Am I Eligible?

Students are eligible for TRIO Student Support Services if they are seeking their first undergraduate degree and meet at least ONE of the following qualifications and are able to demonstrate academic need:

  • First-Generation College Student - Neither parent (or guardian) completed a four-year college degree before your 18th birthday.
  • Low-Income - You qualify under federal financial guidelines (similar to Pell Grant eligibility).
  • You have a documented physical or learning disability.

*Unfortunately, our TRIO grant does not allow us to serve Missoula College students. Please apply when you plan on transferring to the mountain campus. 

If Eligible, please do the following:

  1. Complete the application
    • If you are a dependent student (your parents claim you on their tax return) parents must provide their taxable income information and household size on the application and a parent needs to submit the application from their email. Alternatively, the student can email their application and the parent must also email their taxable income and household size directly to erin.shaw@mso.umt.edu. This can be found on line 15 of their 1040. This allows TRIO to verify that the parent is confirming the income information. Income verification is required by the U.S. Department of Education.
    • Foster Care students, who have aged out are considered independent students.
    • If you file as independent your signature on your application can serve as verification. 
  2. Email your application to Erin Shaw at erin.shaw@mso.umt.edu
  3. If you are having trouble completing the Application as a fillable form. Please bring your application to Aber Hall 326. 

(You can also schedule an appointment with a TRIO SSS advisor by calling 406-243-5032 or emailing erin.shaw@mso.umt.edu)

*TRIO SSS is funded each year at $504,749, 100% of which is federal funds. More information on the federal TRIO programs is available on the US Department of Education website.