Educational Opportunity Program
SFSU’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) improves access and retention of underserved low-income and first-generation college students. The program helps students graduate through outreach, admissions, academic, financial and mental health support.
Student services include academic advising, tutoring, peer mentoring, developmental workshops and a state grant designed to increase retention and the graduation rate. Students can also join the Educational Opportunity Program Student Organization (EOPSO), which supports underserved SFSU students and help them adjust to campus life.
Eligibility
To be eligible, students must:
- Be a first-generation undergraduate student
- Be California residents and eligible AB 540 students
- Meet the income eligibility index
Please note: Non-EOP students transferring from another CSU campus are ineligible for EOP at SFSU.
Visit SFSU’s EOP to ensure you meet this year’s application requirements. Due to space and resource limitations, not all eligible students will be selected.
How to apply
At SFSU, EOP only admits applicants in the fall semester, so students must apply for the program the same semester they apply for SFSU. Notification of admission to SFSU and notification of admission to EOP are separate steps. Students must be admitted to SFSU before their EOP file is reviewed.
- Complete the EOP supplemental questions on the CSU Cal State Apply application.
- Provide names and email for two teachers or counselors who can recommend you for EOP. They will receive an email questionnaire.
- Apply for financial aid by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act application by the California priority deadline. To be eligible for the EOP state grant, you must apply for FAFSA.
- Frequently asked questions and more tips available via EOP.
Visit the Educational Opportunity and Pathway Programs Department
Meet EOP
Talk to EOP to learn more, determine your eligibility and prepare your application. Once accepted, set up an appointment to talk to your EOP team.
Join Us for EOP Summer Bridge
EOP Summer Bridge is an optional transitional program for incoming EOP students that provides an opportunity to learn about University resources, build community and get a glimpse of dorm living.
Related Programs
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Student Support Services - TRIO
Student Support Services - TRIO (SSS-TRIO) is a federally funded program that aims to increase retention and graduation rates among students who are low-income, first-generation and/or have disabilities.
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Metro College Success Program
Metro College Success Program transforms the first two years of college through career-focused, social justice-oriented learning communities and dedicated faculty.
EOP over the decades
In 1968, students on campuses statewide were bringing issues of access and other concerns to the forefront through sit-ins, demonstrations and strikes. One of the most famous strikes happened at SFSU in 1968, when SFSU was still San Francisco State College. After five months of the longest university-led strike in history, the administration finally responded. Most of the protestors’ demands were met, and the University hired several new faculty members. Reginald Major was the first EOP director at SF State. Several other EOP pilot programs emerged, resulting in the 1969 Harmer Bill (SB1072), which developed into statewide, state-funded EOP programs.
More than 55 years later, EOP continues to increase access, academic excellence and retention of students. EOP support services exist on all 23 CSU campuses, with each campus adopting a program structure and services to meet the unique needs of their campus. However, all programs continue to show commitment to students who are low-income, first-generation college students.