The Niagara University Opportunity Program is a comprehensive academic excellence HEOP program designed for students with a desire to pursue higher education. To ensure equity for all, NUOP offers a host of academic support and financial scholarships for students with diverse needs who meet program requirements. NUOP serves NYS residents ONLY.
HEOP
The Niagara University Higher Education Opportunity Program (NUOP/HEOP) was created in 1969 by the New York State Legislator Arthur O. Eve. This is a partnership between the state of New York and its independent colleges and universities, which provides economically disadvantaged and educationally underprepared New York state residents with the possibility of a college education. The Niagara University Opportunity Program is funded jointly by the university and the New York State Education Department (SED).
What NUOP Provides:
Academic Support
• Engaging support and resources
• Tutoring
• Weekly advisory meetings
• Group study sessions
• Individualized academic coaching
Financial Support
• Room and board
• Books and materials for all courses
• Residential and commuter meal plans
Financial Eligibility
All NUOP (HEOP) students must provide financial documentation to be reviewed for economic eligibility according to the guidelines below.
Every prospect of NUOP must be a resident of New York State for at least one year prior to enrollment in the Arthur O. Eve HEOP.
Academic Eligibility
• Be a high school graduate or possess a state-approved equivalency diploma or its equivalent.
• Student’s academic profile, including high school transcript, College Board scores, and academic history indicating that he/she/they is eligible for NUOP.
• GPA Requirements: 76-86 average.
• Students must demonstrate potential for successful completion of the undergraduate program for which he/she/they is applying for.
*For 2025-26, add $9,953 for each additional family member in excess of eight.
New York State Education Department C/STEP & HEOP
NUOP/HEOP
How to Apply?
Phase 1
Phase 2
• Apply through Common App or Niagara University’s application on the Niagara website.
• Attend a NUOP Zoom informational session.
• Receive email with a checklist requesting “Financial Documents to be considered.”
• Provide necessary financial documentation for economic review.
• Once reviewed, schedule an interview with NUOP staff member.
• Interview may be via Zoom.
• NUOP staff conducts a final review of applicant information.
• If ACCEPTED: Acceptance letter will be delivered to student via email and mail by Admissions to students’ residence, along with:
• NUOP Contract sent.
Phase 3
• Acceptance deposit is $25.
• Orientation fee and housing deposit waived.
• Signed contract AND deposit are required to hold roster spot.
• If REJECTED: Letter sent via email.
**Nontraditional students and/or students with special living conditions are welcomed to email the NUOP to complete the application and eligibility process.
NUOP SUMMER PROGRAM
The NUOP Summer Program is a 4.5 week mandatory, residential, college preparatory program. Get a jump start on college life to be academically driven, while developing reading, writing, social, and leadership skills.
About Niagara University
Founded by the Vincentian community in 1856, Niagara University educates students in the highest academic tradition so that they graduate with the confidence, clarity of direction, and heightened sense of purpose to excel in their careers and be change leaders in their field.
The university has received accolades from U.S. News & World Report, Colleges of Distinction and Money magazine for its ability to offer students a high return on their educational investment.
Details of the program include, but are not limited to the following:
• An accredited course (3 credits) and a freestanding/no credit course
• Workshops with campus community partners of NUOP such as Career Center, Academic Exploration, Counseling Services, and more.
• Various engaging activities on and off campus, as well as community service projects.
• Social/emotional, mental, and leadership development.
