The Empire Opportunity Program is no longer reviewing applications for Spring 2021. Interested students should apply for Fall 2021.
Attention: Our application function will be offline starting January 31 at 12 p.m. EDT, while we upgrade our systems. Please complete or save your application information before noon.
Empire Opportunity Program
at SUNY Empire State College

The Empire Opportunity Program (EOP) provides access, academic support, and financial assistance to economically and educationally disadvantaged students who are residents of New York State. The SUNY Empire EOP serves students at all stages of life and learning, full time or part time throughout the state.
What you get as an EOP student at SUNY Empire:
- Enhanced Academic Support Services. Get extra help from professional and peer tutors who work exclusively with EOP students.
- Financial Assistance. Receive an EOP stipend to help with your college costs. Students also have access to our Basic Needs office that can assist with providing resources to those undergoing personal hardship.
- Mentorship. An EOP Advisor will advise you throughout your degree, providing the tools and resources you need to succeed at SUNY Empire and beyond.
- Flexibility. Take courses online, onsite (when available), through independent study, and/or residencies.
- EOP Extended Orientation. This introduction to SUNY Empire allows you to connect with the College and your peers through a combination of live virtual workshops and online discussions. The orientation will reach EOP students across the state, allowing you to connect with the resources you need to see success in your studies.
- Specialized Programming. Benefit from year-round EOP workshops on topics ranging from leadership, career development, to keys to overall success. We also have an alumni speaker series, where SUNY Empire alumni share their academic, personal, and professional journeys.
- Early Degree Planning. As soon as you’re accepted, you’ll start working with your mentor to create a degree plan that meets your personal, professional, and academic goals.
- Laptop Loaner Program. EOP students have priority in our Laptop Loaner program, where they can be loaned a college laptop throughout the duration of their studies at SUNY Empire.
To be eligible for admission to EOP you must:
- Be a New York state resident for 12 months prior to enrollment.
- Meet the program’s academic and financial eligibility requirements.
Freshman and transfer students are eligible.
For the Fall 2021 semester we are accepting students; so, apply now, as seats are limited.
For more information, contact:
800-GO-TO-ESC