Congress established a series of programs to help FAFSA eligible students enter and complete college. 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). TRIO programs help students succeed academically and persist to graduation.

The first TRIO program at the University of North Texas was established in 1980, and there are currently five TRIO programs at UNT. Participants must qualify according to guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Education.