Introduction

In 1969, the New York Legislature mandated the creation of the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP). The purpose of these Programs is to provide students who demonstrate potential for academic success with the educational supportive services and supplementary financial assistance they need to become successful college students. Since its inception in 1969, HEOP has been an integral part of Fordham University. The support services of HEOP are primarily funded by a grant from the State Education Department of New York.

To be eligible for HEOP, an applicant must meet both educational and economic guidelines established by the State Education Department of New York. In addition, the applicant must be a New York State resident for at least one full year prior to enrollment. Eligible applicants are first-time college students, and qualified transfer students from other HEOP programs, SEEK, College Discovery or EOP opportunity programs.

There is only one application for the University and HEOP. Interested candidates may indicate their interest in HEOP by writing "HEOP" on the top right hand side of the application or by checking the appropriate box in the application form. Qualified applicants may be eligible for application fee waivers by ETS or the university. The admission standards incorporate high school averages, SAT scores, a personal interview, a writing sample and recommendations. For economic eligibility please refer to the economic guidelines table.

HEOP students receive a financial aid package which typically consists of funds from HEOP, Tuition Assistance Program, PELL, college grant, campus-based aid, Stafford Loans, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, College Work Study Program, and educational loans. Self-support in the form of summer savings and a limited amount of part-time work may also be part of the financial aid package. The financial aid package will include HEOP funds to cover a part of personal expenses and books.

The HEOP Programs at Fordham

The HEOP programs of the Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses provide supportive services to all incoming prefreshmen and continuing students enrolled in the program. The supportive services offered include a prefreshman summer program; tutorial services; academic advisement; career, personal, and financial aid counseling; developmental reading; and selected workshops in various academic and non-academic areas.

The HEOP prefreshman summer program provides an academic and social orientation for incoming students. Students are helped in the transition from high school to college through an academic program that strengthens skills in English, Mathematics, and other academic areas. The orientation of students to the University campuses
and college life is made easier through early on-site experience, the counseling provided to students, and the social interaction with program students.

The prefreshman program is a
one-time mandatory summer program. Students receive financial assistance through the period of participation in the prefreshman summer program. Students who continue their matriculation at the university pursue a variety of liberal arts and business majors offered in the undergraduate colleges. HEOP students take all required courses, as do all other regularly enrolled students. All HEOP students continue to receive the program's supportive services, such as academic advisement, tutorials and supplemental financial assistance, throughout their undergraduate careers.

Economic guidelines mandated by the State Education Department of New York are set up according to the number of people in the household. Adjustments are made for families with two
workers and one-parent families. Please contact the Financial Aid Office or HEOP at Rose Hill or Lincoln Center
for further information.