The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) provides access to a Pratt education for New York State students who demonstrate academic potential and financial need.
Applications are reviewed through a comprehensive process that includes academic eligibility, financial eligibility, a personal interview, and available program capacity. While the priority application deadline is February 2, applications may continue to be reviewed as space permits.
Interested in learning more about the HEOP Scholar experience? Visit the HEOP page.
Before You Apply
HEOP eligibility is determined through a review of academic potential and financial eligibility in accordance with New York State Education Department (NYSED) guidelines.
Applicants generally must:
Be a New York State resident.
Demonstrate financial eligibility under New York State HEOP guidelines.
Demonstrate academic potential for success at Pratt Institute.
Apply for undergraduate admission to Pratt Institute.
Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission to HEOP.
HEOP academic eligibility criteria are established by Pratt Institute and approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED).
Academic review considers a student’s potential for success and may include:
High school academic history
Grade point average (GPA)
Educational experiences
Portfolio evaluation (for applicable programs)
Academic criteria vary by program in accordance with Pratt’s admission standards and NYSED-approved HEOP guidelines.
Applicants are reviewed holistically through the complete HEOP admission process.
Applicants must also demonstrate financial eligibility in accordance with New York State HEOP guidelines.
Applicants must:
Be a New York State resident for 12 months prior to enrollment.
Submit documentation verifying household income and financial circumstances.
Meet NYSED income eligibility guidelines.
Income guidelines and required documentation are provided below.
The table below lists financial guidelines for the 2027-2028 academic year:
# in household
2027 HEOP Guidelines
1
$29,526
2
$40,034
3
$50,542
4
$61,050
5
$71,558
6
$82,066
7
$92,574
8
$103,082*
2027 HEOP Guidelines are determined based on 2025 household income (prior-prior) and 2026 HHS/NPG
*For 2027-28, add $10,508 for each additional family member in excess of 8.
Students transferring from another Opportunity Program must:
Indicate HEOP interest on the Pratt admissions application.
Review all required documentation before submitting your application to help prevent delays in the eligibility review process.
Step 3: Eligibility Review
The Center for Educational Opportunity reviews each application to determine academic and financial eligibility. Applicants may be contacted if additional documentation or information is needed to complete the review.
Step 4: Personal Interview
Applicants who meet the academic and financial eligibility requirements will be invited to participate in a personal interview with CEO staff.
The interview provides an opportunity to:
Share educational experiences and future goals.
Discuss your interest in attending Pratt.
Learn more about the HEOP scholar experience.
Share selected portfolio work, when applicable.
Interviews may be conducted virtually or on campus.
Final enrollment decisions are made after completion of the comprehensive review process.
You must submit the following documents for eligibility review:
1. Work Income Copies of tax return transcripts from the IRS for the years 2024 and 2025. You can request tax return transcripts online by going to https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript
7. Child Support. A signed statement from parent(s) of the total amounts received in 2025. Complete and notarize the receipt or non-receipt of the child support form.
2. Social Security All 1099 forms for 2025 received from the Social Security Administration for each person in the household who received these benefits.
8. No parent(s) tax return filed. Request an IRS tax return transcript for years 2024 and 2025. The IRS will send you a letter you did not file. Bring that letter to HEOP as proof of a tax non-filer. https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript
3. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Statement from the Social Security Administration listing total amounts. Received in 2025 by all family members.
9. No student tax filed. If the student did not file taxes, they must fill out the Student Non-Filer’s tax forms included with this application and have them notarized.
4. Copy of annual pension payments. Parent(s) must submit the 1099-R statement showing the amount that they receive from their pension.
10. Section 8/NYCHA Housing Documentation from the Section 8/NYCHA Departments
5. Public Assistance/Food Stamps Documentation from Social Services agency of total benefits received in 2025 by all family members
11. Other income. A signed statement from parent(s) of the total amounts received in 2025 from any other source not listed above.
6. Ward of the State/Foster care. Letter from the foster care agency
Please review the downloads below for additional resources.