Eligibility & Responsibility

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Last Updated: Feb 27, 2025, 11:09 AM

The program helps motivated, high-achieving students prepare for and excel in graduate school.  Check below to see if you meet the eligibility requirements to apply to become an SIU Carbondale McNair Scholar. 

Am I eligible for McNair?

If you answer “Yes” to all of the questions in either Part A or Part B, you are eligible!

Part A

  1. Neither of my parents/guardians completed a four-year degree.
  2. I (my family) has demonstrated financial need as determined by the income levels established by the U.S. Department of Education. (See Federal income guidelines)
  3. I am a citizen of the United States or meet the residency requirements for Federal Student Financial Aid.
  4. I am enrolled at least full-time at SIU Carbondale as an upcoming sophomore or junior.
  5. My GPA is 2.6 or higher.
  6. I am seriously considering going to graduate school.

 OR

Part B

  1. I am African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, or Native Pacific Islander.
  2. I am a citizen of the United States or meet the residency requirements for Federal Student Financial Aid.
  3. I am enrolled at least full-time at SIU Carbondale as an upcoming sophomore or junior.
  4. My GPA is 2.6 or higher.
  5. I am seriously considering going to graduate school.

 If you answer “Yes” to all of the questions in either Part A or Part B, you are eligible!

Federal TRIO Programs Current-Year Low-Income Levels

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

Student Responsibility

The McNair Scholars Program is devoted to enhancing diversity in higher education.  Participating in this nationally recognized program provides you with incredible opportunities but requires a significant commitment as well.  Our McNair staff members will do everything possible to help and guide you, but as a McNair Scholar, you have several obligations.

Your responsibilities include:

  • Attending all scheduled workshops and events
  • Maintaining a minimum 2.6 GPA
  • Meeting regularly with your faculty mentor and with McNair staff
  • Participating in all required activities
  • Completing at least one research project
  • Presenting your research paper at the Undergraduate Research Conference, another McNair conference elsewhere in the country, or at a professional conference for your discipline
  • Publishing your research paper in our annual SIU Carbondale McNair Scholars Journal or in a peer-reviewed journal for your discipline
  • Notifying the McNair staff of the status of all of your graduate school acceptance applications and financial packages offered
  • Maintaining contact with our McNair staff after you graduate from the University