EOF Freshman Admission

EOF Freshman Eligibility

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.:

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Is required to be a New Jersey resident for at least one year prior to enrollment at Kean University.
• Must fully complete the admissions application process.
• Must meet the income eligibility guidelines for household income based on size as determined annually by the State of New Jersey, Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, Educational Opportunity Fund.
• Shall demonstrate the potential to succeed in college but may not have sufficient academic preparation to meet regular admission standards, or may have an educational background indicating a need for improved basic skills, additional academic support, or further preparation for their intended degree program.
• Intends to enroll full-time (at least 12 credits per semester).
• May attend a high school and/or live in a targeted socioeconomic area as identified by the State of New Jersey, Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, Educational Opportunity Fund.
• May have successfully completed a New Jersey Gear UP/College Bound/Upward Bound  Program.
• May have a sibling who was or is enrolled in an EOF Program in New Jersey.
• May be eligible for government assistance and/or educational programs for low-income or disadvantaged populations (TRIO programs, free and reduced breakfast/lunch, food stamps).
• NJ Dreamers are eligible to apply for the EOF Program. Students must graduate from a New Jersey high school, have attended for three years and cannot be visiting the U.S. on a visa. 

Applying to the EOF Program

• Fill out an undergraduate admissions application online at www.kean.edu.
• Make sure to indicate you are applying for the EOF Program by selecting “EOF Freshman" on the Common Application or Kean University online application.
• Complete the EOF Supplemental Application on your Kean Cougar Application Portal
  • If you did not request EOF at the time of application, email EOFadmissions@kean.edu (Kean Union) or EOFadmissionsKJC@kean.edu (Kean Jersey City) to request access to the EOF Supplemental Application in your applicant portal.
• To be considered for admission as an EOF Freshman, you must be eligible for the EOF grant and meet the above household income guideline. To review your application for EOF eligibility, please complete and submit the following:
  • Proof of 2027-28 FAFSA Completion
    • Please add Kean University as one of your college choices on your FAFSA
    • Proof of completion must show your name and could be any of the following:
      • screenshot of completion confirmation page (see below)
      • copy of email confirmation of completion
      • first page of 27-28 Student Aid Report (SAR)
      • If you are an NJ DREAMER:
        • Complete the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application application and submit proof of completion

• Video Personal Statement
  • Please provide a short ( five minutes max ) video of yourself talking about:
    • Your academic history by academic year ( Freshman year through today )
    • Your future educational and career goals
    • How can EOF assist you in achieving these goals
    • Anything else you want us to know about you (i.e., personal challenges overcome, motivation to earn a degree, sources of inspiration )
      • Note: Please begin by stating your name, current school, and year of graduation

Upload items via your Cougar App Portal

To securely upload the requested items, simply go to the “Upload Materials” section of the Application Information page of your Cougar App Portal.

2027-2028 Academic Year EOF Income Guidelines

Your offer of admission into the EOF Program  as a freshman is contingent upon the following:

• Pay the Kean University tuition deposit
• Schedule your placement test and academic advising appointment
• Attend the EOF Orientation - Saturday, June 5th*
• Attend and successfully complete the  Summer 2027 Summer Academy - June 27th (move-in date)- July 29th*

* dates subject to change

Additional Questions?

If you have any questions about EOF and/or the EOF application process, please email us at EOFAdmissions@kean.edu (Kean Union) or EOFadmissionsKJC@kean.edu (Kean Jersey City)