Educational Opportunity Programs

Educational Support Programs

You can still go to college if your grades were not as high as some colleges require.  There are special programs available that can help you receive support services, academic support and financial aid.

You must apply for these programs as part of your admissions application. You will have to complete additional application materials and financial aid forms by the colleges in which you are applying. Check with your school counselor or college.

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP): For students applying to a SUNY college or university

The State University of New York's Education Opportunity Program (EOP) provides access, academic support and financial aid to students. EOP is designed for students who need special academic assistance as well as financial aid.

EOP students may receive support services such as academic, career and personal counseling; tutoring and supplemental instruction as well as financial assistance for non-tuition related expenses (e.g. books, supplies, etc.).

To be eligible for admission to EOP, you must be:

  • A New York State resident for 12 months prior to enrollment

  • Require special admissions consideration

  • Qualified as economically disadvantaged according to New York State income guidelines --  priority is given to applicants from historically disadvantaged backgrounds

Note: Applicants deemed ineligible for EOP may still qualify for admission and financial aid through other admission processes.

Contact the admissions or EOP office at your college choice before you apply. And, be sure to ask if you are eligible for an application fee waiver.

Learn more about EOP and eligibility guidelines.

Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP): For students applying to an independent college or university

The Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) is an academic support program which enables students who may not normally be admissible to college to pursue a college degree at one of New York's participating independent colleges and universities.

HEOP provides eligible students with testing, counseling and tutoring as well as academic advisement and financial assistance. There are more than 50 HEOP programs throughout New York State, offering a wide variety of academic courses in major fields of study. Check out the colleges that offer HEOP programs, and contact their admissions office.

Learn more about HEOP.

Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge (SEEK): For students applying to a CUNY college or university

SEEK is the higher education opportunity program at the senior (four year) CUNY colleges. It was established to provide comprehensive academic support to assist capable students who otherwise might not be able to attend college due to their educational and financial circumstances. Students are admitted without regard to age, sex, sexual orientation, race, disability, or creed.

To be eligible for SEEK, you must:

  • Be a legal resident of New York State for at least one year prior to entering college

  • Be a high school graduate or recipient of a state-approved equivalency diploma

  • Be a first-time freshman or previously enrolled in an HEOP or EOP program

  • Have a gross family income that meets the New York State guidelines

  • Be inadmissible according to the freshman admissions criteria established for the CUNY senior college you want to attend

You must complete the Special Programs (SEEK and College Discovery) section of the CUNY Freshman Admission Application on-line at www.cuny.edu/apply.

Learn more about the SEEK Program.

College Discovery (CD): For students applying to a CUNY two-year college

College Discovery is the higher education opportunity program at the two year CUNY colleges. It was established to provide comprehensive academic support to assist capable students who otherwise might not be able to attend college due to their educational and financial circumstances. Students are admitted without regard to age, sex, sexual orientation, race, disability or creed.

To be eligible for College Discovery, you must:

  • Be a legal resident of New York City for at least one year prior to entering college

  • Be a high school graduate or recipient of a state-approved equivalency diploma

  • Be a first-time freshman or previously enrolled in an HEOP or EOP program

  • Have a gross family income that meets the New York State guidelines

  • Have earned a College Admissions Average (CAA) of less than 80 percent

To apply, you must complete the Special Programs (SEEK and College Discovery) section of the CUNY Freshman Admission Application on-line at www.cuny.edu/apply.

Learn more about the College Discovery program.