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Definitions

Low-income

A low-income student is one whose family meets low-income criteria as determined by the U.S. Department of Education. The term "low-income individual" means an individual whose family's taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150% of the poverty level amount (see chart for specific information).

First Generation

A first generation college student is someone whose parents have not received a bachelor's degree.

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Student Support Services Eligibility

To be eligible for Student Support Services, students must be considered low-income, first-generation or disabled.

Determining Economic Eligibility

To determine economic eligibility, we need to verify the family's income and financial need through the Financial Aid Office on campus. If a student and/or the student's family does not want to complete the FAFSA we will ask for a copy of the family's 1040 tax form showing taxable income, a budget statement from the Department of Social Services or Social Security, or a letter from another appropriate agency. All financial information is kept strictly confidential and is used only to determine program eligibility.

Federal TRiO Programs 2011 Annual Low Income Levels

(Effective January 20, 2011 Until Further Notice)

Size of Family Unit 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Outlying Jurisdictions Alaska Hawaii
1 $16,335 $20,400 $18,810
2 $22,065 $27,570 $25,395
3 $27,795 $34,740 $31,980
4 $33,525 $41,910 $38,565
5 $39,255 $49,080 $45,150
6 $44,985 $56,250 $51,735
7 $50,715 $63,420 $58,320
8 $56,445 $70,590 $64,905

For family units with more than eight members, add the following amount for each additional family member: $5,730 for the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia and outlying jurisdictions; $7,170 for Alaska; and $6,585 for Hawaii.

The family incomes shown 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. 76, No. 13, January 20, 2011, pp. 3637-3638.

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Last Updated: 3/5/11