HEOP Eligibility

The HEOP guidelines, developed by the State Department of Education are as follows:

General Requirements:

1. You must be a high school graduate or possess a state-approved equivalency diploma or its equivalent.
2. You must be a resident of New York State for at least one year prior to enrollment in HEOP.
3. You must meet both academic and economic guidelines as defined in the following sections.

Academic Requirements:

1. Student academic profile, including high school grades, and academic history would indicate that he/she would be non-admissible under St. Lawrence University's regular admissions standards.
2. Student demonstrates potential for successful completion of the Undergraduate program for which he/she is applying.

Economic Requirements:

1. To be considered, the applicant must meet the economic criteria established by the New York State Education Department. All income must be verified by appropriate documentation. 
2. Reference to the economic guidelines need not be made if the applicant falls into one of the following categories, and documentation is available: a. the student or his/her family is a recipient of payment through a New York State County Department of Social Services; b. the student is living with foster parents who do not provide support for college, and no financial assistance is provided by the natural parents; c. the student is a ward of the state or county.

2024-2025 Opportunity Program Guidelines*

# in household                2024 Program Opportunity Guidelines (185% o FPG)

1                                    $  26,973
2                                    $  36,482
3                                    $  45,991
4                                    $  55,500
5                                    $  65,009
6                                    $  74,578
7                                    $  84,027
8                                    $  93,536

*For families/households with 8+ people $8,732 was added to the amount for each additional person.

If a high school counselor/college advisor, or parent/guardian has any additional questions regarding financial eligibility, please reach out directly to the St. Lawrence University HEOP Director: Bill Short at wshort@stlawu.edu 

As stated above, all income must be verified by appropriate documentation. Documentation needed varies with students, but a full federal verification for financial aid will be required. 

What is federal verification for financial aid?

Federal verification is a process that requires institutions to verify the accuracy of the information provided on a student's FAFSA in an effort to ensure federal aid is distributed to those who are eligible.