Educational Opportunity Program

What is the Educational Opportunity

Program ?(EOP)

1. An official State University of New York program for

ADMISSION to SUNY colleges and universities.

2. A program that offers free SUPPORT SERVICES throughout

the student’s college career.

Provides an opportunity for admission to college

for students who do not satisfy

the traditional academic standards for regular

admission

Specifically designed for academically

and economically

disadvantaged students

EligibilityTo be eligible for admission to the Educational Opportunity Program the student must be:

1.A New York State resident for 12 months prior to enrollment

2. Ineligible for admission under traditional standards, but demonstrate potential for completing a college program

3. In need of financial assistance within established income guidelines.

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 Size:

including head of household

Total Annual Income inPrev. Calendar Year *

Category A Category B Category C1 $15,590 $21,000 $23,7102 $21,000 $26,410 $29,1203 $26,420 $31,830 $34,5404 $31,830 $37,240 $39,9505 $37,240 $42,650 $45,3606 $42,650 $48,060 $50,7707 $48,060* $53,470* $56,180*

* Plus $5,410 for each additional family member in excess of seven.

A Supported by one or more individuals whose combined total annual income is from Social Security or sources other than employment and which does not exceed the applicable amount under "Category A"

B Supported by more than one or more worker(s) whose combined total annual income does not exceed the applicable amount under "Category B"

C For households supported by one worker with two or more employers, which does not exceed the applicable amount under "Category C"

Household Categories

Income Guidelines 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.

Required Records for AdmissionAs part of the EOP admission process, high school records and test scores (if required) will be reviewed, as well as a personal essay, information about clubs, hobbies, jobs and any other experiences which made an impact education. This information will help college counselors and admissions personnel evaluate a student’s potential for success in a college program.

Fee Waiver, Traditional Acceptance, Locations

The $40 application fee is waived for those eligible for admission to EOP. Students should answer "YES" to the question "Are you applying for the Educational Opportunity program (EOP)?" If they are found to be ineligible, they 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 before applying.

The following campuses do not operate EOP programs: Adirondack, Cayuga County, Clinton, Columbia-Greene, Herkimer County, Jamestown, Jefferson, Mohawk Valley, Nassau, Niagara County, Orange County, Rockland, Sullivan County and Tompkins Cortland Community Colleges.

TransfersA student is eligible for EOP as a transfer student provided he/she has been enrolled in: EOP, College Discovery, HEOP (Higher Education Opportunity Program), SEEK (Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge in CUNY) or a similar academic and financial support program at a previous college. If the previous college did not have EOP or a similar program, notify the college to which the student is transferring of his/her interest

EOP Financial Services(may be different at each college)

• Providing an amount of Direct Aid toward the student’s bill

• Providing a stipend to the student

• Providing money for textbooks

•Assistance with filing for financial aid

•Small emergency fund

Support Services for All StudentsSummer Orientation

One-on-One Counseling

Academic Advisement

Tutorial Services

Computer labs

EOP Myths• Diversity: Not a program based on race, age, ethnicity or minority membership. Financial need and academic promise are the 2 essential requirements

• Not A Financial Aid Program: Although EOP may assist with the student’s bill or books, the program does not automatically cover tuition, room, board, books and supplies, travel or personal expenses. Federal and state aid are essential.

• Any Top Students? Our students have earned the President’s Award, the SUNY Chancellor’s Award, membership in the McNair Scholars Program; they work as resident assistants, participate in numerous campus activities as leaders, earn fellowships and volunteer in the community.