Financial Aid Criteria

Qualifying for admission to the Educational Opportunity Program is based on two sets of criteria. One set assesses a candidate's academic preparation; the other set is related to the financial resources of a candidate's family. Both take into account the factors, which have placed some individuals at a disadvantage in terms of academic readiness for college and a family's ability to pay for college.

To be eligible to participate in the Educational Opportunity Program, you should:

• possess a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED);
• be a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States of America who is also a New York State resident, and
• demonstrate potential for completing a college program; and
• Demonstrate need for financial assistance based on rigorous financial guidelines set by New York State.

Application Fee:

The application fee of $40 per campus choice is waived for those eligible for EOP admission. However, if you are found ineligible, you will be billed for the fee. Ineligible applicants may still qualify for traditional admission and financial aid.

Transfers

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 academic and financial support program at your previous college. If your previous college did not have EOP or a similar program, you may be considered for transfer eligibility and should notify the college to which you are transferring of your interest.

You will also need to provide verification that you were in an EOP, College Discovery, HEOP (Higher Education Opportunity Program), SEEK (Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge) or a similar academic and financial support program at your previous college.  Your previous program may write a letter addressed to the Binghamton University Office of Admissions to include the following information.

• Name
• DOB
• Type of program (i.e. EOP, HEOP, SEEK etc.)
• List semesters in attendance
• Indicate number of semesters of eligibility at previous colleges.

This letter should be signed by the Program Director and the designated Financial Aid Officer.  You may also find a form below.

EOP Transfer Verification Form: MSWord Document | Adobe PDF Document

Income Guidelines

The table below lists financial eligibility requirements for EOP admission during fall 2008 academic year. To be economically disadvantaged, a student must belong to a household that is defined in Category a, b or c or be covered by the exceptions noted below.

Household Income Categories

A. Income from Non-Employment Sources – Supported by one or more individuals whose combined total annual income is from Social Security or sources other than employment and which does not exceed the applicable amount under “Category A” above.

B. Salary/Wage Income – Supported by one or more worker(s) whose combined total annual income does not exceed the applicable amount under “Category B” above.

C. For households supported by one worker with two or more employers, which does not exceed the applicable amount under “Category C” above.

Exceptions to Income Guidelines:

1. 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;

1. The student lives with foster parents who do not provide support for college and the student’s natural parents provide no such support

1. The student is a ward of the state or county.

Link to Financial Aid
Link to Admissions
TAP or http://www.tapweb.org/totw/
Perkin Loans (info and promissory note)
BU Brain

Shevonne McKenzie,
EOP Financial Aid Counselor, phone 777-2428, email: smckenzi@binghamton.edu