Congress established a series of programs to help FAFSA eligible students enter and complete college. These programs are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and are referred to as the TRIO Programs (initially just three programs). TRIO programs help students succeed academically and persist to graduation.
The first TRIO program at the University of North Texas was established in 1980, and there are currently five TRIO programs at UNT. Participants must qualify according to guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Education.
Low-income as defined by the U.S. Department of Education: family's taxable income amount is equal to 150% of the poverty level as established by the U.S. Census Bureau.
First-generation is defined by US. Department of Education as an individual both of whose parents did not complete a baccalaureate degree.
TRIO programs serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to postbaccalaureate programs.