As part of its land-grant university mission, Penn State is committed to providing access and retention to low-income Pennsylvania students through the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP).

The EOP can provide an alternative admission opportunity for entering first-year (freshmen) students who meet the following criteria:

• applicant must be a Pennsylvania resident;
• family's income must fall within the guidelines established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for low income households;
• applicant may not meet regular admission criteria for his or her selected campus,
• and/or may need basic skills courses and/or supplemental academic support.

In addition to providing an offer of enrollment to Penn State, the program provides thorough diagnostic and placement services; basic skills courses in English, math, and reading—if needed by the student—and a study skills course; academic support including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising; and, for a small group, a summer intensive six-week program. Available courses and services may vary by campus. If your student wishes to apply for admission to Penn State and be considered for EOP, he/she must take the following steps:

1. Complete an application for admission to Penn State.

2. Complete the EOP Financial Information Form (FIF) and attach it to the application for admission. Students may obtain a FIF from an admissions office at any Penn State location or Penn State Community Recruitment Center.

3. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students may obtain this form from their high school counselor or any Penn State location or Community Recruitment Center. This form should be submitted as soon as possible after January 1 of the year for which the student is applying. To be considered for maximum financial aid, students should submit this form before February 15.

4. Applicants who meet EOP academic and financial qualifications will be required to attend an interview session as a final phase of the admissions process.

For more detailed information about EOP, please contact an admissions counselor at any Penn State campus or Community Recruitment Center.