How to Apply

  1. Review Frequently Asked Questions about EOP to help answer questions you may have about the EOP admissions process and the program. 
  2. Complete the EOP supplemental questions on the CSU Cal State Apply Application for Undergraduate Admissions.
  3. Provide the names and e-mail addresses of two teachers or counselors who can recommend you for EOP. Recommendation questions will be sent to them by e-mail, and they must submit their answers online. Recommendations must be from academic professionals.
  4. Apply for financial aid by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application by the CA priority filing deadline. 

Who is eligible to apply?

California residents and eligible AB 540 students who meet the income eligibility index and are a first-generation college student are eligible to apply to EOP. However, due to space and resource limitations, not all eligible students will be selected.

EOP Family Income Guidelines - 2026-2027

Dependent Students Family Size Income
Add $8,100 per person after 8    
  2 $48,200
  3 $55,100
  4 $65,000
  5 $74,500
  6 $84,900
  7 $93,100
  8 $102,000
Independent Students Family Size Income
Single 1 $20,300
Married (no dependents other than spouse) 2 $36,900
     
With dependents other than a spouse    
Add $14,750 per person after 8    
  2 $62,300
  3 $72,600
  4 $86,600
  5 $99,800
  6 $114,500
  7 $126,600
  8 $140,900

These guidelines follow the federal financial aid formulas used to calculate the Student Aid Index (SAI).

These guidelines represent income levels that generally result in a Student Aid Index (SAI) between $0 and -$1,500, meaning students in this range are likely to qualify for the highest levels of financial need.

  • For dependent students, the estimate is based only on parent income. It does not include any parental savings or assets, and it assumes the student is not expected to contribute from their own income or assets.
  • For independent students, the estimate is based only on the student’s income, without considering any savings or other assets.

Financial Assistance

To be considered for the EOP State Grant, you must submit either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application by the California priority filing deadline.

EOP grants are awarded based on available funding and are given first to students who meet the priority deadline.

  • New EOP students receive their first grant in October of their admission year.
  • You can continue to receive the EOP grant for up to eight semesters if you:
    • Meet the requirements outlined in the EOP Student Success Pledge, and
    • Continue to submit your FAFSA or Dream Act Application by the priority deadline each year.

For more information about financial aid and how to apply, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Selection Procedures

Once your EOP application file is complete, it will be carefully reviewed by the campus EOP Selection Committee.

The committee looks at the whole picture—not just grades. They consider:

  • Your educational and economic background
  • Your financial need
  • Your academic performance
  • Your motivation and potential to succeed in college
  • Any contributions you’ve made or plan to make to your community
  • Your work experience and career goals

Be sure to fill out all forms completely and accurately. The more clearly you explain your background, goals, and motivation, the better the committee can understand your potential and achievements.

EOP Admission at SF State

  • The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at San Francisco State University accepts new students only for the Fall semester.
  • Admission to SF State and admission to EOP are two separate processes.
    • You must first be admitted to SF State before your EOP application will be reviewed.
  • EOP admission notifications for the Fall semester begin in early spring and continue until all spaces are filled.

EOP Student Success Pledge

If you are conditionally admitted to EOP, you must complete the EOP Student Success Pledge before you can be fully admitted to the program.

Completing the pledge confirms your commitment to your academic and personal success and allows you to receive EOP services, including the EOP State Grant.

Frequently Asked Questions

To apply to EOP, please complete the EOP supplemental questions and both letters of recommendation included in the CSU Cal State Apply application at Cal State Apply by January 31. 

Students need to apply to EOP the same semester they apply to SF State. If you are transferring from another CSU campus as a non-EOP student, you are ineligible for EOP.

The specific programs will contact students who have been admitted to EOP and who are eligible for the program and provide a separate application.

No. EOPS at the community college system and EOP at the CSU system are two different programs. Therefore, EOPS students must complete an EOP application.

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