Eligibility
Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must meet the federal TRIO McNair requirements outlined below. These requirements are set by the U.S. Department of Education for participation in the McNair Scholars Program.
1. Must have a stated interest in pursuing a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent research doctorate). Professional degrees (e.g., MD, JD, MBA, PharmD) are not eligible.
2. Must be a first-generation college student (neither parent nor guardian earned a bachelor’s degree during the student’s formative years) and meet federal income eligibility guidelines (see table below).
3. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
4. Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
5. Must be an enrolled undergraduate student at WSU Pullman
6. Must have at least four semesters remaining before graduation (the program requires a minimum of four semesters to complete)
| Application Deadline is March 31, 2026 Apply HERE Interviews happen as soon as applications are received. Questions? We welcome inquiries from all students who meet federal TRIO McNair requirements. Please email us at mcnair.gs@wsu.edu for further assistance. |
What is considered income-eligible?
Federal guidelines define an “income-eligible individual” as one whose family’s taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150% of the poverty level amount.
Please see the table below, which reflects the official 2025 poverty guidelines published in the Federal Register (effective January 15, 2025)
| Size of Family Unit | 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Outlying Jurisdictions | Alaska | Hawaii |
| 1 | $23,475 | $29,325 | $26,985 |
| 2 | $31,725 | $39,645 | $36,480 |
| 3 | $39,975 | $49,965 | $45,975 |
| 4 | $48,225 | $60,285 | $55,470 |
| 5 | $56,475 | $70,605 | $64,965 |
| 6 | $64,725 | $80,925 | $74,460 |
| 7 | $72,975 | $91,245 | $83,955 |
| 8 | $81,225 | $101,565 | $93,450 |
| Each Additional Family Member | $5,500 | $6,880 | $6,330 |