Apply for EOP

To qualify for EOP, a student must:

• High School Graduate or Equivalent
• Meet CSU Eligibility for Regular Admission
• Must be a first-time freshman or a transfer student applying to CSUDH
• Be a first-generation college student whose parent(s) have not graduated from a four-year college or university in the United States
• Be a California resident or qualify for an AB540 non-resident tuition exemption
• Meet EOP Income Guidelines
• EOP considers admission for students who may not meet regular admission criteria on a campus by campus basis
• Demonstrate the need for academic assistance and support services
• Demonstrate the academic potential and motivation to succeed

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 $1,500 toward their college expenses. Applicants whose total family income exceeds the guidelines may be considered, as long as their parents' contribution does not exceed $1,500. These guidelines are intended to identify and give priority to the most financially needy applicants. For independent students with dependents other than, or in addition to, a spouse, use the income for the appropriate family size in the Dependent Student Category.

2025-2026 EOP Income Screening Criteria

Dependent Students Workbook:

Family Size - Maximum Income

• 2 family members - $46,600
• 3 family members - $53,400
• 4 family members - $63,100
• 5 family members - $72,350
• 6 family members - $82,500
• 7 family members - $90,500
• 8 family members - $98,400

Independent Students

Single, with No Dependents - $18,950
Married, with No Dependents Other Than Spouse - $34,450

Independent Student Workbook:

Family Size - Maximum Income

• Single, No Dependents (1 family member) - $19,600
• Married, No Dependents Other Than Spouse (2 family members) - $35,750
• With Dependents Other Than Spouse:
  • 2 family members - $60,200
    
  • 3 family members - $70,350
  • 4 family members - $84,000
  • 5 family members - $97,000
  • 6 family members - $111,925
  • 7 family members - $123,200
  • 8 family members - $137,100

These guidelines reflect an income level that will generate a Student Aid Index (SAI). For dependent applicants, this contribution is based solely on the parental income and does not take into account any parental assets, nor does it assume any contribution from the student's income or assets. For independent applicants, the contribution is based strictly on income, with no consideration of available savings or other assets.

Because of the simplified nature of the income guidelines, it is possible that applicants who satisfy the preliminary income screening for EOP may not demonstrate need for purposes of student financial aid program eligibility. Dependent applicants whose parents have significant assets and who themselves have income and/or savings will be subject to higher contributions than that derived simply from the parents' income. Independent students with savings or other assets will also be subject to higher contributions.

1. Complete and submit the CSUDH & EOP application (including autobiographical questions) on Cal State Apply by January 15, 2025.
   • Pay the $70 CSU application fee, unless you are eligible for an application fee waiver.
     
     
2. Submit 2 recommendations through Cal State Apply by January 31, 2025.
   • At least one must be from a school official who knows you both academically and personally—teacher, counselor, coach, etc. The second can be from a teacher/counselor or a community organization, employer, etc. No recommendations from friends or family members will be accepted.
     
     
3. Submit the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by April 2, 2025.

• The EOP application deadline for the 2025-2026 academic school year is: January 15, 2025. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. in Cal State Apply.
• Autobiographical questions (on the EOP application) must be completed and submitted by January 15, 2025.
• Document Deadline - January 31, 2025 (2 Recommendations & other supporting documents as requested by EOP)

How do you apply for EOP?
Interested applicants should start by checking the appropriate EOP box on Cal State Apply.

Cal State Apply and EOP are one Application

• Create an account for Cal State Apply
• Complete your profile
• Select your programs (majors)
• Complete the third quadrant of the application – Select “Yes” on the Interested in EOP question
• The EOP application is integrated in the Supporting Information quadrant

AB 540 Students May Now Apply For EOP
Only historically low-income and educationally disadvantaged undergraduate students who need admission assistance or support services to succeed in college are admitted to EOP. They must demonstrate academic potential and motivation, be California residents or qualify for an AB 540 nonresident tuition exemption, and meet the EOP income criteria.

For more information about AB 540, Financial Aid, and Scholarships please visit the Immigrant Justice Center.