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Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)

What is Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)?

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) is designed to improve access and retention of historically low-income and educationally disadvantaged students. An EOP student has the potential and demonstrated motivation to perform satisfactorily at a CSU, but has not been able to realize this potential because of economic or educational background. The program provides admission and academic assistance to EOP-eligible undergraduate students. In many cases, the program offers financial assistance to eligible students. Campuses tailor their programs to accommodate the needs of their student population.

What Can Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Do For You?

EOP provides information to help you select a campus and assists you in completing the admissions process. Once admitted as an EOP student, you may be eligible to enroll in an EOP summer program to strengthen your math, reading, or other skills. Orientation sessions are provided to help you learn about campus services and programs. During your enrollment in college, you can receive counseling, tutoring, and advising services. If you are eligible, an EOP grant may be awarded.

Who May Apply?

Only historically low-income and educationally disadvantaged undergraduate students who need admission assistance and support services to succeed in college are admitted to EOP. They must demonstrate academic potential and motivation, be California residents, and meet the income criteria stated below.

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Income Criteria

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) applicants must meet the preliminary low-income screening guidelines listed in the table below and demonstrate their family is unable to provide an annual contribution of more than $1,500 toward their college expenses. Applicants whose total family income exceeds the guidelines may be considered only if their Expected Family Contribution (EFC) for financial aid purposes does not exceed $1,500. These guidelines are not intended to exclude economically disadvantaged students but to identify and give priority to the most financially needy applicants.

2009-2010 EOP Family Income Guidelines*

Dependent Students Family Size Maximum Income 2 $33,200 3 $37,000 4 $42,900 5 $48,300 6 $54,500 7 $57,200 8 $63,800

Independent Students   Family Size Maximum Total Student/Spouse Income Single, No Dependents 1 $11,800 Married, No Dependents Other Than Spouse 2 $20,600 With Dependents Other Than Spouse 2 $35,800 3 $40,300 4 $47,000 5 $53,200 6 $60,200 7 $65,500 8 $70,700

These guidelines reflect an income level that will generate an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of approximately $1,500. For purposes of these guidelines, the approximate contribution for dependent applicants is based solely on the parental income and does not take into account any parental assets nor does it assume any contribution from the applicant's income or assets. For independent applicants, the guidelines are based strictly on income with no consideration or available savings or other assets.

* Guidelines are based on the formulas used to determine the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) for federal student financial aid.

Financial Assistance

If you are applying for financial aid, you must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form is used to determine the EFC and allows the campus financial aid office to determine financial aid eligibility and consider the student for an EOP grant for up to $2,000 per year. However, due to limited campus program funding, the average award per student is $810. You must file the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1, 2009, and before the CSU financial aid priority filing date of March 2, 2009. EOP grants will be awarded only as long as funds are available. You will have a better chance of receiving an EOP grant and other financial aid for which you are eligible if you apply as soon as possible.

Application for financial aid is a separate process from the EOP admission process.

EOP Selection Procedure

Once your EOP forms are received, they will be reviewed carefully by a campus selection committee. The committee will consider such factors as historically disadvantaged background, financial need, academic performance, motivation, and potential for success in college. The committee may also look for any contributions that you have made or intend to make to your community, work experience, or the career you wish to pursue. Be sure to complete EOP forms accurately to assist the committee in understanding your academic preparation and motivation. EOP applicants may be notified separately from both the Admission and EOP offices. Typically, EOP admission notices will be sent to fall applicants in May or June if they complete their files by campus priority deadline. (Please check with the campus of your choice for specific campus deadlines.) Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly Pomona accept applications for fall quarter only. Applicants from high schools that have year-round schedules should plan on completing their EOP application materials earlier than usual to accommodate the school calendar.

Interviews and Skills Assessment

Some campuses use interviews and/or skills assessment testing to help in determining the types of services you are eligible to receive if admitted. The EOP Office at the campus to which you apply will notify you if an assessment is required during the selection process.

How May I Apply?

EOP Materials

In addition to submitting the 2009-2010 undergraduate application, EOP applicants applying for Summer 2009, Fall 2009, Winter 2010, or Spring 2010, may apply online and must submit these forms:

• Applicant Information Form
• Recommendation Forms - Two recommendations are required
• Other - If you do not apply for financial aid by filing the FAFSA (see below), you may be required to submit other documentation to determine EOP income eligibility.

EOP application deadlines vary from campus to campus. Check with the EOP and/or Admission Office at the campus you wish to attend for the EOP application deadline. The paper Applicant Information Form Statement should be sent to EOP, and the Recommendation Forms should be sent to EOP by the persons completing them. The online Applicant Information Form and recommendation forms will be sent electronically to the EOP office.

Financial Aid Materials

If you are applying for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and file it with the federal processor by March 2, 2009. The FAFSA is available on the web at www.csumentor.edu/finaid or at www.fafsa.edu.gov and is also available from high school counselors and college financial aid offices. If you are going to apply online, you (and your parents) should apply for a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov.