Educational Opportunity Program
What is the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)?
EOP is a special admissions program that believes in students and their potential for success. We consider students whose high school performance levels are not considered acceptable through traditional admissions. EOP admission to SUNY Cortland is designed for motivated New York State residents who are economically disadvantaged but show the potential to obtain a college degree.
EOP students are enrolled in the same degree-granting programs as the traditionally admitted student. EOP students will be provided with individualized support including tutoring, as well as academic career and personal counseling, in order to ensure their academic success. In addition, EOP students receive financial aid to help with the cost of room, board, tuition, books and personal expenses.
Who is Eligible to be an EOP Student?
To be eligible for admissions 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. Please refer to the SUNY Viewbook or the SUNY Web site for more information about the income guidelines.
In selecting students for the program, priority is given to applicants from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. If in the year prior to enrollment your family income falls within EOP guidelines due to unemployment, separation, divorce or death of a parent, etc., you may still not qualify for EOP if you are not from a historically disadvantaged background.
What Are The Benefits Of EOP?
EOP provides strong academic and financial aid support, as well as personal contact with EOP Counselors. EOP students enroll in the same course work as traditionally admitted students. EOP students have additional resources at their disposal, such as:
- A pre-freshmen summer instructional program called the Summer Institute.
- A structured program throughout your college career, which includes tutoring, counseling, and other support assistance.
- Counseling, educational techniques, and other programs to enhance retention and progress towards graduation.
- Financial assistance supplementing regular financial aid, which will help subsidize the cost of books, room and board, and other necessary items.
The Summer Institute
Enrollment in and successful completion of the Summer Institute (SI) is a requirement for all new, entering SUNY Cortland EOP freshmen. The SI generally lasts five weeks and during that time you will make the transition from your high school experience to becoming a SUNY Cortland freshman student.
You will live in a residence hall, eat in a dining facility, attend classes daily and experience the independent living that you will experience as a SUNY Cortland student. EOP will pay for your lodging, food, books, and classes during the Summer Institute.
Directions For Applying To EOP
Freshmen Admissions
- Be sure that your high school transcripts are mailed from your high school guidance office. Please send mid-year grades once they are available.
- Submit testing scores form either the ACT or SAT exams.
- Complete and return the SUNY Cortland Supplemental Application.
- Complete a personal statement or essay.
- Submit a letter of recommendation (two is preferred).
- Complete the yellow Family Questionnaire which will be mailed once you have been identified as an EOP applicant.
- Submit all financial documentation requested by the Family Questionnaire and the Financial Aid Office.
All financial documentation requests must be met or your application will be considered incomplete!
Transfer Admissions
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 program at your previous college. If your previous college did not have an EOP or similar program, you may be considered for transfer eligibility and should notify the college to which you are transferring.
- Submit college transcripts from all colleges you have attended.
- Complete and return the EOP Verification Form. *Needs to be completed by the first college you attended.
- Submit an official copy of your final high school transcript.
- Submit a financial aid transcript from your current college.