General Requirements
- Must be a high school graduate or possess a state-approved equivalency diploma
- Be a resident of New York State for at least one year prior to applying for HEOP
- Meet BOTH the academic and financial guidelines defined below
Academic Eligibility
First Time college students:
- Applicants should demonstrate academic potential and motivation for success at the collegiate level
- Consideration for acceptance will be based on your complete academic profile including high school grades and academic history that would indicate inadmissibility under °®½´ÊÓƵ University's traditional admissions standards
- Evaluation begins for applicants with a:
- minimum High School Average/GPA of 74
Transfer students:
- Must have prior participation in a HEOP, EOP, SEEK, or College Discovery program at your previous college/university
- Must verify your HEOP, EOP, SEEK, or College Discovery status
Financial Eligibility
- Meet the economic criteria established by the New York State Education Department (see chart below) with appropriate documentation
- Meet one of the following categories with the appropriate documentation:
- The student is living with foster parents who do not provide support for college, and the natural parents provide no financial assistance
- The student is a ward of the state or county
2025-2026 Opportunity Program Financial Guidelines
Persons In Family/Household | NYS Family/Household 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 |
9 or more | add 9,953 for each additional person |