Thank you for your interest in Michigan State University’s TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Program. This application allows you to apply for TRIO SSS and review the expectations for program participation. Please complete the application carefully and provide accurate information.

Eligibility Requirements
The TRIO SSS program serves MSU students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents (as defined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), has an academic need for services, and who meet at least one of the following additional criteria:

• First-generation student: Neither parent nor legal guardian has earned a four-year college or university degree (Please note: students whose parents earned a four-year degree outside of the United States are not considered first-generation under federal TRIO guidelines).
• Income-eligible: Eligibility is determined using federal taxable income information based on U.S. Department of Education income guidelines.
• Student with a documented disability: Students are required to provide documentation.

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What Is TRIO Student Support Services?
TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is designed to support students who are first-generation, income-eligible, and/or have a documented disability. The program focuses on academic success, persistence, and degree completion, while helping students clarify and work toward their educational and career goals at Michigan State University.

What Services Does TRIO SSS Provide?
Students accepted into TRIO SSS have access to a variety of support services, including:

• Academic success planning and advising
• Assistance with scholarships and scholarship applications
• FAFSA and financial literacy support
• Monthly workshops and skill-building sessions
• Mentoring and peer support
• Cultural and educational engagement opportunities
• Leadership and professional development experiences
• Graduate and professional school preparation and site visits

These services are designed to support students throughout their academic journey.

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Important Information for Dependent Students
If you are considered a dependent student and/or are under the age of 18, we strongly recommend completing this application with a parent or legal guardian. The application requires specific IRS tax information, and parent or guardian information and signatures are required as part of the application process.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the TRIO SSS office at trio@msu.edu. We look forward to reviewing your application.

Please read carefully and select the option that best describes your current student status. This helps us review your application for the correct semester.

Required Participation for Incoming Fall 2026 First-Year Students!

Students who are admitted to Michigan State University for the Fall 2026 semester and accepted into TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) are required to participate in the TRIO SSS Summer EXCEL Transition Program.

The Summer EXCEL Transition Program is a mandatory, one-week program that is tentatively scheduled for mid-August 2026, immediately before the start of the fall semester. Participation will require early move-in to campus housing. Students should plan their summer schedules accordingly. There are no exceptions to this requirement for students admitted for Fall 2026.

In addition, all incoming first-year TRIO SSS students are required to enroll in UGS 110 with TRIO SSS during the Fall 2026 semester. This course is a required part of program participation. Class section days and times will be shared with students prior to Fall 2026 New Student Orientation (NSO) so that students can plan their schedules appropriately.

If you have questions about these requirements, please contact us at trio@msu.edu.

We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially serving you in the Fall 2026 semester.

Required Acknowledgment

I understand and agree to the following requirements if accepted into TRIO Student Support Services for Fall 2026:

• I am required to participate in the TRIO SSS Summer EXCEL Transition Program, a mandatory one-week program scheduled for mid-August 2026, which will require early move-in to campus housing.
• I am required to enroll in UGS 110 with TRIO SSS during the Fall 2026 semester.
• I understand that participation in both the Summer EXCEL Transition Program and UGS 110 is not optional for incoming first-year students admitted for Fall 2026.

First Generation College Student: The term “first generation college student” means

1. An individual both of whose parents did not complete a baccalaureate (bachelor’s or 4-year college) degree, OR
2. In the case of any individual who regularly resided with and received support from only one parent, an individual whose only such parent did not complete a baccalaureate (bachelor’s or 4-year college) degree.

Students with Disabilities: Students with a documented physical, psychological, or learning disability also qualify for TRIO SSS.

Access our Disability Verification Form HERE.

Income Verification:

As a federally funded TRIO program, TRIO-SSS is required to provide documentation of your eligibility for our program to the U.S. Department of Education to meet TRIO regulations that two-thirds of the students in our program meet federal low-income guidelines.

To qualify, students must meet the income criteria based on the Federal TRIO Program's current-year low-income thresholds. As proof of income, please provide the following documentation:

• For DEPENDENT students: A copy of your parent or guardian’s federal tax return (1040 Form). Student must be listed on the tax return as a dependent.
• For INDEPENDENT students: A copy of your federal tax return (1040 Form).

W-2 and Pay-Stubs are not acceptable documentation.

If a tax return has not been filed, you may submit an Income Verification Form as an alternative.

 

Access our Income Verification Form HERE.

 

Failure to provide the correct information may result in your application being denied.

Please attached your responses to the following prompts.

1. Please explain, in detail, your academic need for TRIO SSS and how you expect to support and enhance your academic and collegiate experience from becoming a participant in the program.
2. Please describe your career goals.
3. What do you see as your greatest challenges in achieving success at MSU and what are your strengths and resources that you will utilize to overcome these challenges?

I hereby certify that the information provided is true to the best of my knowledge. I understand any false information given will result in the loss of the opportunity to participate.

I authorize the MSU TRIO SSS Program to collect information on my academic progress (including grades, credits, and transcripts) and financial aid status before and during my participation in SSS.

I understand that this information is confidential and used to assess my eligibility and participation in the TRIO SSS Program. My eligibility and financial aid status will be shared with the U.S. Department of Education as required. I confirm the accuracy of the information in this application and will provide verification if requested. I acknowledge that my personal information is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.

No one will have access to the information unless they work with or for the MSU SSS program or are authorized by me to see the information. Upon formal acceptance into the program, I grant permission for program representatives to have access to my official academic and financial records in order for SSS staff to assist me. Additionally, during my involvement in the SSS program, TRIO SSS staff may consult with various MSU offices and programs to secure and share the information pertinent to my participation in the program and overall collegiate success.

Finally, I give my permission to use photographs, quotes, and statements and/or print my first and last name in any and/or all publications for Michigan State University Student Support Services Program.

By signing and submitting this application, you acknowledge and confirm the following:

• The information provided in this application is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.
• You understand that the services described in this application are provided by TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) and may change at any time based on program guidelines or availability.