Empire State Opportunity Program
Our Purpose
Provide targeted financial aid and academic support for students from historically
underserved and underrepresented backgrounds. The unique program is open to new SUNY
Empire students at any stage of their academic journey, whether they are first time
or transfer.
The program’s goal is to provide access to higher education for individuals that might
not have thought it possible due to academic or economic barriers. In an effort to
close the equity gap, the Empire State Opportunity Program provides students with
excellent service, coaching, and access to resources for student success.
Key Program Components
- The Summer Institute (a three-week extended orientation program)
- ESOP Grant funding (contingent on eligibility)
- Enrichment programming and OP Community Hub for peer to peer support
- Enhanced Academic Support
- Financial Assistance
- Mentorship & Coaching
- Laptop Loaner
- Basic Needs
Eligibility:
New York State residents that are new to SUNY Empire, and financially eligible.
The following guidelines are for SUNY Empire opportunity programs eligibility. To be determined economically disadvantaged, a student’s household income must not exceed the amount shown for its size, or the student’s circumstances must meet one of the exceptions. Eligibility guidelines may be adjusted slightly each year.
Opportunity Programs at SUNY Empire Income Guidelines 2025-26
|
Household Size |
Total Annual Income |
|
1 |
$27,861 |
|
2 |
$37,814 |
|
3 |
$47,767 |
|
4 |
$57,720 |
|
5 |
$67,673 |
|
6 |
$77,626 |
|
7 |
$87,579 |
|
8 |
$97,532* |
|
*For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $9,953 for each additional person. |
|
Income Guidelines Do Not Apply If:
- The student's family is the recipient of Family Assistance or Safety Net payments through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance; or through a county Department of Social Services; or Family Day Care payments through the New York State Office of Children and Family Assistance;
- The student is in foster care as established by the court;
- The student is a ward of the state or county.
