At Rutgers, we do not want the cost of tuition to be an obstacle for talented students seeking admission to our programs. For this reason, the College of Nursing has developed a flagship Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF)program, which has helped many qualified students achieve their educational goals and advance their careers. In fact, Rutgers has the only EOF program dedicated soley to a nursing curriculum, and as such receives more money from the State of New Jersey than any other nursing program.
For more than 40 years, the purpose of the EOF program has been to provide opportunities for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in New Jersey to participate in higher education programs. In accordance with state guidelines, the EOF program provides academic, counseling and financial support services to students from low-income backgrounds who are highly motivated and demonstrate potential.
"As a senior at New Brunswick Science and Technology High School, I had the opportunity to interact with some of the nursing students from the CN-EOF program. They were so intelligent, motivated and encouraging that I new I wanted to attend Rutgers College of Nursing, but I didn’t think I would qualify. Through the encouragement of my guidance counselor and the student mentors from the program, I applied and I am so glad I did. As a student in the CN-EOF program, I receive so much especially in terms of the support classes in the sciences and nursing level courses. These classes make all the difference. I know I would not be in such good academic standing, were it not for the support provided by the CN-EOF program."
—Esmeralda Valle – Junior from New Brunswick, New Jersey
“CN-EOF in saw me what many people didn’t; a promising future as a distinguished nurse leader. I even doubted whether or not I could become a nurse. Through their guidance, leadership development, academic support, and encouragement I am well on my way to becoming a professional nurse. I am so grateful to be a part of the CN-EOF program. If it weren’t for CN-EOF, becoming a nurse would have been a mere dream that could never come true.”
— Kenisha McLennon – Junior from Irvington, New Jersey
"As the first E.O.F. graduate of Rutgers University College of Nursing to receive a PhD in Nursing, I can truly say that the education I received and the experiences I had through E.O.F as a undergraduate and graduate student, laid the foundation for my excellence in clinical practice, education, research and leadership."
—Dr. Veronica Clarke-Tasker PhD, RN, MS, MBA, MPH
Associate Professor, Howard University, Division of Nursing
In keeping with our tradition of excellence, our belief that education is life long, and our reputation for producing some of the most dynamic nurses in the state, the College of Nursing has designed the Minority Nurse Leadership Institute (MNLI). This program, assists ethnic nurses of color to overcome political, social and cultural barriers that impede their access to leadership positions. We encourage RN’s who want to make a difference in their communities and help eliminate health disparities, to join the MNLI. Applications Available—Click here.
If you are considering applying to the EOF program as a first-year student, please apply as an incoming student and complete the EOF questionnaire portion of the admissions application.
Students currently enrolled at another college at Rutgers may transfer to the College of Nursing as a college-to-college transfer and should identify their EOF affiliation at their sending college.
Students enrolled at colleges or institutions other than Rutgers must have a minimum of 12 credits and should apply through our transfer admissions procedure.