Academic Guidelines 

• New York State resident for at least one year prior to enrollment.
• 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 online 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, carrier status, or sexual orientation. 

These guidelines apply to students entering college for the first time on or after July 1, 2026. Guidelines are updated by the state Education Department each year.

Exceptions

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 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 New York State Office of Children and Family Assistance; 
• The student is in foster care as established by the court;
• The student is a ward of the county or New York state.

• 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.