJ): https://eofpanewjersey.org/eof-students-alumni/
Laura F. Rickards, Director
Educational Opportunity Fund
732-255-0400 ext. 2400
lrickards@ocean.edu
Michele Gioxaris, Assistant Director
Educational Opportunity Fund
732-255-0400 ext. 2340
mgioxaris@ocean.edu
Jordan Mabe, Recruiter / Advisor
Educational Opportunity Fund
732-255-0400 ext. 2981
jmabe@ocean.edu
Jennifer Olah, Office Coordinator
Educational Opportunity Fund
732-255-0400 ext. 2950
jolah@ocean.edu
Rochelle Blum, Academic Advisor
Educational Opportunity Fund
732-255-0311
rblum@ocean.edu
Christine Cassidy, Academic Coach
Educational Opportunity Fund
732-255-0311
ccassidy@ocean.edu
Jonas Weissbrod, Academic Coach
Educational Opportunity Fund
732-255-0311
jweissbrod@ocean.edu
Location:
Library Bldg. #3 – 1st Floor – Room 124
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF)
1 College Drive, P.O. Box 2001
Toms River, NJ 08754
Phone: 732-255-0311
Email: eof@ocean.edu