TRIO Eligibility and Requirements
Who TRIO Is Designed For
TRIO is designed for students who may need extra guidance, support, and structure while navigating college. You only need to meet one of the main eligibility categories, along with academic need. The three main categories are: first-generation college student, low-income based on federal guidelines, or a student with a documented disability.
You may qualify as first-generation if your parent or parents did not complete a bachelor’s degree. If your family has not gone through the college system before, TRIO can help fill the gap by helping you understand classes, requirements, and transfer steps.
Low-income eligibility is based on household income and financial information. The application asks about household size, dependency status, and taxable income from a federal tax return when applicable. For students who are 23 or younger and not married and/or without dependents, parent or legal guardian income information is generally required. Students who are 24 or older, married, have dependents, are emancipated minors, foster youth, or wards/dependents of the court may qualify as independent students and use their own income information.
Students with a documented disability may qualify for TRIO under the disability category. To qualify under this category, disability eligibility must be verified through Student Accessibility Services (SAS). TRIO does not independently verify disability status.
Students who may qualify include, but are not limited to:
- ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
- Learning disabilities (such as dyslexia or processing disorders)
- Mental health conditions (such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc.)
- Physical or medical conditions (such as chronic illness, mobility limitations, or other health-related conditions)
Understanding TRIO and Student Accessibility Services (SAS)
If a student is applying under disability eligibility, SAS is the office that reviews documentation, confirms whether a student meets the disability definition, and determines accommodations. TRIO works with SAS because disability verification must be confirmed through an official campus process. This helps ensure students are supported correctly, records remain confidential, and TRIO stays in compliance with federal requirements.
SAS Process (If Applying Under Disability)
If a student is applying under disability eligibility, the process is straightforward. First, the student applies to TRIO. If the student is not already connected with SAS, they complete an intake appointment and provide documentation if needed. SAS then reviews the information and determines eligibility. Once that is complete, TRIO uses the SAS verification to finalize eligibility under the disability category.
If you are a student already registered with SAS, they do not need to repeat that process. The student simply needs to let TRIO know, and the TRIO counselor can verify that directly.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Apply to TRIO
Step 2: Connect with the TRIO Counselor
Step 3: Provide documentation if needed
Step 4: SAS determines eligibility
Step 5: TRIO confirms eligibility
Academic Need
In addition to one of the main eligibility categories, TRIO also looks at whether a student may benefit from academic support. Examples listed in the application and draft copy include:
- GPA below 2.5
- academic probation or disqualification
- multiple withdrawals in degree or transfer-required courses
- difficulty passing transfer-level courses
- being out of school for more than five years
- not understanding the transfer process or not understanding the financial aid process.
Students do not need to be failing to benefit from TRIO.
What If You Qualify Another Way?
Students who qualify through first-generation or low-income status do not need to register with SAS in order to participate in TRIO. Students who are already verified through SAS are also not required to use accommodations in order to remain in TRIO. They may still participate fully in TRIO services whether or not they choose to use accommodations.
TRIO vs. EOPS: What’s the Difference?
Two Programs, One Goal: Your Success
At Cerritos College, you may hear about both TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) and EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs and Services). Both programs are designed to support students who may face challenges in college, and both are here to help you stay enrolled, succeed academically, graduate, and transfer to a university.
Many students are not sure which program is right for them—or think they have to choose. The good news is: you may qualify for one or both programs, and you can participate in both at the same time.
Below is a simple breakdown to help you understand how they are similar and how they are different.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) | EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs & Services) |
|---|---|---|
| Funding Source | Federally funded (U.S. Department of Education) | State-funded (California Education Code § 69640) |
| Primary Focus | Long-term academic support, transfer success, and student development | Access, retention, and financial support for students facing economic and educational barriers |
| Who It Serves | First-generation students, low-income students, and students with disabilities | Students affected by economic, social, educational, or language disadvantages |
| Key Eligibility Factors | Must meet at least one: first-generation, low-income, or documented disability + academic need | Must meet income eligibility and educational disadvantage criteria (state-defined) |
| Type of Support | Ongoing advising, academic planning, transfer guidance, workshops, tutoring connections | Counseling, financial support (such as book assistance), priority registration support, structured services |
| Advisor Relationship | Assigned a dedicated TRIO advisor who works with you consistently over time | Work with EOPS counselors; required appointments throughout the semester |
| Financial Support | May offer limited grant aid (if eligible and available) | Often provides direct financial support (books, supplies, grants) |
| Program Structure | Flexible but structured, focused on long-term planning and support | More structured with required participation and check-ins |
| Disability Support | Must be verified through Student Accessibility Services (SAS) to qualify under disability eligibility | May serve students with disabilities but does not verify disability eligibility |
| Main Goal | Help you stay on track, graduate, and transfer with a clear plan | Help you access college, persist, and complete your educational goals |
| Can You Be in Both? | Yes | Yes |
What This Means for You
Both programs are designed to support your success—but they do it in slightly different ways.
- TRIO focuses on long-term guidance and planning.
You will have a dedicated advisor who helps you understand what to do each semester and how to reach your goals step-by-step. - EOPS focuses on financial and structured support.
You may receive help paying for books or school-related costs and will have required counseling appointments to keep you on track.
Example (Real-Life Scenario)
A student who participates in both programs might:
- Receive a book voucher from EOPS to help cover the cost of textbooks
- Meet with an EOPS counselor for required check-ins during the semester
- Work with a TRIO advisor to build an education plan and prepare for transfer to a university
Together, these programs provide both financial support and long-term academic guidance, creating a stronger support system.
Important Reminder
You do not have to choose between TRIO and EOPS.
If you qualify, you are encouraged to participate in both programs.
Both are designed to work together to support you—not compete with each other.
Not Sure Where You Fit?
That’s completely okay—many students start here.
👉 Apply to TRIO
👉 Let us help guide you through the process
We’re here to make sure you get the support you need to succeed.