Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about the Educational Opportunity Program? You're in the right place. Our FAQ page provides clear answers to common inquiries about EOP eligibility, application steps, academic support, financial assistance, and student resources. Whether you're a prospective student, parent, or educator, this page is here to help you better understand how EOP supports student success.
If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for or need further clarification, feel free to email us at eop@csumb.edu
EOP Admissions Specific Questions
How do I apply to EOP?
Please visit our How to Apply webpage for step-by-steps instructions in submitting an EOP application. Please note: Although the EOP application is standardized across the CSU system, each campus administers its own EOP admission and verification procedures. Students are responsible for maintaining communication with the EOP office at each campus to which they apply and for adhering to that campus’s specific EOP requirements until they finalize their decision on which university they plan to attend.
Spring applicants: CSUMB is no longer accepting spring applications. Check directly with EOP @ CSUMB for the most up to date information.
Re-admit students, who were previously admitted through regular admissions at CSUMB or any other CSU who were not EOP, are not eligible to apply and be admitted into EOP.
May current CSUMB students apply?
No. EOP is a point of entry program. You are only able to apply to EOP prior to attending CSUMB.
If I submitted my CSU application and did not mark the EOP interest question with a YES, is it too late to apply to EOP?
No, it is not too late to apply for EOP. Students have until January 15th to apply to EOP online. Students will need to contact Cal State Apply directly and ask for their application to be "undelivered" so that you can have access to the EOP portion of your CSU application.
What do I do if the online EOP application is not working properly?
You need to contact Cal State Apply at Call (857) 304-2087
Can I submit a paper application?
EOP at CSUMB does not accept paper applications. All applications for consideration must be submitted via our application process through calstate.edu/apply.
What is the deadline to submit a completed EOP Application packet?
CSUMB at EOP has a priority deadline of November 30th. The standard deadline is January 15th and January 31st for EOP recommendations.
Please note that EOP applications that are not completed will not be reviewed for EOP admissions. Make sure all application requirements are submitted by the deadlines to ensure your application is reviewed.
Do I need to re-apply every year for EOP?
No, EOP is an admissions program and once admitted you will remain in EOP status throughout your undergraduate education. Students previously admitted through regular admissions at CSUMB or another CSU cannot be admitted to EOP, unless you were previously an EOP student at another campus, in this case you will need to contact our office to do a CSU EOP transfer.
How do I follow-up on my EOP admissions status?
For an application status, you can email eop@csumb.edu. Please ensure to include your name (first and last), phone number, and email used to submit your CalState application.
Where can I see what my income eligibility is?
You may refer to our How to Apply EOP page for income guidelines. Here you will find the maximum income that your family can earn for the year based on family size.
How do I send the required documents to EOP at CSUMB?
All EOP recommendations will be submitted by your recommender on your behalf through calstate.edu/apply.
How does my recommender receive the recommendation template required?
Your recommender’s email address will be inputted in your EOP Application on CalState Apply. Upon submitting the email addresses, your recommenders will receive an email with instructions on how to complete the recommendations they have been assigned.
Does EOP at CSUMB accept general Letters of Recommendation?
No, EOP does not accept general Letters of Recommendation. Recommenders must complete the Recommendation template provided by CalState Apply.
What should I submit my EOP recommendations for?
Submit your recommendations before the January 31st deadline. This will give you time to troubleshoot if you run into any issues. Keep in mind that all CSUs have different deadlines.
Ensure you are reminding your recommender of the deadline.
Can I send my recommendations to eop@csumb.edu?
No, EOP at CSUMB will not accept recommendations sent to our email.
Who can complete the recommendation for me?
A counselor, Teacher/Professor who can attest to your need for the program. It cannot be completed by a friend or family member.
What is an official transcript?
An official transcript is a part of your CSU application. CSUMB requires an official transcript after high school graduation (due in July).
An official transcript is a transcript signed, sealed, and mailed.
An unofficial transcript is NOT apart of your EOP application at CSUMB. Supplemental documents may be requested from our EOP office on a case by case basis.
When will students know their admissions into the EOP program?
EOP admission notifications are distributed during March.
General EOP Questions
What are the requirements to get into the EOP program?
Everything you need to know about EOP Admissions is available on our How to Apply webpage. Should you have more in-depth questions, we encourage you to email us at eop@csumb.edu.
How do you make an electronic payment to reserve your spot at CSUMB?
You can confirm your enrollment with CSUMB by going to the CSUMB Admissions website and clicking on the “Confirm Your Enrollment Box” or contact us at eop@csumb.edu for assistance.
Where do I sign up for orientation?
All incoming CSUMB students are required to participate in orientation. During orientation, students will receive information on course registration for Fall 2026. More information regarding orientation can be found at https://csumb.edu/orientation.
How are payments for tuition and housing made?
Payments for tuition and housing are made through your CSUMB student portal.
Is there a minimum GPA required to stay in the EOP program?
Once admitted into EOP students will sign a student contract. The contract outlines all the program requirements and student responsibilities. EOP participants are supported through their university journey. We understand GPAs will fluctuate and the EOP Retention Advisors provide holistic support and resources to ensure our students are successful.
Does EOP help students financially?
EOP grants are available for income eligible students. Students must complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Application and other documents as required by the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships by March 2nd..
How do I know if I am receiving the EOP Grant?
To qualify for the EOP grant, applicants must have a Student Aid Index (SAI)-15001500. EOP grants are never guaranteed and always subject to availability of funds. Priority is given to students with the greatest need as demonstrated by their SAI. To check if you have received the grant you may look on your OASIS student account under “financial aid awards.” It may take a few weeks after classes begin for the Financial Aid office to complete EOP grant awards.
Does EOP cost me anything?
No, all EOP services are free to students accepted into the program.
Once enrolled in EOP do I have to submit another EOP application every year?
No, the EOP application is submitted only once during the application process. Once the student is accepted to EOP and enrolls in the university, the student will remain EOP provided the conditions of acceptance are honored each term.
How do I know if I am considered dependent or independent?
You are considered dependent if you are under 24 years old, even if your parents don’t support you.
You are independent only if you are 24 years old or older, have children, are a ward of the court or a current or former foster youth, are a military service member or are legally emancipated.
Are non-resident students eligible for EOP services?
No, only California residents are eligible to participate in EOP.
If I’m no longer interested in being considered for EOP may I opt out?
Yes, you can notify our office by emailing us at eop@csumb.edu.
Where can I get my EOP questions answered?
Feel free to email questions to eop@csumb.edu we will answer you within 72 hours.
Where is the CSUMB EOP Office located?
EOP is located on the first floor of the Student Services Building (Bldg 47). We are open from 8:00-5:00pm Monday through Friday; closed on CSUMB holidays.
How do I withdraw my EOP application?
If you would like to formally request that your CSUMB EOP application be withdrawn, please email us at eop@csumb.edu. By submitting this request you will no longer be considered for EOP at CSUMB and will not be able to reapply in the future.
Summer Bridge Questions
Is Summer Bridge mandatory?
Yes, Summer Bridge is mandatory for all incoming first-time freshmen admitted into the program.
What if I can’t attend Summer Bridge?
Students who are offered conditional admissions into EOP who fail to attend Summer Bridge will have their admissions rescinded.
What are the Summer Bridge dates?
Summer Bridge 2026 dates are still to be determined.
Do I need to pay for Summer Bridge?
No, EOP will cover all costs associated with Summer Bridge.
May I work during Summer Bridge?
No, Summer Bridge is a residential program that requires students to live on campus. Due to the nature of our programming, students will not be able to work.
Where can I get other Summer Bridge questions answered?
Feel free to email questions to eop@csumb.edu we will answer you within 72 hours.
Financial Aid Specific Questions
Do EOP and Financial Aid work together?
Yes, our EOP program and the Office of Financial Aid work collaboratively to support our EOP students.
Where can loans be taken out to pay for tuition, housing, and other payments?
Any information regarding loans and financial aid can be found on CSUMB’s Financial Aid website: https://csumb.edu/financialaid or via email at financial_aid@csumb.edu.
Where can I sign up for work-study?
Federal Work-Study is a federally funded program that allows students with high financial need, as determined by the FAFSA, to work up to 20 hours per week. This includes campus employment and volunteering. The funds are very limited with priority funding considerations made available to students who submit the FAFSA by the March 2nd priority deadline. If awarded, you will see the Work-Study award reflected on your financial aid offer. For more information contact the financial aid office via email at financial_aid@csumb.edu.
We received the financial aid notification letter. Is the EOP grant included in this notification letter?
No, the EOP grant will not be included in the Estimated Award Letter.
How will taking out student loans work, given the current circumstance that we're in?
Any information regarding loans and financial aid can be found on CSUMB’s Financial Aid website: https://csumb.edu/financialaid or email direct questions to financial_aid@csumb.edu.
EOP Admissions Specific Questions
Will we be accepting Transfer Students for Spring 2026?
No, we will not be offering student admissions for Spring 2026 into EOP.
Are EOPS community college students accepted automatically into EOP?
No, EOPS students are screened and selected based on the same criteria for all EOP applicants. A completed EOP application will be required.
What are the differences in services provided by EOP and EOPS?
EOP and EOPS share the same goals and objectives in assisting low income, first-generation college students. However, EOP is a point of entry program that provides comprehensive services, which include admissions assistance, academic success, and graduation. Each EOPS program has specific services and programs.
You must apply and be admitted before enrolling in your first semester at the university and adhere to EOP admissions deadlines.
If I am a transfer student who was not in EOPS at the community college, can I still apply for EOP?
Yes, the same qualification criteria will be applied to all students applying.
How do I apply to EOP?
Please visit our How to Apply webpage for step-by-steps instructions in submitting an EOP application. Please note: Although the EOP application is standardized across the CSU system, each campus administers its own EOP admission and verification procedures. Students are responsible for maintaining communication with the EOP office at each campus to which they apply and for adhering to that campus’s specific EOP requirements until they finalize their decision on which university they plan to attend.
Spring applicants: CSUMB is no longer accepting spring applications. Check directly with EOP @ CSUMB for the most up to date information.
Re-admit students, who were previously admitted through regular admissions at CSUMB or any other CSU who were not EOP, are not eligible to apply and be admitted into EOP.
May current CSUMB students apply?
No. EOP is a point of entry program. You are only able to apply to EOP prior to attending CSUMB.
If I submitted my CSU application and did not mark the EOP interest question with a YES, is it too late to apply to EOP?
No, it is not too late to apply for EOP. Students have until January 15th to apply to EOP online. Students will need to contact Cal State Apply directly and ask for their application to be "undelivered" so that you can have access to the EOP portion of your CSU application.
What do I do if the online EOP application is not working properly?
You need to contact Cal State Apply at Call (857) 304-2087
Can I submit a paper application
EOP at CSUMB does not accept paper applications;. All applications for consideration applications you must submit via our your application process through calstate.edu/apply.
What is the deadline to submit EOP Application materials?
CSUMB at EOP has a priority deadline of November 30th. The standard deadline is January 15th and January 31st for letters of recommendation.. Applications to EOP at CSUMB will be accepted after this date on a rolling basis depending on space and availability.
Please note that EOP applications that are not completed will not be reviewed for EOP admissions. are not reviewed until your application is complete. Make sure all application requirements documents are submitted by the deadlines to ensure your application is reviewed.
Do I need to re-apply every year for EOP?
No, EOP is an admissions program, and once admitted you will remain in EOP status throughout your undergraduate education. Students previously admitted through regular admissions at CSUMB or another CSU cannot be admitted to EOP, unless you were previously an EOP student at another campus, in this case, you will need to contact our office to do a CSU EOP transfer.
How do I follow-up on my EOP admissions status?
For an application status, you can email eop@csumb.edu. Please ensure to include your name (first and last), phone number, and email used to submit CalState application.
Where can I see what my income eligibility is?
You may refer to our "How to Apply" EOP page for income guidelines. Here you will find the maximum income that your family can earn for the year based on family size.
How do I submit my Recommendations?
All letters of recommendation will be submitted by your recommender on your behalf through CalState Apply.
How does my recommender receive the recommendation template required?
Your recommender’s email address will be inputted in your EOP Application on CalState Apply. Upon submitting the email addresses, your recommenders will receive an email with instructions on how to complete the recommendations they have been assigned.
Does EOP at CSUMB accept general Letters of Recommendation?
No, EOP does not accept general Letters of Recommendation. Recommenders must complete Recommendation template provided by
What should I submit my letters of recommendations for?
Submit your recommendations before the January 31st deadline. This will give you time to troubleshoot if you run into any issues. Keep in mind that all CSUs have different deadlines.
Ensure you are reminding your recommender of the deadline
Can I send my recommendations to eop@csumb.edu
No, EOP at CSUMB will not accept recommendations sent to our email.
Who can complete the recommendation for me?
Counselor, Teacher/Professor who can attest to your need for the program. It can not be completed by a friend or family member.
How do I send the required documents to EOP at CSUMB?
EOP applicants must submit EOP applications and Two Letters of Recommendation. The EOP application and letters of recommendation are submitted through calstate.edu/apply.
When will students know their admissions into the EOP program?
EOP admission notifications are distributed during the summer, if not sooner.
How do I withdraw my EOP application?
If you would like to formally request that your CSUMB EOP application be withdrawn, please email us at eop@csumb.edu. By submitting this request you will no longer be considered for EOP at CSUMB and will not be able to reapply in the future.
Is Transfer Bridge Mandatory?
Yes, Transfer Bridge is mandatory and all transfer students admitted into EOP must attend.
What if I can’t attend Transfer Bridge?
Students who are offered conditional admissions into EOP who fail to attend Transfer Bridge will have their EOP admissions rescinded.
General EOP Questions
What are the requirements for admission into EOP at CSUMB?
Everything you need to know about EOP Admissions is available on our How to Apply webpage.
Should you have more in-depth questions, we encourage you to email us at eop@csumb.edu.
How can you make an electronic payment to reserve your spot at CSUMB?
You can confirm your enrollment with CSUMB by going to the CSUMB Admissions website and clicking on the “Confirm Your Enrollment Box” or contact us at eop@csumb.edu for assistance.
Where do I sign up for orientation?
All incoming CSUMB students are required to participate in orientation. During orientation, students will receive information on course registration for Fall 2026. More information regarding orientation can be found at https://csumb.edu/orientation.
How are payments for tuition and housing made?
Payments for tuition and housing are made through your CSUMB student portal.
Is there a minimum GPA required to stay in the EOP program?
Once admitted into EOP students will sign a student contract. The contract outlines all the program requirements and student responsibilities. EOP participants are supported through their university journey. We understand GPAs will fluctuate and the EOP Retention Advisors provide holistic support and resources to ensure our students are successful.
Does EOP help students financially
EOP grants are available for income eligible students. Students must complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Application and other documents as required by the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships by March 2nd.
How do I know if I am receiving the EOP grant?
To qualify for the EOP grant, applicants must have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of -1500 to -1500. EOP grants are never guaranteed and always subject to availability of funds. Priority is given to students with the greatest need as demonstrated by their SAI. To check if you have received the grant you may look on your OASIS student account under “financial aid awards.” It may take a few weeks after classes begin for the Financial Aid office to complete EOP grant awards.
Does EOP cost me anything?
No, all EOP services are free to students accepted into the program.
Once enrolled in EOP do I have to submit another application every year?
No, the EOP application is submitted only once during the application process. Once the student is accepted to EOP and enrolls in the university, the student will remain EOP provided the conditions of acceptance are honored each term.
Are non-resident students eligible for EOP services?
No, only California residents are eligible to participate in EOP.
If I'm no longer interested in being considered for EOP may I opt out?
Yes, you can notify our office by emailing us at eop@csumb.edu.
Where can I get my EOP questions answered?
Feel free to email questions to eop@csumb.edu we will answer you within 72 hours.
Where is the CSUMB EOP Office located?
EOP is located on the first floor of the Student Services Building (Bldg 47). We are open from 8:00-5:00 pm Monday through Friday; closed on CSUMB holidays.
Financial Aid Specific Questions
Do EOP and Financial Aid work together?
Yes, our EOP program and the Office of Financial Aid work collaboratively to support our EOP students.
Where can loans be taken out to pay for tuition, housing, and other payments?
Any information regarding loans and financial aid can be found on CSUMB's Financial Aid website: https://csumb.edu/financialaid or via email at financial_aid@csumb.edu.
Where can I sign up for work-study?
Federal Work-Study is a federally funded program that allows students with high financial need, as determined by the FAFSA, to work up to 20 hours per week. This includes campus employment and volunteering. The funds are very limited with priority funding considerations made available to students who submit the FAFSA by the March 2nd priority deadline. If awarded, you will see the Work-Study award reflected on your financial aid offer. For more information contact the financial aid office via email at financial_aid@csumb.edu.
We received the financial aid notification letter. Is the EOP grant included in this notification letter?
No, the EOP grant will not be included in the Estimated Award Letter.
How will taking out student loans work, given the current circumstances that we're in?
Any information regarding student loans and financial aid can be found on CSUMB's Financial Aid website: https://csumb.edu/financialaid or email direct questions to financial_aid@csumb.edu.