Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) offers higher education opportunities to high school graduates or to holders of high school equivalency diplomas who do not meet normally applied admission criteria but who have the potential for college success. Students must also meet family income guidelines printed in the SUNY application guidebook.

What is EOP?

EOP is an extended program with course work paced to enhance student success. Students are typically full-time, enrolling in at least 12 credit hours per semester. The first year schedule will include courses in English; math; college skills and/or reading; social, physical, or life science; and/or curriculum course(s). To comply with program requirements, EOP students may be required to repeat courses in which they have earned a "D" or "D"+.

Students are required to participate in regular tutoring and academic advising sessions.

Essential to EOP is direct financial aid. For each EOP student, a financial aid package is planned which may include grants from EOP, Pell, and Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). All EOP students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

EOP Information

The Educational Opportunity Program has been created with your academic success and personal pride in educational achievement as its primary goals. Individual pacing of course work and personal assistance are just two of the ways provided to achieve these goals.

EOP Program

We would like to introduce you to the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at Alfred State College. You may be eligible for EOP if you have:

  • Lived in New York State for a minimum of one year.
  • Earned a High School or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
  • Met other academic and financial eligibility requirements as specified in the SUNY application.

Income Guidelines

The income guidelines below determine EOP eligibility for the 2009-2010 academic year.

Household Size
(including head of household)
Total Annual Income in
Previous Calendar Year
  Category A Category B Category C
1 $15,590 $21,000 $23,710
2 $21,000 $26,410 $29,120
3 $26,420 $31,830 $34,540
4 $31,830 $37,240 $39,950
5 $37,240 $42,650 $45,360
6 $42,650 $48,060 $50,770
7 $48,060 $53,470 $56,180
(7+) in each category, add $5,410 for each family member in excess of seven  

Household Income Categories:

(Category A) Income from Non-Employment Sources - 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.

(Category B) Salary/Wage Income - Supported by one or more worker(s) whose combined total annual income does not exceed the applicable amount under "Category B" above.

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

Exceptions to 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 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.

To see more SUNY regulations for EOP please visit http://www.suny.edu/Student/Common/Eop.cfm.

Financial Aid

Many of your college expenses could be paid by financial aid grants (awards which do not have to be repaid) and/or loans (borrowed money which must be repaid with interest). Your eligibility for funding will be determined after you:

Student Life

You will be offered a variety of extracurricular choices to broaden your educational experiences and to make your college years memorable ones.

EOP Provides

  • Tutoring in most courses.
  • Counseling for any concern.
  • Academic advising for scheduling and program information.
  • Orientation to acquaint you with services and activities available at the College.

XAE National Honor Society

Upon recieving a 3.0 for 2 consecutive semesters, Alfred State EOP students are eligible for Chi Alpha Epsilon (XAE). This national honor society recognizes the high academic achievements of student enrolled in Opportunity Programs across the country.