Apply to EOP

Who Can Apply

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) is designed for undergraduate students that meet all of the following criteria:

  1. Are considered California residents or AB540 students. 
  2. Have a history of low-income (as determined by the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application, EFC under $1500. EFC between $1501-3500 will only be considered if there is space available in the program). 
  3. Are from an educationally disadvantaged background. Students must be the first generation of their family to earn a four year college degree. The students' parents cannot have earned a Bachelor's degree in any country.

The Cal State Apply website lists EOP deadlines for all 23 campuses: https://www2.calstate.edu/attend/student-services/eop/Documents/eop-admission-by-term.pdf [pdf]

How to Apply to EOP 

STEP 1: Cal State Apply

  • Apply for SJSU admission by January 8, 2021 (application has been extended as of 12/20/20) for Fall 2021 deadline via Cal State Apply. 
  • Apply to EOP via Cal State Apply by the final deadline of January 15, 2021.
  • To be fair and equitable to all students, we do not accept late or incomplete applications.
  • Students are only admitted to EOP at the start of their CSU/SJSU undergraduate career and are not eligible to apply for EOP at a later date or semester.

Note for returning SJSU EOP students or CSU EOP transfers: If you meet one of the following criteria, you must email the EOP Office by January 31. 

  • If you are a returning SJSU EOP student, email the EOP Office for EOP re-certification.
  • If you are a transfer from a CSU EOP (you were an EOP students at a prior California State University), email the EOP Office for EOP verification.

 STEP 2: Letters of Recommendation

  • Applications to EOP must have two (2) Letters of Recommendation submitted online via Cal State Apply by January 31. No late submissions for any reason.
  • Due to the volume of applicants, EOP can not individually check the status of your application/form. 
  • All recommendations must be submitted online via Cal State Apply ONLY. 
  • No paper letters/forms will be accepted.

STEP 3: FAFSA or CA Dream Act

  • Fall EOP applicants must have the FAFSA or CA Dream Act application complete and submitted by EOP deadline of January 31.

Important Notes About Applying to EOP

Spring Semester Additions

  • EOP at SJSU does not offer spring acceptance into the program. 
  • We are closed for new applicants for Spring 2021 and Spring 2022. 
  • Returning SJSU EOP students should email us for recertification.

I've Applied - Now What? 

  • Continually check Cal State Apply to keep track of your recommendation forms.
  • EOP Acceptance decisions will be sent out in early April 2021.
  • Visit us virtually on Admitted Spartan Day in April.
  • Make sure to follow all the necessary steps required by university admissions.

EOP Programs for Frosh & Transfers

  • Accepted students in EOP are required to attend either Summer Bridge 2.0 (Frosh) or Transfer Connect (Transfers).
  • The EOP programs are mandatory and does NOT take the place of university Orientation.
  • More information will be sent out at the time in June/July.

For More Information