EOP Application Process
To be considered for admission into the Educational Opportunity Program, please determine your residential, academic and income eligibility below. Once you have confirmed your eligibility, please complete steps 1-4 for review.
Apply today and take the first step toward your future!
Residential & Academic Guidelines
To be eligible for admission into EOP, you must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a New York State resident for 12 months prior to enrollment
- Must be a first-semester student and participate in our Pre-Freshman Institute
- Must be educationally disadvantaged as determined by established EOP criteria
- Must have a GPA range of 72-82 (exceptions are allowed on a case by case basis)
- Must demonstrate potential for completing a college program
- Must be economically disadvantaged as determined by the state-established criteria for the Educational Opportunity Program as defined in the drop-down box below
New York State has laid out specific income guidelines that dictate eligibility for the EOP program. Please review this info carefully.
| Household Size (including head of household) | Total Annual Income in Previous Calendar Year |
|---|---|
| 1 | $28,953 |
| 2 | $39,128 |
| 3 | $49,303 |
| 4 | $59,478 |
| 5 | $69,653 |
| 6 | $79,828 |
| 7 | $90,003 |
| 8 | $100,278* |
| *For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $10,175 for each additional person. | |
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 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.
Step 1: Applying
Note: All forms in relation to EOP are to be filled out electronically.
Submit a general admission application to OCC if you have not already AND an EOP application.
Step 2: Financial Info & FAFSA Application
After clicking the link, select “Create New Account” and follow the instructions to set up your account.
You’ll need to upload documents that show your total family income for the year. This includes all income, both taxable (like wages) and non-taxable (such as certain benefits).
If you are a dependent student, you’ll need to provide income information for yourself and your parent(s) or guardian(s).
After we review your FAFSA and any documents you submit, we’ll contact you if we need anything else.
Please review the “Required Financial Documentation” link below for a list of documents you may need based on your situation.
Step 3: Recommendations
Please have this form filled out by two adults who can speak on your behalf, such as a guidance counselor, a teacher, or a community organization advocate you have worked with.
Step 4: Complete These EOP Engagement Events, if accepted:
- Attend an EOP Open House
You must attend either a virtual or in-person EOP Open House. This is an opportunity to meet the staff, learn more about the program, and ask questions. Dates and times will be posted soon. - Successfully Complete the EOP Summer Institute
To officially become an EOP student, you must successfully complete the EOP Summer Institute, a five-week, on-campus college preparation program held July 6, 2026 through August 12, 2026.
During the Summer Institute, you will:
- Take two assigned courses
- Attend mandatory workshops Monday through Thursday
- Participate in additional study sessions, program requirements, and events on Fridays
EOP covers the cost of the Summer Institute, except for personal items, laptops, and other electronics.
You will need to provide the following documents the tax year to verify the information reported on the form.
| If you reported: | You must attach: |
|---|---|
| You are a non-U.S. citizen and a permanent resident | Form I-551 (Alien Registration Card) |
| You are in foster care | Letter or court document from the gov't, courts, private agency responsible for your support |
| You are a ward of the court or county | Letter or court document from the gov't, courts, private agency responsible for your support |
| You are an emancipated minor or in legal guardianship | Court order or legal document |
| You are married | Certificate of Marriage |
| You are on active duty | Military orders |
| You are a U.S. veteran | Form DD214 |
| You have been determined to be homeless |
- Homeless youth determination from your high school or school district homeless liaison or - Homeless youth determination from the director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or - Homeless youth determination from the director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or transitional living program |
| Income from wages, tips, dividends, interest, rental, business profits |
If tax return filed: - IRS form 1040 including all schedules or official transcript of tax returns If no tax return filed: - Forms W-2 or 1099 and - IRS Verification of Non-Filing Letter
Can retrieve these documents via the IRS. |
| Income from disability benefits, a pension, annuity, or unemployment benefits |
- Letter from the appropriate institution stating applicable year's total award (if not already reported on a tax return) - Disabilities statement |
| Child support, maintenance, or alimony | Signed affidavit, court order or legal document indicating amount of child support and/or alimony |
| Public assistance | A signed letter from the agency stating applicable year's total award and names of recipients |
| Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, or Veterans Non-education Benefits | SSA Form 1099 or letter from the agency stating applicable year's total award for each member of the household including names of individuals |
| No income |
- IRS Verification of Non-Filing Letter - You may be contacted for additional information |
| Unusual circumstances | Notarized letters, statements, death certificates, etc. that corroborate claims |
1.) Can I still be a student at OCC, if I didn’t get into EOP?
Yes! Even if you’re not accepted into EOP, you can still be a student at OCC. We also offer other excellent opportunity programs to support your success, and we encourage you to explore them.
If you are not admitted to EOP, there are still great opportunities to get support and resources through other programs at OCC. We encourage you to explore:
If you have questions or want guidance on which program might be right for you, call 315-498-2352 or stop by Coulter C214.
2.) Can I still be in EOP if I can’t attend the full Summer Institute?
Unfortunately, full participation in the Summer Institute is required to be part of EOP. The program is designed to keep students fully engaged Monday through Thursday, with classes and workshops each day. You will have the opportunity to leave campus on weekends, but attendance during the week is mandatory.
3.) What if I can’t complete the Financial Information Form all at once?
No problem! You can save your progress at the bottom of the form and come back later.
To return to your form:
- Click here to log in with the email and password you used to start the form.
- Go to My Forms and then My Form Drafts.
- Find the EOP Financial Information Form, click Action, and select Complete Form.
If you have any trouble accessing your saved form, contact the EOP Office at 315-498-2352 or eopoffice@sunyocc.edu. We’re happy to help!