Salem Community College
 

Educational Opportunity Fund

The State of New Jersey established the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program in 1968 to allow educationally and economically disadvantaged residents to attend college. Since its inception, the EOF Program has helped thousands of students realize their academic dreams and career goals.

Salem Community College is committed to recruiting, providing financial assistance, and inspiring student like you. EOF admissions and financial aid eligibility decisions are made at the campus level, within state guidelines. While the program provides financial support, it also offers tutoring, counseling and academic advising. EOF also offers a pre-college summer program that consists of an orientation, an intensive academic schedule, counseling and tutoring.

EOF

Irma Cruz

Director of EOF

E: icruz@salemcc.edu
P: 856.351.2706

Irma Cruz

Katelyn Good

EOF Assistant Director

E: kgood@salemcc.edu
P: 856.351.2636

Katelyn Good

Mark Murdock

EOF Enrollment Counselor

E: mmurdock@salemcc.edu
P: 856.351.2833

Mark Murdock

Wendy Jo Brewer

EOF Advisor

E: wbrewer@salemcc.edu
P: 856.351.2212

Wendy Jo Brewer

Am I EOF Eligible?

EOF Eligibility Criteria:

EOF eligibility is based on each family's gross annual income and household size as stipulated by state EOF regulations. Candidates interested in applying for EOF should contact the EOF Program Director to discuss the specific eligibility requirements and discuss the application process at Salem Community College. Once eligibility has been determined, students may continue to participate in the program. Please refer to the Eligibility Scale.

To be considered for EOF you must:

  • Be a United States citizen, permanent resident, or NJ Dreamer
  • Be a New Jersey resident for at least 12 consecutive months prior to receiving the award
  • Meet the NJ state mandated income guidelines (see Income Eligibility Scale)
  • Demonstrate an educational and economically disadvantaged background
  • Be accepted to Salem Community College
  • Complete an EOF application
  • Enroll as a full-time or part-time student at Salem Community College
  • File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid application
  • Have gross income and assets fall within the criteria shown
2025-2026 EOF FINANCIAL ELIGIBILITY SCALE WITH ASSET CAP CALCULATION
HOUSEHOLD SIZEGROSS INCOME (NOT TO EXCEED)Max. Asset Cap for ALL Students (NOT TO EXCEED)
1 $30,120 $6,024
2$40,880$8,176
3 $51,640$10,328
4 $62,400$12,480
5 $73,160$14,632
6 $83,920$16,784
7 $94,680$18,936
8 $105,440 $21,088
*** Add $10,760 for each additional family memberAdd $2,152 for each additional family member 

 

2025-2026 EOF MAXIMUM FINANCIAL ELIGIBILITY FOR DISCRETIONARY STUDENTS
HOUSEHOLD SIZEGROSS INCOME (NOT TO EXCEED)Max. Asset Cap for ALL Students (NOT TO EXCEED)
1 $42,319 $8,464
2$57,436$11,487
3 $72,554$14,511
4 $87,672$17,534
5 $102,790$20,558
6 $117,908$23,582
7 $133,025$26,605
8 $148,143 $29,629
*** Add $15,118 for each additional family memberAdd $3,024 for each additional family member 

Benefits

The EOF staff believes that you can succeed in college if you fully use your potential, motivation and desire. Staff members will support and encourage you along the way.

Summer Bridge Program

Freshman who have been accepted into EOF attend the Summer Bridge Program prior to their first fall semester. The program includes a free orientation that offers students an opportunity to meet EOF staff and SCC faculty, review EOF rules and regulations, and become familiar with the campus. It also provides students with the support needed to have a successful academic and social transition, as well as prepare students for the demands and rewards of college.

During this orientation, students examine the meaning of success and focus on concrete ways to achieve personal success. Topics include academic excellence, conflict resolution, study skills, time management, writing skills and test-taking strategies.

EOF Summer Bridge

EOF Application Process:

  • Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Complete an EOF Application
  • Please provide proof of income (IRS 1040 form, Social Security Benefits statement, Disability Benefits statement, Unemployment benefits statement, Public Assistance benefits - AFDC, Child Support from the previous year for both parent and student. All EOF applicants are required to submit the required IRS Income Tax Transcript documents for parents and students; if you and/or your parents filed income taxes. You can access information to request these documents here.
  • Follow the policies of the EOF Program and the College as outlined in the EOF Handbook and the Student Handbook

Important EOF Forms:

Helpful Links:

Frequently Asked Questions

Feel free to contact EOF if you still have questions. For more information about EOF please visit the NJ state EOF information page.

State of New Jersey EOF Information