Applying to EOP

Who is eligible to apply for EOP?

You may apply to EOP if you meet all of the following requirements:

1. You are a California resident or AB540 student
2. Your family has a history of low income based on the family income guidelines below
3. You are part of the first generation in your family to attend college. Both your parents never received a four-year college degree; exceptions can be made for any degree(s) from a foreign country.
4. You are a first-time freshman OR transfer student and have not completed a bachelor's degree.
5. You are a high school graduate OR did not graduate from high school, but meet the CSU freshman eligibility requirements through a GED program 
6. You demonstrate academic potential and motivation for educational success.

Due to space and resource limitations, not all eligible students are guaranteed acceptance to EOP. Applications from students whose income exceeds the eligibility guidelines will not be reviewed. If you believe you should be considered as EOP eligible due to extenuating circumstances, please contact the EOP Office directly.

To be eligible for EOP, students must meet the following family income threshold.

Financial Assistance

EOP students who qualify for financial aid may receive an EOP Grant as part of their financial aid package, renewable annually for students who meet the terms of the EOP Student Success Agreement.  Please note that the application for financial aid is a separate process from the EOP selection process, and is handled by the Office of Financial Aid. All EOP students must submit their Financial Aid Application (FAFSA/CA Dream Act App) by the deadline listed on the Federal Student Aid website (https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/fafsa-deadlines) to be considered for the EOP grant.

EOP Application Process

Students must apply to EOP through the Cal State Apply application. Students must select that they are interested in EOP in order to be considered. The application additionally requests applicants submit 2 letters of recommendation; one from a school official (teacher, counselor, coach, etc.) who can speak to the student's academic potential and personal background, and a second recommendation from a teacher, counselor, community organization staff, employer, etc. No recommendations from family or friends will be accepted.

If you have already submitted your Cal State Apply application but are still interested in applying for EOP, please access our online application form here.

EOP Selection Process

All applications completed by the deadline will be reviewed by EOP staff.  The staff will consider factors including disadvantaged background, financial need, academic performance, motivation, and potential for success in college. Applicants will be notified of their selection status around mid-March to early April.  Please be sure to complete all forms completely to give the EOP staff the best opportunity to understand your fit for the program.  

Please note that students admitted to EOP qualify for a enrollment deposit fee waiver.  It is very important to follow the instructions in your EOP program admission letter to defer your enrollment deposit fee. If you follow the general instructions on the Cal Maritime website or in your campus admission documents, you will be charged the general campus $500 deposit.