Eligibility for TRIO ESS and How to Apply

Who is eligible for TRIO ESS services?

In order to apply for TRIO ESS, a student must be:

1. a US citizen and/or legal permanent resident

2. enrolled at K-State pursuing their first bachelor’s degree

3. and meet at least one (1) of the following criteria:

   • Be income limited based on federal guidelines from the Dept. of Education

   • Be a first-generation college student (neither parent nor guardian received a bachelor's degree)

   • Have a documented disability or special need and registered with the Student Access Center. Learn more about the Student Access Center.

If you qualify and are accepted into the program, an email will be sent to your K-State email address with instructions on setting up an appointment to begin services. If you do not qualify, we will refer you to other resources available on campus. Qualifying for ESS does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Our grant allows us to serve 300 students each school year.

How to Apply for TRIO ESS:

(Currently accepting 25-26 applications for full-time K-State students)

• Complete and submit the TRIO ESS ONLINE APPLICATION

• Complete and submit the INCOME VERIFICATION FORM* - read the following instructions:

  • If you are a dependent student (under the age of 24 and unmarried), this form must be completed and signed by a parent/guardian. Ths form link can be copied and sent to your parent/guardian.

  • If you are an independent student (over 24 and/or married), this form must be completed and signed by the student (you).

*To be able to access financial assistance services, you or a parent/guardian must complete the short Income Verification form. These services include:

• Consideration for Supplemental Grant Aid (first and second year students receiving a Pell grant with unmet need qualify to apply for financial benefits that do not require repayment)

• Assistance with finding and applying for scholarships

• FAFSA assistance

• Educational financial planning

What to expect once you are accepted

Students who are accepted into ESS will meet with a professional staff member to discuss TRIO ESS services that can support your successful journey at K-State. With the help of your success coach, you will complete an Educational Development Plan (EDP) that will set goals for the term and for program participation (Students with exceptional participation may be considered for Grant Aid). This plan will be reviewed and updated each term as your needs change throughout your journey to graduation.