Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)

Broome Community College, 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.

Services

Academic Support
Provided from the onset through orientation sessions for incoming freshmen, academic support is continued in the form of tutorial assistance coordinated by the Learning Assistance Center, success seminars for continuing students, peer support programming, and recognition for academic achievement.

Supplemental Economic Aid
Awarded as stipends to students demonstrating the greatest financial aid, as determined by Financial Aid.

Social Support
EOP offers orientation sessions for incoming EOP students, promotes multicultural educational opportunities, and provides advocacy services for its students.

Should I apply through EOP?

The following 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 established income guidelines. In selecting students for the program, priority is given to applicants from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.

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.)

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.

Academic Guidelines

One or more of the following academic criteria must be met before consideration for acceptance into the Educational Opportunity Program:

1. High school graduate with less than an 82 average
2. High school graduate with a GPA of 2.5 or less
3. Rank in class was less than 75%
4. GED diploma
5. No previous college experience
6. Must be accepted into the Educational Opportunity Program within the first semester of college

Income Guidelines

The table below lists financial eligibility requirements for EOP admission for students entering the fall 2010 academic year. Any subsequent changes to these guidelines will be posted here. 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       $16,060          $21,630          $24,420
2       $21,630          $27,200          $29,990
3       $27,210          $32,780          $35,570
4       $32,790          $38,360          $41,150
5       $38,360          $43,930          $46,720
6       $43,960          $49,530          $52,320
7       $49,500*        $55,070*        $57,860* 
      
* Plus $5,570 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 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;
• The student is a ward of the state or county.