How to Join

Joining TRIO is a simple three step process:

1. Complete a program application.
2. Program staff will review your application for eligibility. If you are eligible, we will email you a verification form.
3. Complete and sign the verification form. Please note, the form may also require parent/guardian signatures depending on your age/status.

The TRIO program serves MSU undergraduate students who meet specific criteria.

• First-generation: Neither parent or guardian has graduated from a four-year college or university (students whose parents earned a college degree in another country, unfortunately, are not considered first generation)… OR/AND
• Income-qualified: Determined from evaluating federal taxable income information … OR/AND
• Have a documented disability.
• Students must also be a U.S. citizen (or eligible non-citizen/resident alien)

The term “income qualified” is based on a family’s taxable income for the preceding year. Please note that taxable income is different from gross income and should be reviewed carefully. These two amounts are listed separately on income tax forms. This link will provide you with the information necessary to determine if you are income qualified based on the number of individuals in your family and corresponding taxable income.

https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/incomelevels.html

Please contact us if you have any questions regarding your eligibility for the program.