Eligibility Guidelines:
- HEOP students must be New York State Residents
- HEOP Freshman students:
- Must be first-time college students.
- Must have graduated from high school with a 4-year average between 70 and 84.5, or have earned a GED or a vocational diploma.
- Must meet the economic guidelines for freshman eligibility (See guidelines below).
- HEOP Transfer students:
- Must have prior participation in a HEOP, EOP, SEEK or College Discovery program at your previous college.
- Must have verification of your HEOP, EOP, SEEK or College Discovery status.
- Must meet the admission requirement for the program you are applying to at Syracuse University.
Economic Guidelines for HEOP Freshman Eligibility
Economic eligibility is based on state-mandated, low-income guidelines. Academic criteria are determined by the individual HEOP institutions.
For Students Entering College on or after July 1, 2026
| Number in Household (incl. Head of House) | 2026-2027 Total Annual Income based on 2024 tax year |
|---|---|
| 1 | $28,953 or less |
| 2 | $39,128 or less |
| 3 | $49,303 or less |
| 4 | $59,478 or less |
| 5 | $69,653 or less |
| 6 | $79,828 or less |
| 7 | $90,003 or less |
| 8 or more | $100,178 (or less); plus $10,175 for each family number in excess of 8 |
If you have any further questions, please contact the HEOP office.
HEOP and its activities are supported, in whole or in part, by the New York State Education Department.