EOP History
EOP, like SEEK in CUNY and HEOP at private institutions, was established in 1967 to fulfill New York's commitment to access to higher education for educationally and economically disadvantaged citizens. Since that time, it has graduated more than 30,000 students from its community colleges and state operated participating campuses.
EOP Is Not A Minority or Race Based Program
EOP is ethnically and racially diverse.
EOP Promotes Self-help
Approximately 93% of EOP students have family incomes of less than $25,000 per year.
In spite of their resources, EOP students contribute approximately $4,245-$7,120 of self help (work, personal and parental loans, and family contributions) toward their own education each year.
EOP Is Not A Financial Aid Program
Although extremely important to the student, the amount of EOP direct aid award is quite small. Ranging from $200-$1200 per semester, the EOP award will not cover the cost for food or housing or any single primary college expense.
The major benefits of EOP are that it provides a vehicle to gain admission to college. EOP also provides invaluable counseling and tutoring support services to students whose economic and educational circumstances have already placed them at a disadvantage.
EOP Students Are Talented Though Disadvantaged
EOP students have been identified as students who have the talent and ability to succeed in college, but have been placed at a disadvantage by financial and academic circumstances.
Many former EOP students have been accepted and/or are currently enrolled in Buffalo State graduate programs on an openly competitive basis. Many others are successfully competing, succeeding, and contributing in their careers, families, and communities.
Admissions and Graduation
Buffalo State typically enrolls 900–975 EOP students annually. An average of 300 new EOP students are admitted each year.
Recent EOP graduation rates are steadily climbing and currently average about 32%. This rivals graduation rates of U.S. minority students nationally regardless of background. When controlling for U.S. family income statistics, the EOP graduation rate is quite remarkable. From 1970 to 1993, the national average four-year college graduation rate for the lowest family income quartile (below $21,258) was 6-7%. In contrast, even though the average family income of EOP students is substantially below that mark, both Buffalo State College and SUNY-wide graduation rates are almost five times the national average for that group.
EOP Grads Stay, Work, And Pay Taxes In New York State
At least 80% of EOP graduates stay, work, and pay taxes in New York Sate and contribute back to their home communities. Based on conservative estimates, the 30,000 EOP graduates generate income in excess of $754,000,000 annually and pay more than $182 million each year in federal, state, and local taxes. This is a huge return on investment to the New York State economy given the fact that most of these student would likely never have attended college, or might even have been a drain on the economy, had it not been for the opportunity provided them by EOP.
EOP Students Perform Academically
EOP students are successful students. At Buffalo State College, approximately 23% hold GPA's ranging from 3.0 to 4.0. Each year, there are approximately 8-10 EOP students recognized by Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. A host of other students have been recognized or honored by organizations or professors with internships, assistantships, and scholarships.
EOP Contributes to the Institution
The EOP program in general and students in particular have made significant contributions to the overall quality and compassion of the institution for all students. EOP students serve in leadership positions throughout Buffalo State College and SUNY. They are editors, presidents of clubs in majors, heads of student associations, and members of advisory, trustee, and other oversight boards.
The diversity contained within the Educational Opportunity Program at Buffalo State has provided the appropriate service population for many funded grant opportunities. EOP students have been participants in programs such as the McNair Scholars Program, Math and Science Summer Institute, STEP, CSTEP, and Upward Bound. The Educational Opportunity Program provides access to a diverse student population which is necessary to achieve our urban mission.
