Higher Education Opportunity Program
Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) provides academic support and supplementary financial assistance to eligible New York State residents who do not meet traditional admissions criteria but demonstrate the potential for academic success.
HEOP is intended for prospective students who are interested in pursuing a higher education and for whom it may not have been an option because of financial and educational obstacles. HEOP and its activities are supported, in whole or in part, by the New York State Education Department.
HEOP Eligibility
A student’s academic record, including high school grades, SAT or ACT scores, and academic background, should display that they would not meet Northeastern University New York City’s regular admission requirements but show that they have the capacity to succeed at a collegiate level.
To be considered for the Higher Education Opportunity Program, the applicant’s household income must fall within the ranges given in the following chart:
| Persons in Family/Household | 2026-2027 |
| 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 family member in excess of 8.
- Meet both the educational guidelines and economic eligibility criteria established by the NYSED and listed on the first two tabs.
- Be a graduate of a high school approved and accredited by the NYSED, have a New York State Equivalency Diploma, or possess an Armed Forces Equivalency Diploma.
- Offer proven potential for and an eagerness to succeed in a post-secondary program.
- Be a New York State resident for at least 12 months prior to enrollment.
- Be a “first time” college student or qualified transfer student from other Arthur O. Eve HEOP, EOP, SEEK, or College Discovery Opportunity Program.
- Submit your FAFSA financial aid application (code 002199). In addition to completing the FAFSA, all first-year undergraduate applicants, including transfer applicants, are required to complete the CSS Profile (code 3667).
HEOP Application Requirements
The sections below outline the application materials, financial aid documents, interview, and submission steps required for HEOP consideration.
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- A completed Common Application or Coalition Application for Admission (be sure to check the “HEOP” box).
- An official copy of high school or secondary school transcript or GED score sheet and GED diploma (final transcript, with posted graduation date, required upon registration)
- Counselor recommendation and teacher recommendation
- School Report
- Students auditioning for Performing Arts programs must audition/interview.
- SAT I and/or ACT scores (optional)
- You can choose to apply to Northeastern with or without standardized testing. If you choose to apply without test scores, you will not be penalized in our admissions process.
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- Completed and signed FAFSA application (code 002199 for NU).
- Completed and signed CSS Profile (code 3667 for NU).
- Tax Return Transcript and signed W2’s from 2024 and 2025 (Instructions to request a Tax Return Transcript or no-tax filer form from the IRS can be found here.)
- Letter from Public Assistance office with total yearly benefits and the names of any household recipients.
- Statements from Social Security with total yearly benefits for each member of the household receiving them.
- A statement of total yearly unemployment benefits, if applicable.
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A personal interview is required of all HEOP applicants under consideration, and interviews will be scheduled until the admissions deadline. All income documentation and application materials above must be submitted to the HEOP office in order to be considered for an interview.
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To submit documents for HEOP, please visit your Application Status Check.