The Truman State University Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program is a U.S. Department of Education-funded initiative that honors the life and legacy of Dr. Ronald E. McNair. Awarded in 5-year cycles through a competitive grant application process, our funding sustains program services designed to support and empower students to achieve academic, professional, and personal success. 

Eligibility

Due to the small numbers of first-generation, low-income, and historically underrepresented students in the U.S. every year who enroll in or complete graduate degree programs, our grant mandates that we select participants who meet the following eligibility criteria: 

     1) be enrolled as a full- or part-time student at Truman State University;

     2) be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident; AND

    3a) be a first-generation college student whose family meets income-eligibility guidelines.  In 34 CFR 647.7, the U.S. Department of Education defines first-generation students as individuals who, prior to the age of 18, have not resided with or received primary support from a natural or adoptive parent who has a 4-year college degree. Income-eligible means an individual whose family’s TAXABLE income in the previous calendar year did not exceed 150 percent of the poverty level. Review these guidelines to determine if you meet the criteria. Note that TAXABLE income is different (and typically much lower) than gross or net income.  Most students who qualify for federal Pell grants meet income eligibility guidelines.

OR

     3b) be a student identified by the U.S. Department of Education as historically and currently underrepresented in graduate education in 34 CFR 647.7 

Successful applicants will demonstrate intellectual curiosity, desire to learn, and motivation/persistence toward long-term academic goals and graduate study.

NOTE: If you are interested in the McNair Program and have any questions or concerns about program eligibility, please consult Programming Specialist Charlotte Klimovich, before making a final decision about whether to apply.  Many students who could qualify do not apply because they think they do not. 

Application Info

The 2025-2026 McNair Program application will open and be available for completion September 1, 2025!

Please fill out the McNair Scholars Program Interest Form to let us know if you are interested and to complete an eligibility requirements pre-check.

¹If you have any questions or concerns about your eligibility, please contact us.