New Support for Your Success: TRIO Program
At Pacific University, we believe every student deserves a clear path to graduation. We are excited to launch the TRIO Student Support Services Project, funded by a new $1.36 million federal grant.
Building on its legacy as home to one of the nation’s longest-running Upward Bound programs, Pacific University is revitalizing its deep-rooted history of student advocacy. Until 2008, this foundational program secured $7.4 million to help over 2,000 first-generation students transition to campus life and empower nearly 670 educators. This new TRIO grant marks a homecoming for Pacific, honoring our past achievements while breaking new barriers for today's students.
TRIO Eligibility
To participate in the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program at Pacific University, students must meet specific federal and institutional criteria.
First, TRIO students must meet at least one of the following federal criteria:
- First-Generation: Neither parent or guardian has earned a four-year bachelor’s degree.
- Income-Eligible: Meets federal low-income guidelines (verified by Pacific University Financial Aid Office).
- Documented Disability: Has a documented disability (verified by Pacific University Office of Accessibility and Accommodations).
In addition to the criteria above, students must meet all of the following:
- A U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
- Currently admitted/enrolled at Pacific University.
- Pursuing their first bachelor’s degree.
- Demonstrate academic need
Learn more about eligibility requirements.
Services
Services provided to all participants in the program:
- Academic Advising by TRIO Advisor
- TRIO specific small group academic tutoring through CLASS
- Individualized Student Success Plan (SSP) creation
- Career and graduate school guidance
- Financial Aid wellness activities
- Financial literacy courses and support
- Free one credit student development classes
How to Apply
Whether you are a student looking for support or a faculty member wanting to help, getting started is simple. Fill out our interest survey below to be notified when the TRIO 2025-2026 Application is open:
For Students: TRIO Participation Interest Form
TRIO 2025-2026 Application: Coming Soon
Note: Our team reviews all applications to ensure support is prioritized for those who meet the federal scoring and ranking requirements for student need.
For Faculty & Staff: Complete a Student Referral Form
Do you want to refer a student who you think may be eligible? Fill out the student referral form!
History of TRIO
Born from President Lyndon B. Johnson’s 1964 "War on Poverty," TRIO originated as a suite of three federal programs—Upward Bound, Talent Search, and Student Support Services—designed to dismantle social and cultural barriers to higher education. Since its inception, TRIO has expanded from this original "trio" into a comprehensive national pipeline of nine programs that serve low-income students, first-generation learners, veterans, and displaced workers. Today, these programs provide a vital bridge to opportunity through diverse services ranging from academic prep and graduate school coaching to direct financial grant aid.
In 2025, approximately 870,000 first-generation and low-income students were served by 3,400 TRIO programs nationwide. In Oregon, over 4,800 college students were served by TRIO programs at seven four-year public institutions and nine community colleges in 2023-24. (source: Oregon TRIO Association)