Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Application

    *Denotes required field

    The SUNY Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at Tompkins Cortland specializes in assisting economically and academically disadvantaged students that show promise to succeed in college. The program is designed to help the student acclimate to the college’s social and cultural environment through mentorship, financial support and academic support counseling.

    Requirements to Apply 

    • First-time college student
    • (Transfer students who previously attended another institution are eligible if they were enrolled in a similar post-secondary  opportunity program)
    • New York resident for 12 months prior to enrollment
    • Must be economically disadvantaged as determined by the State established criteria for the Educational Opportunity Program.
    • High School GPA of a 70 - 86

    Benefits of Joining 

    • Four-week summer pre-semester program
    • Academic and social support system, and leadership development
    • Earn a stipend in the fall and spring

    Requirements of the Program 

    • Arrive in July for an intensive 4-week long pre-semester program
    • Participate in all program-based meetings, workshops, activities and certifications
    For full consideration of EOP, an essay of 250-750 words will be required at the time of submission of this application.  This essay will not be graded, it is an opportunity for us to get to know who you are as an individual:
    *Birthdate
    *Birthdate
    Eligibility Guidelines
    *Date of Graduation, or anticipated graduation date:
    *Date of Graduation, or anticipated graduation date:
    Income Guidelines and Eligibility
    The table below lists the financial eligibility guidelines for EOP admissions which have been established by the State University of New York (SUNY) to determine whether or not a student is eligible for EOP. Please use this table as a guide to determine your eligibility for the program. For students first entering college during the 2022-23 academic year, please use the 2020 income determination.

    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, 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;
    • The student is in foster care as established by the court;
    • The student is a ward of the state or county.
    *Income Tax Verification (Select all that apply)
    *Income Tax Verification (Select all that apply)
    *I understand that I must have a FAFSA on file with the Financial Aid Office prior to my application being finalized.
    *I understand that I must have a FAFSA on file with the Financial Aid Office prior to my application being finalized.
    *I understand that I may be asked to supply additional information after a review of the FAFSA, tax information, and/or other documents to determine eligibility. All required income documentation must be received before an application is considered complete and a final EOP admissions decision is made.
    *I understand that I may be asked to supply additional information after a review of the FAFSA, tax information, and/or other documents to determine eligibility. All required income documentation must be received before an application is considered complete and a final EOP admissions decision is made.