How to Apply
First-year freshmen EOP questionnaires for Fall 2022 received between September 15, 2021 and February 1, 2022 will be given priority in our review.
Fill out the EOP Questionnaire
To be considered for the EOP program, you must:
- Have/plan to have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Meet the NJ state-mandated income guidelines
- Complete an application for admission to Rider University
- Complete the Rider EOP Questionnaire Priority deadline: February 1, 2022
- Enroll as a full-time student
- Must be a New Jersey resident 12 consecutive months prior to receiving the award
- Must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application (HESAA)
- Must demonstrate an educationally and economically disadvantaged background
- Must be able to provide requested supporting documents, examples are Federal Tax Transcripts, W-2's, Tax Return Schedules (such as Schedule C), Social Security Statements and any other requested documents that are needed for your review
Income & Asset Eligibility Scale
2022-2023 EOF Income Eligibility Scale with Asset Cap Calculation
| Applicants with a Household Size of | Gross Income (Not to Exceed) | Asset Cap Calculation (Not to exceed*) * = Based on Household Size for ALL Students |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $25,760 | $5,152 |
| 2 | $34,840 | $6,968 |
| 3 | $43,920 | $8,784 |
| 4 | $53,000 | $10,600 |
| 5 | $62,080 | $12,416 |
| 6 | $71,160 | $14,232 |
| 7 | $80,240 | $16,048 |
| 8 | $89,320 | $17,864 |
| 8+ | Add $9,080 for each additional family member | Add $1,816 for each additional family member |
For additional information, please visit the New Jersey EOF web site.
For students who are US citizens or permanent residents, but whose parents are not legally documented residents of the state of NJ.
For students who are United States citizens or permanent residents, but whose parents are not legally documented residents of the state of New Jersey, you are still eligible to participate in the Educational Opportunity Program as long as you can establish legal residency in New Jersey notwithstanding the residency of your parent(s) and have been a permanent resident of New Jersey for at least 12 months prior to the start of college and are not residing in New Jersey for the sole purpose of receiving an education.
For example, if you are a U.S. citizen but your parents are not citizens and do not hold a permanent residency card, you will initially be denied state financial aid. If you believe you can provide supporting documents as proof of your residency notwithstanding the residency of your parent(s) i.e. high school transcript, GED, income tax returns, etc. upon receipt of this documentation, HESAA will make a determination of your State grant eligibility and send you a Student Eligibility Notice (SEN) reflecting your potential State grant eligibility.
If this is applicable to you, you can request a review of HESAA's preliminary decision to deny State funding by providing HESAA with the necessary documentation. If you need assistance with this process, please contact the admissions office.
For more information regarding the review process for students with undocumented parent(s), please visit the HESAA website.