Opportunity Programs
Alfred State Edge Program (ASEP) and Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
Access to higher education can be life changing, but only if it's within reach. That's why Alfred State offers the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and Alfred State Edge Program (ASEP) as ways for students to meet their goals for college success.
Both programs offer an opportunity to earn a higher education degree to high school graduates or to holders of high school equivalency diplomas who do not meet specified program requirements but who show the potential for college success.
Each program has been designed with academic success and educational achievement as primary goals.
The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) is a state-funded initiative designed to provide access, academic support, and financial assistance to New York State students who are facing academic or financial barriers to enrolling in college. EOP serves students who have earned a high school diploma or high school equivalency and meet specific income guidelines.
The Alfred State Edge Program (ASEP) offers higher education opportunities to applicants with a recognized high school diploma or its equivalent who do not meet specified program requirements but who show potential for college success.
Additional Information
EOP and ASEP are not available for all majors. Academic eligibility is determined through the Admissions process.
All students who apply for EOP and meet the academic guidelines are initially accepted into Alfred State Edge Program until a determination can be made regarding financial eligibility for EOP. Students accepted through ASEP, who also meet the financial guidelines for EOP, will be accepted into EOP on a space-available basis.
Students who did not apply for EOP and are accepted through ASEP may ask to be considered for EOP if they feel they meet the following financial criteria:
Income Guidelines
The table below lists financial eligibility requirements for EOP admission for students entering the 2025-2026 academic year.
Household Size (including head of household) | Total Annual Income in Previous Calendar Year |
| 1 | $27,861 |
| 2 | $37,814 |
| 3 | $47,767 |
| 4 | $57,720 |
| 5 | $67,673 |
| 6 | $77,626 |
| 7 | $87,579 |
| 8 | $97,532* |
| *Plus $9,953 for each additional household/family member in excess of eight. |
Exceptions to Income Guidelines*:
*with proper documentation provided by the student
- 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 lives with foster parents who do not provide support for college and the student's natural parents provide no such support;
- The student is a ward of the state or county.
To see more SUNY regulations for EOP please visit the SUNY EOP website.
Learn More About Opportunity Programs
Click on the links for additional information regarding the Alfred State Edge Program (ASEP) and the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP).