Eligibility Requirements

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 that would indicate inadmissibility under Daemen 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 appropriate 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

2025-2026 Opportunity Program Financial Guidelines