Equal Opportunity Program
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Equal Opportunity Program, EOP for short, offers financially and academically disadvantaged students a chance to attend college.
The State University of New York's Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) provides access, academic support, and financial aid to students who show promise for mastering college-level work, but who may otherwise not be admitted. Offered primarily to full-time students who are New York State residents, EOP accepts students who qualify, academically and economically, for the program. Note: You cannot apply for both EOP and Early Decision/Early Action programs.
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 the Educational Opportunity Program you must be:
- A New York State resident for 12 months prior to enrollment;
- Ineligible for admission under traditional standards, but demonstrate potential for completing a college program; and
- In need of financial assistance within legislated income guidelines. In selecting students for the program, priority is given to applicants from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. If in the year prior to enrollment your family income falls within EOP guidelines due to unemployment, separation, divorce or death of a parent, etc., you may still not qualify for EOP if you are not from an historically disadvantaged background.
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
The $40 application fee is waived for those eligible for admission to EOP. If you think you are eligible, answer "YES" to the EOP question "Are you applying for the Educational Opportunity program (EOP)?" If you are found to be ineligible, you 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, Jefferson, Mohawk Valley, Nassau, Niagara County, Orange County, Rockland, Sullivan County and Tompkins Cortland Community Colleges.
Income Guidelines
The table below lists financial eligibility requirements for EOP admission during the 2007-2008 academic year. Check the suny.edu Web site for any subsequent changes to these 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 in Prev. Calendar Year* Category A Category B Category C 1 $14,100 $18,900 $20,700 2 $19,600 $24,400 $26,200 3 $22,350 $27,150 $28,950 4 $27,800 $32,600 $34,400 5 $32,850 $37,650 $39,450 6 $38,550 $43,350 $45,150 7 $42,900* $47,700* $49,500*
- Plus $4,350 for each additional family member in excess of seven.
Household Categories 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" above. B Supported by more than one or more worker(s) whose combined total annual income does not exceed the applicable amount under "Category B" above. C For households supported by one worker with two or more employers, which does not exceed the applicable amount under "Category C" above. 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;
- You are a ward of the state or county.
