The State University of New York's Educational Opportunity Program provides 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 financially, for the program.
To be eligible for admission to EOP 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 established income guidelines (see below). In selecting students for the program, priority is given to applicants from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.
EOP Financial Eligibility
The table below lists financial guidelines for Educational Opportunity Program eligibility during the 2008-2009 academic year. 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 below or the student's circumstances must conform to one of the exceptions indicated.
| Household Size | Category A | Category B | Category C |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,140 | $20,390 | $23,020 |
| 2 | $20,390 | $25,640 | $28,270 |
| 3 | $25,650 | $30,900 | $33,530 |
| 4 | $30,900 | $36,150 | $38,780 |
| 5 | $36,150 | $41,400 | $44,030 |
| 6 | $41,410 | $46,660 | $49,290 |
| 7 | $46,660* | $51,910* | $54,540* |
*Plus $5,250 for each additional family member in excess of seven
Household Income Categories
Income from Non-Employment Sources
(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.
Salary/Wage Income
(B) Supported by 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.
Exceptions of Income Guidelines
- 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 of Family Day Care payments through the New York State Office of Children and Family Assistance or a county Department of Social Services;
- 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.
EOP Academic Eligibility Criteria
A freshman applicant may be deemed academically eligible to apply for EOP at SUNY New Paltz if the student meets any one of the following requirements:
- the applicant has a combined SAT score below 1050; or
- the applicant's high school average is below 85 (Students with above an 85 average often qualify if their SAT score id below 1050); or
- the applicant's high school or program of study is a non-college preparatory, general or vocational in nature.
In addition: An applicant's prior participation in programs such as Upward Bound and Talent Search may also be taken into consideration when determining academic eligibility.
A note on selectivity:
- At minimum, EOP applicants at SUNY New Paltz should have attended at least a 75 cumulative high school average.
- Meeting the EOP Academic Eligibility Criteria does not guarantee acceptance to the college. Applicants are carefully evaluated on the basis of their transcripts and supplemental application materials.
Please note: All applicants must be New York state residents.
