Eligibility

To be eligible for the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), students must meet specific residency, academic, and economic criteria established by New York State.

 

Student Status

First-Time Student

  • Be a first-time full-time student (no prior college).
  • Be a resident of New York State (one year).
  • Be a high school graduate with a (70-85) overall GPA in core academic classes or have a G.E.D. (General Equivalency Diploma) or TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion).
  • A member of a household with a gross annual income that does not exceed the applicable amount stated in the New York State Education Department's Guidelines (see Financial Guidelines chart).

Readmit Student

Readmit students must have been previously enrolled in EOP at MCC, but have not received a degree. Applicants should be in good academic standing from the last semester of enrollment.

Please note: Both transfer and readmit students should not be in default on any student loans and have not reached their maximum of six semesters of EOP eligibility.

Transfer Student

Transfer students must be admitted to MCC and have been previously enrolled in EOP, HEOP, SEEK, College Discovery or a similar program at a post-secondary institution. Verification of prior status must be submitted to EOP.

Please Note: Both transfer and readmit students should not be in default on any student loans and have not reached their maximum of six semesters of EOP eligibility.

EOP Financial Guidelines 2026 - 2027

(For students first entering college on or after July 1, 2026)

Household Size
(including head of household)
Total Annual Income In
2024 Calendar Year
1 $28,953
2 $39,128
3 $49,303
4 $59,478
5 $69,653
6 $79,828
7 $90,003
8 $100,178 *
 
* For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $10,175 for each additional person.

 

Apply to the EOP Program

Ready to unlock free tutoring, financial aid, and counseling for college? Apply for the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) today by checking the EOP box directly on your standard SUNY or local community college application.