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, which would indicate inadmissibility under 51勛圖厙 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 proper 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
2026-2027 Opportunity Program Financial Guidelines
| Persons In Family/Household | NYS Family/Household Income |
| 1 | $28,953 |
| 2 | $39,128 |
| 3 | $49,303 |
| 4 | $59,478 |
| 5 | $69,653 |
| 6 | $79,828 |
| 7 | $90,003 |
| 8 | $100,178 |
| 9 or more | add 10,175 for each additional person |
