The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) is a California State University (CSU) program designed to provide comprehensive support for first-generation and economically disadvantaged students.

• EOP Grant*
• Retention services
• Financial aid advising
• EOP graduation ceremony
• Class registration assistance
• Academic and career advising
• Campus visits and EOP presentations
• Admissions and EOP application assistance
• Professional development and engagement opportunities
• Transitional programs (Summer Bridge Academy & Transfer Bridge Program)
• Referrals to other support services (wellness, career, academic support, etc.)

* Admitted students who are enrolled in 12 or more units per semester will be eligible to receive the EOP Grant.

Prospective first-year and/or transfer students who are applying for the fall semester to the university must meet the following:

• Meet the University Admissions Requirements to apply as a first-year or transfer applicant
• Be a first-generation college student (neither parent/guardian has earned a four-year college degree)
• Be a California resident and/or meet AB 540 eligibility
• Submit the FAFSA and/or CADAA to our campus
• Have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $1,500 or below
• Complete the EOP application on the Cal State application

• Students applying for admission to the university may apply to EOP between October 1 and January 15 through the Cal State Apply Admissions Application (Supporting Information tile).
• On the “Supporting Information” tile, when prompted “Are you interested in applying to EOP?”, select “Yes.”
• Applicants must also complete the EOP biographical questions and submit two electronic letters of recommendation.

No. EOP only admits new, incoming students who apply for admission to the fall semester.

Yes. Incoming students can access the EOP application and complete all required questions only when applying for admission to the university as new or returning students.

If you miss the deadline, you will not be able to apply later once you are already enrolled.

• EOP admission notifications will be sent to students in March via their CSUS email.
• Students must first create their MySacState
• If admitted, you will be asked to complete and submit your EOP Student Agreement Form.

• EOP students who are enrolled in 12 or more units per semester and have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $1,500 or below may be eligible for an EOP Grant. The Financial Aid Office will award and disburse the grant.
• The EOP Grant is not guaranteed; funds are limited and awarded based on financial need.
• All students must complete the FAFSA and/or CADAA to be considered.

Yes. Your Cal State Apply submission is shared, but each campus makes independent decisions and has different application deadlines.

No. Admitted EOP students will be reviewed for eligibility to receive an EOP Grant, which will be awarded and disbursed by the Financial Aid Office.

No. The EOP application is fully integrated into the online Cal State Apply system, and paper applications are not accepted. Students must complete and submit their EOP application, including recommendation forms, through the online portal.

No. The EOP program at our university only admits students who apply for the fall semester.

No. If you are not admitted to EOP, you cannot reapply after you have already enrolled.

Prospective first-year students applying for the fall semester must meet the following requirements:

• Meet the University Admissions Requirements to apply as a first-year applicant
• Be a first-generation college student (neither parent/guardian has a four-year college degree)
• Be a California resident and/or meet AB-540 eligibility
• Submit FAFSA and/or CADAA to our campus
• Have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $1,500 or below
• Respond to the EOP application questions on the Cal-State Application
• Respond to the EOP Biographical questions
• Submit two electronic letters of recommendation

Once admitted to our program, students are expected to meet the first-year EOP Student Agreement Requirements until graduation.

Yes. EOP requires all admitted students to participate in the mandatory EOP Summer Bridge Academy Program. Please read more about the program here: EOP Summer Bridge Requirements and Benefits

Prospective transfer students applying for the fall semester must meet the following requirements:

• Meet the University Admissions Requirements to apply as a transfer applicant
• Be a first-generation college student (neither parent/guardian has a four-year college degree)
• Be a California resident and/or meet AB-540 eligibility
• Submit FAFSA and/or CADAA to our campus
• Have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $1,500 or below
• Respond to the EOP application questions on the Cal-State Application
• Respond to the EOP Biographical questions
• Submit two electronic letters of recommendation

Once admitted to our program, students are expected to meet the transfer EOP Student Agreement Requirements until graduation.

No. The EOP Transfer Bridge Academy Program is optional for admitted transfer students. Please read more about the Frequently Asked question here:

Yes. EOP at Sac State is open to all eligible transfer students, regardless of EOPS participation.

Yes. EOPS (community college) and EOP (CSU) are separate programs.

No. Each CSU campus reviews EOP applications individually.

No. EOP only accepts transfer students who are applying for the fall semester.