Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)

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The State University of New York's Educational Opportunity Program provides access, academic support and financial aid to students who show promise for succeeding in college but who may not have otherwise been offered admission. Available primarily to full-time, matriculated students, the program supports students throughout their college careers within the University.

This information will assist you in determining if you should apply to SUNY through the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). You are encouraged to discuss your college choices with your college advisor. EOP is designed for students who need special academic assistance as well as financial aid. You will be asked to complete additional application materials and financial aid forms by the colleges to which you are applying. Be sure to complete any materials and return promptly as directed.

Eligibility

To be eligible for admission to EOP you must be:

• A New York State resident for 12 months prior to enrollment;
• Require special admissions consideration; and
• Qualify as economically disadvantaged according to the guidelines. In selecting students for the program, priority is given to applicants from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Note: Applicants deemed ineligible for EOP may still qualify for admission and financial aid through other admission processes.

Required Records

As part of the EOP admission process, your high school record and test scores (if required) will be reviewed, as well as information about clubs, hobbies, jobs and any other experiences which made an impact on your education. This information will help college counselors evaluate your potential for success in a college program.

Support Services

Educational Opportunity Program students may receive support services, such as academic, career, and personal counseling; tutoring and supplemental instruction. As part of a student's overall financial aid package, the Educational Opportunity Program provides financial assistance for non-tuition related expenses (e.g. books, supplies, etc.)

Transfers

You are eligible for EOP as a transfer student provided you have been enrolled in EOP, College Discovery, HEOP (Higher Education Opportunity Program), SEEK (Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge) or a similar academic and financial support program at your previous college. If your previous college did not have EOP or a similar program, you may be considered for transfer eligibility and should notify the college to which you are transferring of your interest.

Fee Waiver

Students submitting an application for EOP consideration may qualify for an application fee waiver for their first four (4) campus choices. If a student does not meet both the academic and economic guidelines or the campus to which the student is applying does not operate an Educational Opportunity Program the student will be billed for the fee.

• Applicants who are deemed ineligible for EOP for financial reasons may still qualify for admission and for financial aid as traditional candidates.
• Contact the admissions or EOP office at your college choice before you apply.
• The following campuses do not operate EOP programs: Adirondack, Cayuga County, Clinton, Columbia-Greene, Herkimer County, Jamestown, Jefferson, Mohawk Valley, Nassau, Niagara County, North Country, Orange County, Rockland, Sullivan County and Tompkins Cortland Community Colleges.

Income Guidelines

The table below lists financial eligibility requirements for EOP admission for students entering the fall 2011 academic year. Any subsequent changes to these guidelines will be posted here. In order to be determined economically disadvantaged, a student's household income must not exceed the amount shown for its size in the applicable category or the student's circumstances must conform to one of the exceptions indicated.

Household Categories

Income Guidelines Also Do Not Apply If...

• The student's family is the recipient of Family Assistance or Safety Net payments through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance; or through a county Department of Social Services; or Family Day Care payments through the New York State Office of Children and Family Assistance;
• The student lives with foster parents who do not provide support for college and the student's natural parents provide no such support;
• The student is a ward of the state or county.