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The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)
The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) is a partnership between Russell Sage College and the New York State Education Department (NYSED). HEOP is designed to provide broad and varied educational opportunities to capable students who, due to limited academic and financial resources, would otherwise not have the opportunity to attend Sage.
Once admitted to the HEOP program, students are provided with financial assistance, counseling, tutoring, advising and other support services throughout their college career. Our goal is to retain and graduate promising students who will succeed at Russell Sage College and beyond.
How do I know if I am eligible?
In order to be eligible for Sage’s HEOP program you must satisfy both academic and financial criteria. You may be considered for the HEOP program if you:
The HEOP Admission Committee will consider applicants who demonstrate strong academic potential but who fall below general admission requirements. Please contact the Office of Admission or the HEOP Office for more information.
Financial Eligibility
Financial eligibility for HEOP at Russell Sage College is determined by the HEOP Executive Director and the Director of Financial Aid, utilizing guidelines set by the New York State Education Department.
To be considered, the applicant must meet the economic criteria established by the New York State Education Department. All income must be verified by the submission of appropriate documentation.
New York State Education Department HEOP Income Eligibility for students first entering college between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024
| Household Size | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $25,142 |
| 2 | $33,874 |
| 3 | $42,606 |
| 4 | $51,338 |
| 5 | $60,070 |
| 6 | $68,802 |
| 7 | $77,534 |
| 8 | $86,266 |
| For each family member in excess of eight, add: | $8,732 |
The Seven-Step HEOP Application Procedure for First-year Students
- Submit an online Sage Application or the Common Application in mid-February but no later than April 1, along with the following documents :
- official high school transcript
- SAT or ACT scores
- letter of recommendation from a counselor or teacher
- personal statement
- for pre-eligibility determination, submit the HEOP EZ Eligibility Worksheet
- Admission staff reviews your application and forwards it to the HEOP Office if you qualify for admission.
- The HEOP Office sends you a letter of introduction and an EZ Eligibility Worksheet.
- Complete and return the EZ Pre-Eligibility Worksheet to the HEOP Office.
- HEOP program staff reviews your application for academic fit and financial eligibility.
- If you qualify for HEOP, we will invite you to attend an HEOP Interview. You will submit financial documentation required by the HEOP Office the days following your interview.
- HEOP staff reviews your application and we notify you about our decision!
What you need to know about the Russell Sage College HEOP Interview
The HEOP Interview allows students who are interested in the HEOP program at Russell Sage College to have an opportunity to learn more about this wonderful opportunity.
HEOP Summer Academic Institute
The 2024 Summer Academic Institute begins Sunday, July 7th
and runs through Saturday, August 10th. The program is fully residential, five weeks in duration. Summer pre-frosh are enrolled in three college courses, meet with college faculty and administrators in academic workshops, live in the residence halls and eat meals in the campus dining hall. Incoming HEOP pre-frosh are required to attend the entire program.
2024 HEOP Summer Academic Institute: Frequently Asked Questions
Transfer Admission to HEOP
To transfer to Sage through HEOP, you must be or have been enrolled in an approved HEOP, EOP, SEEK, or College Discovery program. Transfer admission to HEOP is on a space-available basis.
