Higher Education Opportunity Program

Arthur O. Eve HEOP is for motivated New York state students who, because of academic and economic circumstances, would otherwise be unable to attend post-secondary educational institutions.

By implementing high-impact support services, Nazareth develops our students into conscious, critical thinkers prepared for post-graduate and career opportunities. Read about our support services.

Eligibility

Freshmen and Transfer Requirements

Freshmen requirements 

  • New York State resident for at least one year
  • Academically disadvantaged, meaning not eligible for admission under the University's general admission standards into their desired program of study
  • Have a high school diploma or a state-approved General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
  • Meet the economic eligibility requirements
  • Demonstrate the potential for successful completion of college
  • Haven't enrolled at another college, unless through a similar opportunity program such as SEEK, EOP or College Discovery
  • Complete interview with the Student Access and Achievement Programs department

Transfer requirements

  • Transfer students must have been in an approved opportunity program at their previous institution. Your previous college or university must send the HEOP Transfer Student Verification Form to the HEOP director at Nazareth University.
  • We accept transfers during both semesters if spaces are available.
  • Contact Transfer Admissions, tradmissions@naz.edu, for next steps.
  • Complete an interview with the HEOP Director.

Students are selected without regard to age, color, religion, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, race, gender, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or sexual orientation. 

Income Guidelines

These guidelines apply to students entering college for the first time on or after July 1. Guidelines are subject to change.

 Persons in Family/Household2023-2024
1 $25,142
2 $33,874
3 $42,606
4 $51,338
5 $60,070
6 $68,802
7 $77,534
8 $86,226
For each additional person add  $8,732

Exceptions

Nazareth may consider students from households with higher incomes in these unusual circumstances:

  • Serious mismanagement of family income, with little accruing to the interest of the student
  • A one-time fluctuation in household income, such as from an insurance settlement or severance pay, where there is a history of low income
  • Households with substantial long-term, non-reimbursed medical obligations such as maintenance of physically or mentally disabled children
  • Families which must maintain two households, one for wage earner and one for dependents, in order to maintain employment. (Contact the HEOP office and discuss your situation with a counselor to determine eligibility under this exception).

Also, the income scale (above) can be waived if the student falls into one of the following categories and documentation is available:

  • The student or the student's family is the recipient of Aid to Dependent Children (ADC), Home Relief, or Family Day Care payments through a New York state or a county department of social services
  • The student is living with foster parents who do not provide support for college and no monies are provided from the natural parents
  • The student is a ward of New York or of a county in New York state.

Other exceptions may apply.

How to Apply

Students Apply by March 15

Complete the Common Application for admission by March 15. Check the box labeled HEOP on the application to be considered for the program.

Application Review

Freshmen application

  • Admissions will forward applications to the Student Access and Achievement office. The HEOP director reviews academic record and verifies financial eligibility with the financial aid office and invites selected students to an interview. Complete applications include letters of recommendation, official high school transcripts, and a completed FAFSA. Applications will not be reviewed until the Financial Aid package is complete.

Transfer application

  • As a transfer, you must complete your Nazareth University transfer application and indicate which program you were enrolled in at your previous institution (HEOP/EOP, SEEK, College Discovery). Your previous institution must complete and send us a transfer student verification form before we can make a decision.
  • Enrolling transfer students depends on the number of available spots in any given semester.
Interview

Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview. Please confirm/deny the interview appointment as soon as possible.

We receive a high volume of applications and have limited spots available.

You will not be contacted for an appointment if your FAFSA is not done and/or your application is incomplete.

Financial Aid

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the deadlines on naz.edu/apply. The FAFSA code for the University is 002779.

HEOP students receive a financial aid package based on expected family contribution (as defined by federal financial aid formulas) and the cost of attendance at Nazareth University. Both HEOP and Nazareth University may provide supplemental financial assistance to eligible students. For these programs to best meet your family's needs, we encourage early completion of the financial aid process. Applications will not be reviewed until the financial aid package is complete. 

HEOP FAQs

What paperwork do I need to submit to be considered?
  • Common application (check the box to be considered for HEOP)
  • FAFSA form
Can I apply early decision?

No.

Is HEOP only for minority students?

No. Eligibility for HEOP at Nazareth University is based on academic and economic circumstances.

I didn't know about HEOP when I started college. Can I apply now?

No. You would have needed to apply for HEOP when you were entering Nazareth.

Attendance at the summer start program is mandatory.

Will HEOP pay for everything I need?

No. HEOP covers the cost of tuition, housing, and food for Fall and Spring semesters.

How many college/AP credits can I transfer in as an HEOP freshman?

Fifteen credits is the maximum number of credits allowed for incoming freshman.

After enrolling in HEOP, what are my responsibilities to remain eligible?

To remain eligible:

  • Comply with all federal and state laws.
  • Adhere to policies and procedures outlined in the Nazareth College Student Code of Conduct (See Student Handbook).
  • Adhere to policies as outlined in the SAAP student contract.
  • Attend Summer Start
  • Meet with your assigned counselor.
  • Attend Student Access and Achievement Programs, Workshops, Events
HEOP history?

HEOP at Nazareth University began in 1970, after the New York State governor and Legislature approved a law to provide equal access to higher education for motivated New York state students who, because of academic and economic circumstances, would otherwise be unable to attend post-secondary educational institutions.

Shaun Moore, HEOP student

SHAUN MOORE JR. '21

Major: political science
After Naz: Syracuse University College of Law

"HEOP gave me the opportunity to attend my top choice for undergrad, which is something that I never thought would be possible. Since then, the program has acted as a home base for me on campus. HEOP counselors are always working to connect students with whatever resources they might need, whether it be academic, financial, or otherwise. Overall, I can honestly say that my college experience was much easier because of this support."