No. The McNair Scholars Program is a research and graduate school preparatory program that receives support and funding from the U.S. Department of Education. While the program provides some financial assistance, its primary aim is to provide support, mentorship, and resources to students from underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in pursuing advanced degrees. 

No. Truman’s Honors Scholar Program is a separate program on campus that all Truman students are eligible for.

The McNair Scholars Program is specifically designed to support income-eligible, first-generation college students, and students from backgrounds that are underrepresented in graduate education. The U.S. Department of Education defines the eligibility criteria for McNair participants in 34 CFR 647.7, also summarized below

A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose natural or adoptive parents have not earned a BA degree (4-year degree). In the case of students who regularly lived with and were supported by only one parent before the age of 18, if the parent who was the primary source of support has not earned a 4-year college degree then the student will be considered a first-generation college student.

Income-eligible means an individual whose family’s TAXABLE income did not exceed 150 percent of the poverty level in the calendar year preceding the year in which the individual participates in McNair. Check the guidelines to determine if you meet the criteria. Note that TAXABLE income is different (and usually significantly lower) than gross or net income.  Most students who qualify for federal Pell grants meet income eligibility guidelines.

The U.S. Department of Education considers the following students underrepresented in graduate education: Black (non-Hispanic), Hispanic, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiians, and/or Native American Pacific Islanders.

No. Students can study any discipline. 

Admission into McNair is competitive, but applicants are encouraged to contact the McNair staff to discuss specific circumstances. If you are working on correcting a grade, or feel that your GPA will be above a 3.00 by the end of the fall semester you should apply for the Program.

Generally yes, but please contact the McNair staff to express your interest! On a limited basis, seniors can be eligible to apply. 

Yes and no. Students are not eligible to apply to the McNair Scholars Program until their sophomore & junior year. However, McNair offers Explore McNair, a first-year college transition program for students interested in McNair. Please contact Jeremy Freese for more information about Explore McNair and/or fill out this interest form. 

The primary objective of McNair is to foster the achievement of doctoral degrees among students from underrepresented backgrounds and to contribute to the diversification of academia. While we acknowledge that students have diverse career aspirations, we strongly encourage those with a specific interest in pursuing a master’s degree and/or a doctoral degree to consider McNair as a valuable program tailored to their goals. 

The McNair Scholars Program aims to diversify the faculty in U.S. institutions of higher education by reducing the barriers to the PhD for underrepresented individuals in graduate education. The McNair Program recognizes that first-generation/low-income undergraduate students and undergraduate students of color have several career possibilities to consider outside of academia. However, individuals who demonstrate a particular interest in and motivation for doctoral study and the academic profession are likely to find the program satisfies their short- and long-term goals.

No, only your time and commitment. We cover all required materials, all tuition fees for McNair courses, and can even cover the cost of most research supplies for a Scholar’s research project. Refer to our Benefits page for more information.

Absolutely! As long as you are not being paid for these activities at the same time, you can participate in other research opportunities. In fact, we encourage our Scholars to explore Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) at other institutions and agencies.

The priority deadline is Sunday, November 9, 2025. All complete applications received by 11:59 PM are guaranteed to be reviewed. Other applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Faculty reference and parent/guardian tax forms (if applicable) are due by 11:59 PM on Friday, November 14, 2025. 

No. Faculty recommendations are due at 11:59 PM on Friday, November 14, 2025. Upon applying, emails will be auto-generated and sent to the applicant’s recommender with links to submit the other required components. Please ensure that your recommender is aware of this and that you inform them of the process.

Your letter writers should be able to speak to your academic accomplishments, work ethic, and potential for success in McNair and graduate school. Faculty & instructors who have served in a supervisory capacity for you may be individuals you ask to write a letter on your behalf. Letters from family members, roommates, or peers will not be considered.