How do I know if I'm eligible to apply to become an McNair Scholar?

There are two options under which you may qualify to become a McNair Scholar. You must fall under one of these options to qualify. However, if you are unsure if you qualify, please contact one of the McNair Staff.

OPTION 1: FIRST GENERATION & INCOME ELIGIBILITY

To qualify as a first generation college student, the parent(s) you primarily lived with before turning 18 must not have COMPLETED a baccalaureate (BS or BA) degree. If you meet this criteria, you must also meet our income guidelines to be eligible to apply. Any student that meets these criteria would be eligible, regardless of their race/ethnicity.

Determining Your Income Eligibility

Size of Family 48 Contiguous States*
1
$16,335
2
$23,065
3
$27,795
4
$33,525
5
$39,255
6
$44,985
7
$50,715
8
$56,445

    *Figures are higher for AK & HI residents

  • Use your 2010 federal tax returns to determine whether you are income-eligible for the McNair Scholars Program.
  • Dependent students must add their income and their parent's income.
  • Married students must add their income and ther spouse's income.
  • To find your total TAXABLE INCOME:
    • Form 1040: line43
    • Form 1040A: line 27
    • Form 1040EZ: line 6
  • For family units with more than eight members, add $5,610 for each additional family member.
  • PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE WITH ANY ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS!

OPTION 2: UNDERREPRESENTATION ELIGIBILITY

Students are also eligible to become a McNair Scholar if they are Latino/a, African American, Pacific Islander, and/or Native American, regardless of first generation or income status.

NOTE: This program is open to U.S. Citizens (including residence of the U.S. Trust Territories or Freely Associated States), and individuals that are permanent residents or in the process of becoming so.