MISSION
We believe every young person and adult should have an equal opportunity to prepare for, attend, and graduate from college. Graduation from any category of postsecondary institution should be achievable and not limited by economic status or family background.
The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) is a nonprofit organization, established in 1981, dedicated to furthering the expansion of college opportunities for low-income, first-generation students in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., the Pacific Islands, and Puerto Rico. Its membership includes more than 1,000 colleges and agencies. Through its numerous membership services, the Council works in conjunction with colleges, universities, and agencies to help low-income students enter college and graduate. Nearly 817,000 students each year receive college access and retention services through our member colleges and agencies.
Trio Programs
Every young person and adult has an equal opportunity to prepare for, attend, and graduate from college.
Congress mandates that two-thirds of the students served in TRIO must come from families with incomes at 150% or less of the federal poverty level and in which neither parent graduated from college. More than 3,400 TRIO projects currently serve more than 800,000 students.
Celebrating Forty-Plus Years
Fighting for Equal Access to Higher Education for Everyone
Turning 40 is traditionally a time to take stock, to measure the triumphs and lessons of past years and prepare for the challenges to come. During COE’s 40th year in 2021, we were and remain grateful for all we have accomplished with the help of allies who have accompanied us on our journey. Together we have made real progress in helping low-income and first-generation students and students with disabilities improve their lives by attending and graduating from college. Each of you will define COE’s future—and we are very, very grateful for the part that each of you will play.
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COE Success Stories
press release
The U.S. Department of Education Releases Initial FY 2026 Talent Search and EOC Awards, Preserving Hundreds of TRIO Programs but Leaving Communities Behind
The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) expressed mixed emotions about the initial results. COE is gratified that the Department followed congressional directives and moved forward with the competitions, allowing hundreds of TRIO projects to continue serving students and families.
Support Us
If you are a student support services professional, thank you. You are an unsung hero for all the good that you do, and surely you know by now that COE has your back.
Partner
Through strategic collaborations, we work to strengthen quality, opportunity and access to education for all American students — the next generation of global leaders.
Join Us
Join more than 1,000 colleges and community agencies committed to postsecondary opportunity for low-income, first-generation students in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., the Pacific Islands, and Puerto Rico!