Economic|Educational Disadvantage: Undergraduate Guidelines

Economic Disadvantage

The State of New Jersey Commission on Higher Education yearly establishes the criteria for economic disadvantage through its Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF).  The designation is based on two factors: 1) gross income, as reported on annual tax returns; 2) number of members of an applicant’s household.

Some undergraduate students who reside in New Jersey and who also attend participating New Jersey schools may already be enrolled in EOF programs.  For the purposes of our program, those students who are not in EOF are still evaluated for economic disadvantage based on the aforementioned EOF guidelines.

Source: State of New Jersey Commission on Higher Education. (2011). Educational Opportunity Fund Eligibility Information.

 

Educational Disadvantage

The State of New Jersey Department of Education has identified 31 school districts whose educational adequacy and concentration of poverty-economic indicators have the potential to place the student at an economic disadvantage as compared to those who are not in these districts.

In addition, family attributes specific to the applicant, such as the parent(s)/guardian(s) educational attainment, may also be considered a disadvantage.

Sources: State of New Jersey Department of Education. (2008). Abbott District Web Sites

State of New Jersey Department of Education. (2005). Designation of Abbott Districts Criteria and Process.