N.J. Admin. Code § 9A:11-2.2

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 24, December 18, 2024

Section 9A:11-2.2 - Student eligibility

(a) The undergraduate EOF Program is designed to provide an opportunity for higher education to disadvantaged New Jersey residents who would be unable to attend and/or succeed academically in college without the financial assistance and special services that are part of this program. The program is intended for students who show potential and exhibit evidence of academic and/or creative promise, but who have limited educational and financial resources for college because of inadequate high school preparation and have economic backgrounds that reflect a history of poverty.

(b) To be eligible for an undergraduate EOF grant, a student must demonstrate a history of poverty, which generally includes documented, long-term economic hardship of the family, such as the accumulation of assets that do not exceed 20 percent of the EOF income eligibility scale, per household size as established at N.J.A.C. 9A:11-2.3(a)1, and the inability to provide more than the basic needs of family members, as evidenced by at least one of the following:

1. Having attended or graduated from a school district where 40 percent or more of the enrolled students meet the eligibility criteria for the free/reduced price lunch program;

2. Having resided in a municipality that is a high-distress/labor surplus area, or is considered an eligible urban aid municipality;

3. 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;

4. 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); or

5. Having successfully completed an NJ GEAR UP state project or NJ College Bound grant program.

(c) The admitting institution/EOF campus director determines eligibility for EOF pursuant to N.J.A.C. 9A:11-4.6, Criteria for admission, at the time of a student's initial application. The institution, in the context of its own selectivity, shall make and document a broad assessment of the student's motivation and talent (latent, as well as demonstrated) based on interviews, recommendations, high school records, and other requisite application materials.

(d) To be initially eligible for an EOF undergraduate Article III grant, a student must demonstrate that they:

1. Have a high school diploma or GED;

2. Meet N.J.A.C. 9A:9-2.2 and 2.3, which are the Tuition Aid Grant and Garden State Scholarship programs' rules governing residency, and noncitizens and resident aliens, respectively;

3. Meet the financial criteria established at N.J.A.C. 9A:11-2.3;

4. Are or will be a full-time student as defined by the institution offering the undergraduate program of study unless the institution has received approval pursuant to N.J.A.C. 9A:11-2.9(b) to award grants to part-time students; and

5. Are admitted to and intend full-time enrollment and matriculation in a curriculum leading to an undergraduate degree or certificate at an institution participating in the Fund. Degree and certificate programs shall require a minimum of 24 semester hours, or the equivalent, and be at least one academic year in duration. The Fund is not intended for a student whose primary educational goal is to complete an adult basic education curriculum or attain language proficiency. Additionally, the Fund shall not be available to students seeking to pursue a certificate or degree at the same level (or below) as one that they have already earned.

(e) In addition, an eligible initial first-time full-time undergraduate shall exhibit evidence of the potential to succeed in college, but:

1. Shall not have demonstrated sufficient academic preparation to gain admission to an approved institution of higher education under its regular standards of admission (where applicable) and shall have standardized test scores that are below the institutional norms; or

2. Shall have an educational background that indicates a need for improved basic skills, additional academic support, or additional preparation for the applicant's desired degree program.

(f) Students who have successfully completed an NJ GEAR UP State project/New Jersey College Bound Grant Program or a Federal TRIO program and who have been admitted to the institution under its regular standards of admission (where applicable) or who not demonstrate need as specified at (e)2 above shall also be eligible to participate in the EOF program, assuming they meet all other eligibility criteria in this subchapter, except those in (e) above.

(g) Students shall not receive assistance under the programs administered by the Board if they owe a refund on a grant or scholarship previously received from a State or Federal program through any institution or are in default on any loan made under any State or Federal student financial assistance program at any institution. However, such students may receive State financial assistance if they make satisfactory repayment arrangements with the appropriate office.

(h) Students attending out-of-State institutions are not eligible for Article III undergraduate grants.

N.J. Admin. Code § 9A:11-2.2

Amended by 48 N.J.R. 2356(a), effective 11/7/2016

Amended by 49 N.J.R. 2796(b), effective 8/21/2017

Amended by 50 N.J.R. 1899(a), effective 8/20/2018.

Amended by 52 N.J.R. 890(a), effective 4/20/2020

Amended by 55 N.J.R. 2341(a), effective 11/20/2023