St. Bonaventure University’s  Arthur O. Eve HEOP Program (HEOP) is a comprehensive program, jointly sponsored with the state of New York, to assist in providing access for all New Yorkers to the state’s private colleges and universities.

This program is designed for students who have the potential and interest in furthering their education but due to certain life circumstances, financial and educational, higher education may not have initially been an option.

Our HEOP staff works to make sure that each student’s individual needs — academic, personal and financial — are met through counseling, tutoring and a comprehensive financial aid package.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a resident of New York state for at least one year prior to enrollment in HEOP.
• Must be a high school graduate or have passed a New York State General Educational Development (GED) test.
• Meet academic and economic guidelines.

Academic Guidelines

A student's academic profile, including high school grades, college board scores and academic history should indicate that he/she would not be admissible under St. Bonaventure University's regular admissions standards, but demonstrate the student's potential for success at the university level.

Economic Guidelines

A student must meet the Financial Guidelines established by the New York State Education Department, with appropriate support documentation.

Financial requirements for first-time students

Economic guidelines can be reviewed by downloading our 2024-2025 HEOP Financial Eligibility Guidelines. 

The 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, one-parent families, and families with unusual and extenuating circumstances. Students must be New York state residents and meet other eligibility guidelines. Please contact the HEOP office at 1-800-462-5050 or HEOP@sbu.edu for further information.

Students and families must be able to provide extensive documentation of their income including, but not limited to, copies of: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); parents’ and student's 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ, and W-2 forms; Social Services Documentation; Social Security form 1099; and verification of child support. All must be signed by appropriate persons and include the total amount of income received in the prior-prior year. 

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.

HEOP Application Process

Complete St. Bonaventure University's admission application; be sure you check the appropriate HEOP box on the second page. Apply Now.

• Submit at least two letters of recommendation, preferably from your guidance counselor and English teacher.
• Submit an official high school transcript or copy of GED scores.
• Submit SAT or ACT test scores.
  
• Submit a brief essay highlighting the major events which have influenced your education and the reasons for desiring a college education (1-2 pages).

All requested information must be forwarded to:
Office of Admissions
P.O. Box D
St. Bonaventure University
St. Bonaventure, New York 14778
Phone: (800) 462-5050 or (716) 375-2400

Additional Information Required   

• A signed copy of the Free Application for Student Federal Aid Form (FAFSA).
  
• Documentation of income for the previous calendar year (signed copy of 1040 income tax form and proof of Social Services, Social Security, Veterans, Unemployment and/or Disability benefits)

Additional information must be forwarded to:
Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program 
St. Bonaventure University 
St. Bonaventure, New York 14778 
Phone: (800) 462-5050 or (716) 375-2402

Required Financial Documentation

As documentation is completed, mail or fax a copy directly to the HEOP office, have the student keep a copy, and mail the original to the appropriate destination.

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid Form (FAFSA)
  
• Tuition Assistance Program Form (TAP)
  
• Resident Alien Card (Green Card)
  
• Signed copies of Parents' Prior Year 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ forms and W-2 forms or signed non-filing statement
  
• Signed copies of Student's Prior Year 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ forms and W-2 forms or signed non-filing statement
  
• Documentation from Department of Social Services indicating the total funding received in the prior calendar year (this must include all recipients names and Social Security numbers)
  
• Foster care letter from appropriate agency confirming status and specifying the total amount of income received in the prior calendar year through Social Services or other agencies/programs
  
• Verification of child support including amount received and each child's name and Social Security number
  
• Statement of Unemployment
  
• Statement of Workman's Compensation
  
• Form 1099 from Social Security Administration indicating the total funding received in the prior calendar year (this must include all recipients' names and Social Security numbers)
  

Transfer Students 

Transfer students must submit official college transcript(s) and a transfer application which verifies EOP, HEOP, or SEEK participation at a previous institution.

Pre-freshman Summer Challenge
A four-week residential program is required for all entering HEOP students providing an academic and social orientation to life at St. Bonaventure University. It is designed to integrate the various aspects of college life and to promote personal growth and educational achievement. This sound academic program has an emphasis on strengthening reading, writing, math and study skills. The curriculum includes trips that foster team building and communication, seminars on social adjustment and professional development, and a variety of leadership workshops. This program continues into the academic year with biweekly seminars focusing on academic and personal development.

Counseling
Academic, financial, personal, and career counseling are provided to assist students with the obstacles that they may encounter through their tenure at St. Bonaventure University.

Tutoring 
Professional and peer tutoring, an integral part of our program, is used on an individual or group basis to assist students with their academic subjects and behaviors that lead to high levels of success and achievement.

Financial Aid
Financial assistance is an important component of the support services offered. Because each student's needs differ, St. Bonaventure University develops an aid package combining state, federal, and institutional grants and loans.

For more information, contact:
Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program
St. Bonaventure University
St. Bonaventure, New York 14778
Phone: (716) 375-2402 or (800) 462-5050