Educational Opportunity Program

A group of student actively engaged in class discussion.

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) is a state-funded initiative that provides access, support, and financial aid to qualifying students who show potential to succeed in college.

EOP Support Services & Benefits

Participating in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) provides enhanced academic support for under-prepared students:

Extended Summer Orientation

A three-week program introducing you to college life and FLCC student support services.

Tutoring Program

Professional tutors provide 1-on-1 support for your academic coursework at no cost.

Personal Academic Counseling

EOP counselors help you discover interests, meet expectations, and plan for your future.

Financial Aid

The EOP provides a small grant for education expenses and up to ten semesters of New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) based on need.

EOP/HEOP Transfer

Transfer to participating New York State colleges and universities as an (H)EOP student.

Graduate Tuition Waiver

Graduate Opportunity Program Tuition Waiver for EOP, HEOP, and SEEK program graduates.

EOP Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for EOP, you must:

  • Be a New York State resident.
  • Be a first-time student (or previously enrolled in an EOP).
  • Be admitted to one of our degree programs.
  • Register as a full-time student (12 or more credits).
  • Meet academic and income guidelines (outlined below).

The table below presents financial eligibility requirements for EOP admission for the 2023-24 academic year. To qualify as economically disadvantaged, your household income must not exceed the amount shown for its size. Some exceptions apply.

For students entering college during the 2023-2024 academic year, total annual income in calendar year 2021 must not exceed:

Household Size Total Annual Income
1 $25,142
2 $33,874
3 $42,606
4 $51,338
5 $60,070
6 $68,802
7 $77,534
8 $86,266

*For larger households, add $8,732 for each additional person.

Income Guidelines Do Not Apply If:

  • Your family receives Family Assistance or Safety Net payments through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance through a county Department of Social Service.
  • Your family receives Family Day Care payments through the New York State Office of Children and Family Assistance or a county Department of Social Services.
  • You live with foster parents who do not provide support for college and your natural parents provide no such support.
  • You are a ward of the state or county.

Financial Eligibility Documentation for EOP Admission

We need proof of all family income to verify your eligibility for EOP. This includes your total annual income from all sources, taxable and non-taxable. Dependent students (by financial aid standards) must provide income documents for themselves and their parents. We may request additional information after receiving your FAFSA, tax returns, and other documents to finalize your eligibility.

Please send the required documents to the EOP Office. If the Financial Aid Office has copies of income documents, the EOP Office does not need a second copy.

EOP students must show evidence of academic under-preparedness to the Admissions Office. Approved documentation includes:

  • Graduating from an accredited high school:
    • with an average grade of 70-85, or
    • in a vocational program, or
    • lacking courses required for your college program (i.e., math and science courses).
  • Earning a high school equivalency diploma (GED).
  • Be a non-high school graduate enrolled in the Ability to Benefit Program, allowing you to receive a GED by completing 24 college credits.

We can also consider other evidence of under-preparedness. This includes the need for prerequisite or developmental courses as a result of basic skills testing.


EOP Application Process

Students who meet the following criteria receive priority consideration:

  • Provide evidence of historical, educational, and financial disadvantage.
  • Show potential to be successful with EOP support.
  • Complete application and income verification as soon as possible.

EOP eligibility does not guarantee admission to the program. SUNY funds and administers EOP and can only admit a certain number of students per year. EOP admissions close once we reach the maximum enrollment for each semester.

We begin reviewing EOP applications in February or March. While you may submit applications through July, we encourage you to apply earlier. You can contact the EOP Office at any time with questions relating to EOP admission.

If you meet the eligibility requirements above, follow these steps to apply for the EOP:

  • Apply for admission to FLCC.
  • File your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and Express TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) applications.
  • Complete and return an EOP application and necessary financial documentation.
  • Attend the extended summer orientation program.

Maria Hubbel

Khadija Muhammadi of Rochester received the 2019 Norman R. McConney Jr. Award, an honor that recognizes excellence among participants in the SUNY Educational Opportunity Program. Khadija immigrated to the U.S. from Pakistan in 2015 to live with two sisters while finishing high school in Irondequoit. Her parents and brother remain in her home country; she keeps in touch via Skype. She chose FLCC for its small environment, saying "When I came to FLCC, I knew this was the right place for me."

— Khadija Muhammadi

Contact Us

Educational Opportunity Program
Third floor, Library
(585) 785-1390
(585) 785-1780
eop@flcc.edu
flcc.edu/eop

Email for an appointment

Hours
Mon-Thu: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Fri: 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.