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To be considered for St. Bonaventure's HEOP program, students must:

• Be a New York State resident for at least one year prior to enrolling in HEOP.
• Be a New York State high school graduate or have passed a New York State General Educational Development (GED) test.
• Meet the educational and economic eligibility guidelines established for the program.

Educational Guidelines

HEOP is designed for students whose educational record indicates they would not normally be admissible under St. Bonaventure University's regular admission standards, but who demonstrate the potential to succeed at the university level.

A student's high school grades, educational history, and other application materials are considered when determining educational eligibility.

Economic Guidelines

Students must also meet the economic eligibility guidelines established by the New York State Education Department and provide appropriate documentation.

For the 2027-2028 academic year, eligibility is based on household income and financial information from 2025.

Total household income may include:

• Wages and other income earned by household members
• Child support payments
• Social Security benefits
• Unemployment benefits
• Cash benefits received from the Department of Social Services

Students with unusual or extenuating circumstances may be eligible for adjustments to these guidelines. 

2027-2028 HEOP Income Guidelines

You can use the chart below to help determine whether your household may meet HEOP's economic eligibility requirements.

For each additional household member, add $10,508.

These guidelines can help you estimate potential eligibility. Final economic eligibility is determined after the required financial documentation has been reviewed.

The State Education Department does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, religion, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, race, gender, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or sexual orientation in its educational programs, services and activities.

1. Apply to St. Bonaventure

Complete St. Bonaventure University's admission application and be sure to indicate that you are interested in HEOP.

2. Submit Your Application Materials

To complete your application, submit:

• At least two letters of recommendation
• An official high school transcript or copy of GED scores
• A brief essay highlighting the experiences that have influenced your education and your reasons for wanting to earn a college degree

3. Submit Financial Documentation

Once your application is complete, you will be asked to submit financial documentation through your online admissions application portal.

Required documentation may include:

• A copy of your 2027-2028 FAFSA or Student Aid Index (SAI).
• A signed copy of the student's 2025 federal tax return, if one was filed. W-2 forms may also be included.
• A signed copy of the parent/guardian's 2025 federal tax return. W-2 forms may also be included.
• If a parent or guardian did not file taxes, an IRS non-filing statement or tax transcript confirming that no 2025 tax return was filed.
• If applicable, a letter from the Department of Social Services showing total funding received in 2025.
• If applicable, a letter or 1099 form from the Social Security Administration showing funding received for each family member in 2025.

If the student did not file taxes in 2025, no documentation confirming non-filing is required. Electronic filing forms are not accepted.

4. Complete Your HEOP Interview

If you are determined to be educationally and economically eligible for HEOP, the final step in the admission process is a 30-minute virtual interview with HEOP staff.

5. Submit your confirmation deposit

Once admitted, submit your confirmation deposit.

Transfer Students

Transfer students must submit official college transcript(s) and a transfer application verifying previous participation in an EOP, HEOP or SEEK program.

Pre-Freshman Summer Challenge

All incoming HEOP students participate in a required four-week residential Summer Challenge program designed to help prepare them academically and socially for life at St. Bonaventure.

The program focuses on strengthening reading, writing, math and study skills while helping students build connections and adjust to college life. Students also participate in team-building activities, professional development seminars and leadership workshops.

Support continues throughout the academic year with weekly seminars focused on academic and personal development.