1.

Are you a first-generation college student (neither parent/guardian has received a bachelor’s degree)? 

2.

Are you low-income based on federal guidelines?

Federal TRIO Programs
2009 Annual Low Income Levels
(Effective February 2009 Until Further Notice)

For family units with more than eight members, add the following amount for each additional family member: $5,400 for the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia and outlying jurisdictions; $6,750 for Alaska; and $6,210 for Hawaii.The term "low-income individual" means an individual whose family's taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150 percent of the poverty level amount.

The figures shown under family income represent amounts equal to 150 percent of the family income levels established by the Census Bureau for determining poverty status. The poverty guidelines were published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the Federal Register, Vol. 73, No. 15, January 23, 2009, pp. 3,971-3,972.

3.

Are you in an underrepresented group (African American, Hispanic/Latino, or Native American/Alaskan Native)?

4.

Are you a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S.? (If you answered NO, then you are not eligible to apply.)

5.

Do you have at least a 2.7 cumulative grade point average? (If you answered NO, then you are not eligible to apply.)

6.

Are you a full-time Sophomore or Junior currently enrolled at SIUC?

7.

Are you seriously considering pursuing a doctoral (Ph.D.) degree? (If you answered NO, then you are not eligible to apply.) - Students considering Law School, Medical School or Professional Degrees are not eligible.