See details for your state

U.S. Department of Education

TRIO Programs

BenefitEducationRecurringRolling

What it may cover

Varies

Enrollment

Open enrollment

Where available

Check locally

What you get

TRIO is a group of eight federally funded outreach and student services programs designed to help low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities progress from middle school through graduate education. Programs include Talent Search (middle and high school outreach), Upward Bound (college prep for high schoolers), Student Support Services (college retention and graduation support), and the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program (graduate school preparation). Services are provided by colleges and nonprofits that apply for and receive TRIO grants, so availability depends on which institutions in your area have programs.

Help paying for school, training, meals, or education-related services.

Ask the school or program office what documents they accept if you do not have one item on the list.

Do you qualify?

Check what applies to you. Your answers are saved on this device so you can come back later.

0/5 confirmed

Must be a low-income individual (family income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level) and/or a first-generation college student (neither parent holds a four-year degree)
This program requires income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. Select your household size to see your exact dollar limit.
How many people are in your household?
Count everyone who lives and eats with you — yourself, partner, children, and dependents.
Are you a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or lawfully admitted for permanent residence?
Students with disabilities may qualify regardless of income or first-generation status?
Do you meet the specific eligibility criteria of the individual TRIO program component?
Do you enroll through an institution or organization that has an active TRIO grant?

What to bring

If you do not have one of these, apply anyway and ask what substitutes are accepted.

1Application to the TRIO program at your institution or local provider
2Proof of household income
3Documentation of first-generation status (parents' education records or self-certification)
4High school or college transcripts
5Documentation of disability if applying on that basis

How to apply

Processing time varies by location and program funding.

1Find the right local officeUse your ZIP code to confirm the school or program office that handles TRIO Programs.
2Apply online, by phone, or in personUse the official application path and keep a copy of anything you submit.
3Complete the interview or verificationMany benefits require a short call, appointment, or document check.
4Watch for a decisionKeep mail, email, and phone open so you do not miss follow-up requests.

Find local help

Your ZIP helps you confirm the right local office and state-specific rules.

You may also qualify for

Other programs in the same category that often go hand-in-hand.

Bureau of Indian Education, U.S. Department of the Interior

Bureau of Indian Education Scholarships

Department of Education

Federal Pell Grant

U.S. Department of Education

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

See details for your state

U.S. Department of Education

TRIO Programs

BenefitEducationRecurringRolling

What it may cover

Varies

Enrollment

Open enrollment

Where available

Check locally

What you get

Help paying for school, training, meals, or education-related services.

Ask the school or program office what documents they accept if you do not have one item on the list.

Do you qualify?

Check what applies to you. Your answers are saved on this device so you can come back later.

0/5 confirmed

Must be a low-income individual (family income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level) and/or a first-generation college student (neither parent holds a four-year degree)
This program requires income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. Select your household size to see your exact dollar limit.
How many people are in your household?
Count everyone who lives and eats with you — yourself, partner, children, and dependents.
Are you a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or lawfully admitted for permanent residence?
Students with disabilities may qualify regardless of income or first-generation status?
Do you meet the specific eligibility criteria of the individual TRIO program component?
Do you enroll through an institution or organization that has an active TRIO grant?

What to bring

If you do not have one of these, apply anyway and ask what substitutes are accepted.

1Application to the TRIO program at your institution or local provider
2Proof of household income
3Documentation of first-generation status (parents' education records or self-certification)
4High school or college transcripts
5Documentation of disability if applying on that basis

How to apply

Processing time varies by location and program funding.

1Find the right local officeUse your ZIP code to confirm the school or program office that handles TRIO Programs.
2Apply online, by phone, or in personUse the official application path and keep a copy of anything you submit.
3Complete the interview or verificationMany benefits require a short call, appointment, or document check.
4Watch for a decisionKeep mail, email, and phone open so you do not miss follow-up requests.

Find local help

Your ZIP helps you confirm the right local office and state-specific rules.

You may also qualify for

Other programs in the same category that often go hand-in-hand.

Bureau of Indian Education, U.S. Department of the Interior

Bureau of Indian Education Scholarships

Department of Education

Federal Pell Grant

U.S. Department of Education

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)