Application
The Stanislaus State McNair Scholars Program Application for the 2027-2028 cohort is now open!
McNair Scholars are selected on a competitive basis. The selection committee will closely evaluate all application elements to identify the students who best meet the purposes of the program. Finalists will be invited to participate in a 20-minute interview with the selection committee. Interview dates are to be determined. Selected applicants will join the program by Spring 2027.
McNair Scholar slots available: 11
Application Checklist
Please carefully review this section to apply to the McNair Scholars Program Application.
To be eligible for the McNair Scholars Program at Stanislaus State, an applicant must:
- Have a strong interest in obtaining a Masters or Ph.D. degree
- Meet the two federal eligibility criteria
- Low-income and first-generation college student
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Be able to devote at least three semesters and one summer to the program
- Be an undergraduate student at Stanislaus State
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher prior to Fall 2025
If you checked all the boxes above, you are eligible to apply. Please submit the documents in the next section.
You are considered a first-generation college student if your parent(s) or guardian(s) did not receive a baccalaureate degree.
You are still considered a first-generation college student if:
- Your sibling(s) graduated with a baccalaureate degree.
- Your parent(s) or guardian(s) have completed some college, but did not complete a baccalaureate degree.
- Your aunt/uncle graduated with a baccalaureate degree.
- Unofficial Transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
- Income Eligibility Documentation (Letter of Income Verification)
- Headshot
- Any additional supporting documents
All documents above must be uploaded as a PDF in your application.
Based on taxable income (See 2024 IRS Form 1040 - Line 15)
Effective as of January 13, 2026 until further notice.
| Size of Family Unit | 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Outlying Jurisdictions | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $23,940 | $29,925 | $27,540 |
| 2 | $32,460 | $40,575 | $37,335 |
| 3 | $40,980 | $51,225 | $47,130 |
| 4 | $49,500 | $61,875 | $56,925 |
| 5 | $58,020 | $72,525 | $66,720 |
| 6 | $66,540 | $83,175 | $76,515 |
| 7 | $75,060 | $93,825 | $86,310 |
| 8 | $83,580 | $104,475 | $96,105 |
| Each additional family member |
$8,520 |
$10,650 | $9,795 |
The figures shown under family income represent amounts equal to 150 percent of the family income levels established by the Census Bureau for determining poverty status. Retrieved from U.S. Department of Education
More About the McNair Scholars Program
- The program is designed to increase the number of participants earning academic doctoral degrees, therefore students interested in obtaining their teaching credentials, medical, legal, or other professional degrees (e.g. M.D., J.D., MBA) are not eligible for this program.
- Low-income is defined by the federal government using the family’s taxable income from 2021 IRS form 1040 line 15. Please visit the U.S. Department of Education TRIO income guidelines website.
- A first-generation college student is a student whose parent(s) or guardian(s) did not receive a baccalaureate degree.
Application FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions for applying to the McNair Scholars Program.
No. The program is focused on working with current undergraduate students.
The mission of the McNair Scholars Program is to increase the number of Ph.Ds.
It is not intended for students who want to go to a professional school like law school, medical school, business school, etc.
We are unable to admit students with a GPA under 3.0. If you are an eligible sophomore, we encourage you to work on raising your GPA and apply for your junior year.
The program works most effectively with students who are entering their sophomore or junior year.
Yes. Letters of recommendation are an important part of your application, and all efforts should be made to receive letters of recommendation from professors who know you well and can speak to your potential for success in graduate school.
Yes. However, at least one letter must be from a faculty member. Faculty (academic) letters of recommendation are best. The recommender should speak to your ability to do research.
No, we can work with you to identify a faculty mentor if you are accepted into the program. If you already secured a faculty mentor, please mention it in your application.
This can be considered on a case by case basis; however, it is HIGHLY recommended that you focus solely on your research during the summer.
Generally, in the spring semester, you will work on your research proposal. During the summer, you will conduct your summer research internship. During the fall semester, you will draft your research article and apply for graduate school. The following spring semester, you will publish your work in the Honors Program Journal of Exploratory Research & present at the annual Honors Capstone Conference.
Describe it to the best of your ability in the application. Your topic may change once you are admitted into the program.
Updated: September 21, 2026