Congress established a series of programs to help low-income Americans enter college, graduate and move on to participate fully in America's economic and social life. These programs are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and are referred to as the TRIO Programs (initially just three programs). While student financial aid programs help students overcome financial barriers to higher education, TRIO programs help students overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education.

TRIO Programs at UNCP is comprised of Student Support Services and Upward Bound.