Estimated Financial Aid on Term Bill

1. What is EOF?

The New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) provides financial assistance and support services (i.e., counseling, tutoring, and developmental coursework) to students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds who attend participating institutions of higher education in the State of New Jersey.

2. Why is my EOF grant not currently appearing on my term bill?

Your EOF grant is currently estimated. Please check with your regional EOF office to confirm your status.

3. Who is eligible?

To participate in one of the multiple but distinct EOF programs at Rutgers, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• Meet the academic criteria set by the Rutgers school you plan to attend
• Demonstrate an educationally and economically disadvantaged background
• Be a New Jersey resident for at least 12 consecutive months prior to fall semester enrollment
• Graduate from high school or receive the equivalent of a high school diploma by the time you register at Rutgers
• Fall within the financial criteria shown on the scale.

4. Can I receive financial aid and an EOF grant?

Yes, the EOF grant is a form of financial aid. Your eligibility is based on the information on your completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many students who receive EOF also receive Federal Pell Grant and New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (NJ TAG).

1. What is NJ TAG?

New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (NJ TAG) is awarded to NJ residents who are attending a NJ college. The TAG award is determined upon the "need" of the student as supplied by the information on the FAFSA or NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application for NJ Dreamers who meet all other eligibility criteria. More information about NJ TAG can be found here.

The Office of Financial Aid has information on who is eligible.

2. I was notified that I am receiving a Tuition Aid Grant. How do I receive the money?

All the colleges or universities listed on your application will be able to view your award eligibility. The NJ Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) does not send awards directly to the applicant. The award is paid to the college or university to which you applied. Your college or university is in charge of certifying your eligibility for the award and disbursing the awards to your student account.

3. Why is my NJ Tuition Aid Grant (NJ TAG) not showing up on my bill?

There could be many reasons why NJ TAG is not on the account. Below are some of the reasons:

a. HESAA file (the state agency that administers the NJTAG awards) is incomplete. You can log into the NJ HESAA portal to check your status and submit any documentation they are requesting as soon as possible.

b. Your file was selected for verification and is with the Financial Aid Office at your school. You will have received notices on what is needed to complete your file.

c. You are not enrolled for the required enrollment (12 credits or more). Check your registration to ensure you are registered for at least 12 credits.

d. You are not making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). If you are not making SAP, you will be notified by your Financial Aid Office with details on how to qualify.

4. Why has my NJ TAG amount been adjusted?

The value of your NJ TAG award may decrease depending on appropriated funds, actual tuition charges, cost of attendance, estimated family contribution, and other available resources.

5. What are the deadlines for TAG eligibility?

Please refer to the HESAA TAG Program information for important information on deadlines and how to qualify.

6. I am a TAG recipient. When will I get my refund?

Refunds are issued once the aid paid to your account exceeds the charges on your term bill. TAG typically does not reflect on your term bill until the state sends the approval in mid-September. Refunds are typically processed within 3-5 days of disbursement.

7. I am a TAG recipient. Why am I unable to view my term bill? When is my due date?

Your TAG award has not been finalized by the state. We anticipate this to be done by August 21   and will make your term bill available to you then.  Once your term bill is available to view, you will have until September 12 to pay your balance.

8. I am unable to view my term bill. Can I be provided with an estimate of my charges for the semester?

You can use the Net Cost Price Estimator to estimate your net price and charges.