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. 

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

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.

• Common application (check the box to be considered for HEOP)
• FAFSA form

No.

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

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

Attendance at the summer start program is mandatory.

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

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

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 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.