Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) provides academic support and financial aid to students who show promise for mastering college-level work. Offered primarily to full-time students who are New York State residents, EOP accepts a limited number of students who qualify academically and financially for the program.
 
Each EOP student is assigned an academic counselor who meets with them regularly for individual advising and counseling. The program also includes free tutoring, a financial stipend per semester (up to 6 semesters), and transferable EOP status between other NYS colleges and universities.
 
Free tutoring is available for most academic courses and students will have access to individual tutors through the Center for Academic Planning and Success (CAPS).

Eligibility

To be eligible for admission to EOP you must be:
  • A New York State resident for 12 months prior to enrollment;
  • A first-time college student (no prior college after high school);
  • Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent;
  • Demonstrate potential for completing a college program;
  • Qualify as economically disadvantaged according to the guidelines.

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.).

Foster Youth College Success Initiative

Under the Foster Youth College Success Initiative, foster youth are eligible for additional services and funding to assist with applying for, enrolling in and succeeding in college.

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.

Income Guidelines 2026-2027

The table below lists financial eligibility requirements for EOP admission for students entering the 2026-27 academic year. In order to be determined economically disadvantaged, a student's household income must not exceed the amount shown for its size or the student's circumstances must conform to one of the exceptions indicated.

****Total Annual Income 2024 Calendar Year

EOP Economic Eligibility Guidelines

Academic Year 2026-2027

Household Size

(including head of household)

Total Annual Income

1

 $28,953

2

$39,128

3

$49,303

4

$59,478

5

$69,653

6

$79,828

7

$90,003

8

$100,178*

*For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $10,175 for each additional person.

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, 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 is in foster care as established by the court;

  • or the student is a ward of the state or county.

Mary Higgins, EOP Counselor
higginsm@sunyulster.edu
(845) 687-5120



students and instructor in office