The College of Human Ecology, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the School of Industrial and Labor Relations, and the College of Veterinary Medicine have a unique relationship with New York State. As part of their mission, these units conduct education, research, and outreach services that are linked to the economic and social well-being of New York State, the nation, and the world. In exchange for these contributions, New York State offers a degree of financial support. Residents of New York State receive the reduced resident rate tuition.
In 1967-1968, New York State Assemblyman Arthur O. Eve pushed forward the principles of access to, and opportunities in, higher education for underrepresented students and put into place the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP). EOP and HEOP support students whose financial and academic environments have not allowed their potential to come to fruition, giving students who have the ability for academic success, but who may have not met all of the requirements for regular admission, the chance to attend Cornell University.
