Key eligibility criteria that a student must meet to be considered for the McNair Scholars Program include, but are not limited to:
Being a first-generation (neither parent has Bachelor’s degree) low-income student OR a member of a group that is underrepresented in graduate education
Being a citizen, national or permanent resident of the United States*
Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
Nearing completion of their Sophomore or Junior year
*Detailed eligibility criteria can be viewed at the U.S. Department of Education
To Apply:
Students wishing to apply to be a McNair Scholar will be asked to show: minimum 15 credit hours enrollment in a degree granting program; qualification as either low-income/first-generation or from a group underrepresented in graduate education.
Completed applications will include: 1) Application form; 2) Personal statement addressing undergraduate academic experiences, graduate school plans and research interests; 3) Name and contact information of two academic references (at least one from faculty) who can address the applicant’s motivation, aptitude, and potential participation benefits; 4) Current 3.0 GPA; and 5) Documentation supporting low-income, first-generation, underrepresented status.
Application review for Sophomores/students graduating May 2026 begins April 15th.
