Educational Opportunity Center

Helping Adults Reach Their Education Goals


The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) at UT Arlington provides free educational advising to adults in Tarrant and Dallas counties who want to earn a high school equivalency credential, attend college, or pursue career training. Services are available to eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents, with priority given to individuals from low-income and first-generation backgrounds.

Participants work one-on-one with an Educational Advisor to develop a personalized education plan and receive support with:

  • College admissions and enrollment
  • Financial aid and FAFSA completion
  • Career exploration and planning
  • Adult education and high school equivalency resources
  • Referrals to colleges, universities, and career training programs

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the Educational Opportunity Center is one of UTA's federally supported TRIO programs, dedicated to expanding access to higher education and career opportunities.

  • Be a resident of either Dallas or Tarrant County
  • Have never attended, or previously attended but stopped out of, a postsecondary education or training program
  • Have not already graduated with a bachelor’s degree
  • Must be a US citizen, permanent resident, or show intent to become a permanent resident of the United States
  • Are 19 years and older (exceptions can be made for high school seniors who do not have a TRIO program at their school, or youth who have stopped out of high school)
  • Help in completing applications for college admissions, testing, and financial aid
  • Guidance on secondary school re-entry or entry to a GED program
  • Career counseling and workshops
  • Academic advice
  • College pre-admission counseling
  • Information on postsecondary education opportunities and student financial assistance
  • Education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of students
  • Are looking to complete their high school equivalency or GED
  • Have never attended, or previously attended but stopped out of, a postsecondary education or training program
  • Have a desire to enroll in a postsecondary program, whether it is a certificate, career training, associate, or bachelor degree program
  • Have limited financial resources
  • Are first generation college students (those whose parents did not graduate from a 4-year university)
Reach Out

Ready To Apply?

Ready to take the next step toward your degree or certification? Apply now for UT Arlington’s Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) and get free help with college admissions, financial aid, and career planning.