Student
Access and Achievement Programs
Culture, Community, and Belonging
A message from the Director:
Planning to attend college is an exciting time in your life and Nazareth University is an excellent choice for you to consider. With academic programs crossing an unusually broad spectrum of 60+ majors, a reputation as a best value school, and an integrated learning model offering experiential learning opportunities at every turn, you will feel well-supported and well-prepared to meet your career and life goals by attending Nazareth University.
College takes hard work and dedication. Nazareth’s Student Access and Achievement Programs (SAAP) have helped many students reach their goals and become the best versions of themselves while on the path to graduation. My team and I will guide you throughout your college journey and look forward to supporting your success.
Nazareth SAAP is one branch within Community and Belonging, along with the Office for Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Education, Center for Spirituality, LifePrep, and the Title IX office. We collaborate to offer programming, initiatives, and services that support Nazareth’s values of equity, community, courage, and empathy.
Nazareth is committed to conscious and sustained practices and processes that value and respect differences. We believe in belonging for all — that each of us deserves to feel at home at Nazareth — and that when the lived experiences of all community members are acknowledged, included, and valued, each of us can flourish as individuals and as an interconnected community.
Contact us at any time to answer your questions. We are here for you from application to graduation day.
Tonya Guzman, JD Director, Student Access & Achievement Programs
“The financial aid and advisement that the program provides are fantastic. The people in charge of the program are always available to talk and guide me through any issues I may have.”
— Curtis Clemont ’25
Thanks to the program, I made friends prior to coming to college and received guidance from staff on how to navigate college life.”
— Nam Dinh ’25 called out Nazareth’s “outstanding professors,” “close-knit environment,” study abroad, and fun events on campus
ACCESS A NAZARETH EDUCATION
Nazareth University fosters integrated learning through action and reflection, educating whole persons who are guided by empathy, committed to equity, and prepared to lead innovation for our time.
HEOP at Naz
The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) is for motivated New York State residents, jointly funded by Nazareth University and the New York State Education Department. Since 1970, Nazareth has proudly offered HEOP, providing access to higher education for New York State students with strong academic potential and personal initiative.
HEOP eligibility includes:
• New York State resident for at least one year
• Not otherwise eligible for admission under the University’s general admission standards into the desired program of study
• Have earned a high school diploma or State-approved GED
• Meet economic eligibility requirements: See naz.edu/heop
• Demonstrate potential for successful completion of college
• Haven’t enrolled at another college, unless through a similar opportunity program such as SEEK, EOP, or College Discovery
• Complete an interview with the SAAP director
Young Scholars
The Young Scholars program is a comprehensive, guided learning and growth experience that promotes academic excellence, collaboration, and leadership — and helps you establish and pursue a career path. The unique learning model maximizes opportunities for learning, research, and internships.
Benefits of participating in Young Scholars:
• Receive full-tuition funding throughout your undergraduate study (maximum of 4 years), supported through Nazareth scholarships, state/federal grants, and philanthropy
• Receive support and guidance from Nazareth’s dedicated Student Access and Achievement staff
• Enhance in-classroom learning through service opportunities on campus and in the Rochester area
• Through Nazareth’s Center for Life’s Work, you will work with a career coach from your very first semester.
Eligibility
• First-year student
• Resident of any state
• Four-year high school GPA of 90 or above
• Completed FAFSA with demonstrated need
• Pursuing any major
• Complete an interview with SAAP
Get more info about programs and academics at Nazareth
RELENTLESS SUPPORT
Nazareth centers whole-person education, engagement, and innovation. Our faculty and staff have a heartfelt interest in your educational, professional, and personal success.
First Generation - First to Fly
At Nazareth, we consider students to be first-generation college students if neither of your parents/guardians received a bachelor’s degree. If this is you, congratulations! Being the first member of your family to attend college is a big accomplishment and an exciting challenge.
Support Services
First to Fly support includes:
• Access to the Summer Start program to assist with your transition from high school into college.
• Presentations, workshops, and individual support to help you successfully transition into higher education and navigate college.
• A community and sense of pride among first-gen students through regular social events.
• Connections to appropriate resources on campus.
• First-Gen Connect Program: a way to build your support network with a first-gen professor or staff member who understands the specific challenges you may experience.
We provide ongoing support as you transition from high school to Nazareth — and throughout your college journey. Through individual counseling, tutoring, workshops, and program activities, we help you develop holistically and guide you to assume responsibility for your education. Support service departments include:
• Academic Advisement: helps you to develop, assess, and implement your goals as a lifelong learner.
• Center for Student Success: Offers coaching on study skills, test preparation, managing assignments and time, communication strategies, navigating campus resources. Coordinates no-cost tutoring support and learning lab groups.
• Student Accessibility Services: Facilitating equal-access educational opportunities and accommodations for students with temporary and permanent disabilities.
• Registrar’s Office: Coordinates course offerings, key academic events, grade reports and record-keeping, and important forms and paperwork.
Center for Life’s Work
31% of Nazareth first-year undergraduates are first-gen college students (2023).
Summer Start
A guided experience designed to give incoming students a jumpstart with college life.
• Academic classes to develop your college skills.
• Social and cultural experiences will connect you with peers, faculty, and staff to help begin your flight as a Golden Flyer.
• Campus living in the summer will acclimate you to the Nazareth campus.
Our Center for Life’s Work will connect you with options to pursue meaningful experiences that focus career and life goals, define your path, and successfully kick-start your career. A career coach will advise you beginning in your first year and throughout your Nazareth education.
Unique to Nazareth, our SPARK Grant provides $1,500 for you to pursue internships, research, and study abroad, plus up to $2,400 in a tuition scholarship for summer SPARK-eligible experiences that earn credit.