To be eligible for HEOP you must meet all of the following conditions:
- A resident of New York state for one year preceding your term of entry into HEOP.
- High school graduate or possess an approved equivalency diploma (GED)
- Academically underserved and have high financial need with the potential and motivation for successful completion of a college degree
- Willingness to utilize the services of the program
- Historically at a disadvantage economically with family income meeting the financial guidelines set by the NYS Education Department for the calendar year of the first entry into college (click link above).
Transfer students may also be eligible if documentation is provided to verify previous enrollment in a comparable New York State Opportunity Program (i.e. HEOP, EOP, SEEK, College Discovery Programs). HEOP transfer admission is dependent on space availability in the program.
financial Guidelines
*The income guidelines below are for students entering college during the 2025-2026 academic year.
| Number In Household | Academic Year 2025-2026 |
|---|---|
| 1 | $27,861 |
| 2 | $37,814 |
| 3 | $47,767 |
| 4 | $57,720 |
| 5 | $67,673 |
| 6 | $77,626 |
| 7 | $87,579 |
| 8 | $97,532 |
*For 2025-26 add $9,953 for each additional family member in excess of 8.
Income guidelines do not apply if 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 NY State Office of Children and Family Assistance: or if the student is in foster care established by the court, or the student is a ward of the state or county.
All admission decisions are made by the HEOP Department, the Admissions Committee and the Financial Aid Committee in accordance with state guidelines.