Educational Opportunity Program

How to Apply

1. Apply for Admission
   • Submit your undergraduate application through Cal State Apply.
   • In the “Supporting Information” section, select “Yes” for EOP and complete all required supplemental questions.
2. Request Recommendations
   • You will be asked to provide the names and e-mail addresses of two teachers or counselors who can recommend you for EOP.
   • They will receive an email with recommendation questions and can submit their responses online.
3. Submit All Application Materials
   • Ensure that your CSU admission application, EOP section, autobiographical questions, and recommendations are all completed and submitted by the deadline. Please ensure to check each campus's deadlines here.
   • IMPORTANT: Your EOP application will not be considered complete until your EOP application and two EOP recommendations are submitted online.
4. Complete Financial Aid Application
   • Submit the FAFSA or Dream Act Application to verify financial need. Meeting priority deadlines improves chances for financial grants.
   • Some campuses may request income verification to ensure financial eligibility.
5. Await Decision
   • If accepted, some campuses send conditional acceptance based on preliminary information.
   • You may need to sign an EOP contract, attend an info session, or provide verification of income or GPA before final EOP admissions can be offered.

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’ specific EOP requirements until they finalize their decision on which university they plan to attend.

EOP Application Questions? Join Our Live Zoom Office Hours! 

Connect with our Admissions & Retention Advisor during our Zoom drop-in sessions for personalized assistance. 

Zoom Office Hours will be available October 2, 2025 through December 11, 2025

*Office hours will be unavailable November 24 through November 28 in observance of Fall Break.

Drop-In Office Hours

Zoom Office Hours Schedule: 

• Tuesday’s: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Thursday’s: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m

Can't make it during these times? Email us at eop@csumb.edu to arrange an alternative meeting.

Important Deadlines & Tips

Fall applications typically have deadlines around January 15 for the EOP portion (some campuses have applicant information and then recommendation deadlines slightly later). Letters of recommendation are due January 31. 

Spring term deadlines are usually August 31 for many campuses. California State University

• Always check the specific CSU campus EOP webpage you're applying to for deadlines as requirements can vary by campus

Submit as early as possible; recommendation writers often need reminders.

Keep track of correspondence, especially via email; add the EOP/campus email addresses to your safe senders so you don’t miss anything.

Deadlines

Entering CSUMB in Fall 

The priority deadline is November 30th, which includes all EOP recommendations. Students that submit a completed application by the priority deadline and qualify for EOP will get priority consideration for the program. All EOP applications to CSUMB must be submitted by January 15th to be considered for Fall admission. All letters of recommendation must be submitted no later than January 31st.

Entering CSUMB in Spring 

EOP will not be offering EOP admissions for Spring 2026. 

Eligibility

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) is designed for students from low-income and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds who may benefit from admission assistance and support services to succeed in college.

Applicants must: 

• Meet CSU admission requirements
• Reside in California or AB 540 eligible
• Apply as a first-time freshman or transfer student (point-of-entry program) 
• Demonstrate a history of low-income status and meet EOP income guidelines.
• Come from an educationally disadvantaged background.
• Show academic potential and motivation to succeed.

Admission is determined by the EOP selection committee, based on educational background and income criteria.

EOP applicants should meet the low-income guidelines listed below and demonstrate that their family is unable to provide an annual contribution of more than $1500 toward their college expenses. Applicants whose total family income exceeds the guidelines may be considered if their parent's contribution does not exceed $1500. These guidelines are not intended to exclude disadvantaged students but to identify and give priority to the most financially needy applicants.

Dream Act students

AB 540 students may also apply to EOP programs as long as they are either low-income and/or first-generation college students.

2026-2027 EOP family income guidelines

These guidelines are based on the formulas used to determine the Student Aid Index (SAI) for federal student financial need.

Dependent students

Independent students

Selection procedure

Once your EOP file is complete, it will undergo a holistic review process. This review considers multiple factors, including:

• Disadvantaged background
• Financial need
• Academic performance
• Motivation and commitment
• Potential for success in college

It is important to note that the EOP application process does not end once you submit your application through Cal State Apply. Each campus has its own admissions process to further determine your interest and eligibility. Students are expected to closely monitor their email and promptly respond to requests for additional information to ensure they remain in consideration for admission.

To strengthen your application, be sure to thoroughly complete all autobiographical sections, as your responses provide important context about your academic preparation, personal experiences, and motivation to succeed in higher education.

Appeals procedure

• A limit of one appeal per academic term. Decisions rendered are final and non-negotiable.
• Must be received no later than 15 days from the date of EOP Admissions decision notification.

Appeal packets should include:

• Letter of appeal
• Documentation to support your appeal (e.g., copy of taxes, unofficial transcript, etc.). All appeal requests must include additional information that was not provided on the EOP application. You must provide any documents that support the additional information you would like to be taken into consideration for your appeal.

Submit the appeal packet in person to Student Services Building (Bldg 47), fax, email, or by mail to:

• California State University, Monterey Bay
• Office of EOP Admissions, Bldg. 47
• RE: EOP Admissions Appeal
• 100 Campus Center
• Seaside, CA 93955-8001

In preparing your appeal, please understand the following:

• Additional letters of recommendation will not be considered.
• Appeal letters must be submitted by the applicant.
• Appeal letters written by anyone other than the applicant will not be considered.

Any questions about the appeals process should be directed to the EOP Admissions office at (831) 582-4153.

Appeals decision notification

You will be notified within 3 weeks of receipt of appeal. Students submitting appeals will be notified of the final appeal decision via email and we advise you not to change your existing college options or other educational pursuits while waiting for the appeal decision.

Financial assistance

EOP students who qualify for financial aid may be eligible to receive an EOP grant. To be considered, you must apply for financial aid by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Apply as soon as possible after October 1st of the preceding school year, and before the CSU financial aid priority filing date of March 2nd of the preceding school year.