u/national-anthem_00

I’m trying to understand if I could realistically qualify for HEOP at Fordham or if my income already disqualifies me.

My situation is a little unusual. I graduated high school in El Salvador in 2023 and moved to the U.S. as a permanent resident about two years ago. Since coming here, I’ve been working full time in a factory to help support my household (just me and my mom).

For the 2025 tax year, our household income was around $53k combined, but most of that came from me working full time (around $40k) while my mom made around $12k. We live very modestly, rent a basement apartment, and basically live paycheck to paycheck. I don’t really have savings anymore because of family emergencies.

Academically, I wasn’t a perfect student, but I’m trying to build a strong application through my essays, activities, work experience, and recommendations. I’m interested in applying to Fordham for Business Administration.

What confuses me is that the HEOP income guidelines for a household of 2 seem lower than our income, but most of the money came from me (the student) working to support the household. Does HEOP consider situations like this differently, or would I most likely be automatically disqualified?

Also, if I stop working once I start college, does that help at all for future aid evaluations?

I’d really appreciate honest advice from anyone familiar with Fordham HEOP or NY HEOP programs in general.

Hi I’m thinking about applying to Fordham for Fall 2027 and I wanted to see if anyone has been in a similar situation financially.

I moved to the U.S. about two years ago as a permanent resident after finishing high school in my home country (El Salvador). Since coming here, I’ve been working full time to help support my household (just me and my mom). Last year our income was around $53k total, but most of it was my income (~$40k) while my mom made around $12k. We don’t have assets or property.

I’m worried that the money I earned as the student could affect my financial aid package or eligibility for good need-based aid. Has anyone had experience with something similar at Fordham or other private universities? Also, I was an average student academically in high school abroad, so I’m mostly wondering how realistic generous aid might be in my situation.