The Higher Education Opportunity Program is a partnership between the State of New York and its independent colleges and universities which provides economically and educationally disadvantaged residents the possibility of a college education. What makes HEOP unique is that it serves students who would not normally be admissible to the colleges they attend. The success these students have depends on the academic and supportive services HEOP programs provide and the financial aid assistance that makes attending college a reality. 69 HEOP Programs at Independent Colleges and Universities Making A Difference for New York State: The independent colleges and universities of New York have created "opportunity programs" that succeed better than any similar programs nationwide. Their commitment to serving the needs of our State's disadvantaged youth has been one of the best buys for the taxpayers of New York

The Higher Education Opportunity Program is regarded as one of the most successful programs of its type in the nation. The academic achievement and graduation rate of HEOP students compare favorably to other college students, and, to date, more than 20,200 men and women have graduated from participating independent colleges and universities. Most HEOP graduates begin their careers immediately after graduation, many continue their studies to achieve permanent certification as teachers, to attain advanced degrees needed for professional license, or to enhance their credentials in their chosen careers. The success of the Higher Education Opportunity Program is not in the numbers but in the lives of the students who are now empowered to make choices about their lives that would have been impossible without this unique partnership between the State of New York and its independent colleges and universities.

The HEOP program welcomes applicants who are recent high school graduates and those who have been out of high school for any length or time. For any new HEOP student we anticipate an adjustment period during the first year. The HEOP program works to make this adjustment easier for each student.

HEOP students come from diverse ethnic backgrounds, from homes with modest incomes and most are the first members of their families to graduate college. The HEOP program serves students who thought they could never afford or be admitted to college.

Many HEOP graduates have entered careers in Medicine, Law, Business, Communications, Social Work etc. The accomplishments of our students are clear. HEOP aims to help students succeed through education, to make contributions to their communities and society at large.

For students entering college between July 1 of each year.

Number of members in household (including head of household)	Total annual income in preceding calendar year
1	$ 15,140
2	$ 20,390
3	$ 25,650
4	$ 30,900
5	$ 36,150
6	$ 41,410
7or more	$46,660 + $5,250 for each family member in excess of 7

There is only one application for the university and HEOP. Interested candidates should write HEOP on the top of the admissions application and return it to the HEOP office. There is no application fee for HEOP applicants. To complete the process the following requirements must be met:

• Income documentation must be submitted (copies of recent tax returns, i.e., 1040 or 1040a, letters from Public Assistance or Social Security, Proof of Unemployment Benefits)
• A high school transcript or a copy of G.E.D scores must be forwarded to HEOP.
• Freshman applicants must take the L.I.U Placement Examination in English and Mathematics.
• Completed and signed Financial Aid Form (FAF, TAP Application).
• A personal interview is required for all applicants and is the final step in the application process.

HEOP students receive a financial aid package which typically consists of TAP and PELL grants, HEOP aid, and campus based aid which may include SEOG grants, Perkins loans, College Work-Study Program (CWSP), and L.I.U grant and educational loans (Guaranteed Student Loans). Books are provided for students in the program. Summer savings are considered a resource in determining financial aid. HEOP students have five years OR ten terms of HEOP eligibility.