Program Overview

Introduction to the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)

The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) is a comprehensive academic support program designed to assist students who otherwise might not be able to attend college due to educational and financial circumstances. This program is a division of Student Academic Affairs at Marist University.

Program Overview

HEOP is jointly sponsored by Marist and the New York State Education Department. The program provides a broad range of innovative services, including academic, personal, and career counseling, individual and small group tutoring, leadership training, and student development workshops. All students are required to enroll in an intensive and comprehensive Pre-Freshman Summer Program, which is designed to assist in the transition to campus life, both academically and socially.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the HEOP Program, students must meet the following criteria:

• Be a resident of New York State for one year preceding their term of entry into HEOP.
• Possess a New York high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Be a high school graduate who has not taken college courses for credit.
• Be inadmissible to Marist University under regular admission guidelines.
• Demonstrate the academic potential for satisfactory completion of a degree program.
• Meet the economic guidelines established by the New York State Education Department.

Economic Guidelines

For students first entering college between July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, the following economic guidelines apply:

• The number of members of a household is determined by ascertaining the number of individuals living in the student's residence who are economically dependent on the income.
• The income is based on tax year 2024 household members and income information (prior-prior).
• Economic Guidelines Grid:
  • Persons in Family/Household Size:
    • 1: $28,953
    • 2: $39,128
    • 3: $49,303
    • 4: $59,478
    • 5: $69,653
    • 6: $79,828
    • 7: $90,003
    • 8: $100,178
    • Add $10,175 for each additional family member in excess of 8.

Automatic Economic Eligibility

A student is considered automatically economically eligible if they fall into one of the following categories, and documentation is available:

• The student's family is the recipient of family assistance programs or safety net assistance through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance or a county department of social services.
• The student is living with foster parents who do not provide support for college, and money is not provided from the natural parents.
• The student is a ward of the State or a county.

Program Expectations

HEOP students are expected to live on campus unless the student is above the traditional age and/or is married or has dependents. Students are admitted without regard to age, color, religion, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, race, gender, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or sexual orientation.