EOP Eligibility - SUNY Niagara

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EOP Eligibility

SUNY Niagara’s Educational Opportunity Program supports students who demonstrate the potential to succeed in college and would benefit from additional academic and personal support. Applicants must meet the program’s residency, academic, and economic eligibility requirements.

Program Requirements

To be considered for admission to EOP, applicants must:

Have been a New York State resident for at least 12 months prior to enrollment.

Be entering their first semester of college with no previous college experience.

Meet the academic requirements listed below.

Meet EOP economic eligibility requirements or qualify for an applicable exception.

Demonstrate motivation and a commitment to completing a college degree.

Participate in the mandatory three-week EOP Summer Academy before beginning the fall semester.

New students enter SUNY Niagara’s EOP in the fall semester.

Academic Eligibility

Applicants must meet one of the following academic criteria:

High School Diploma

GPA 70-86

Cumulitive

Or

GED Diploma

2380 Minimum

Score

Economic Eligibility

Economic eligibility is based on household size and total annual household income. To qualify, household income must fall within the limits below unless an approved exception applies.

EOP income guidelines: academic year 2027–28

Household Size (including head of household)Total Annual Income
1$29,526
2$40,034
3$50,542
4$61,050
5$71,558
6$82,066
7$92,574
8$103,082*
*For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $10,508 for each additional person.

Exceptions to the Income Guidelines

The household income limits do not apply when:

  • The student’s family receives Family Assistance or Safety Net payments through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance or a county Department of Social Services, or qualifying Family Day Care payments.
  • The student is in foster care as established by the court.
  • The student is a ward of the state or county.

Documentation is required to verify eligibility for an exception.

Eligibility Review

Applicants must complete the EOP application checklist and submit the required financial documentation so that SUNY Niagara can review their eligibility.

If you have questions about the requirements or the documentation needed, contact Taylor Bowers, Director of EOP, at tbowers@niagaracc.suny.edu or 716-614-5977