Continuing Students (Renewal / Reapplicants)

Ronald E. McNair Doctoral Scholars Assistantship

The Ronald E. McNair Doctoral Scholars Assistantship is awarded to eligible new/incoming Ph.D. students who were McNair scholars in their undergraduate studies (renewable for current McNair Doctoral Scholars). The assistantship is open to eligible students pursuing doctoral studies in any program of study within the Graduate School. The Ronald E. McNair Doctoral Scholars Assistantship award is offered on a competitive basis upon recommendation by the candidate’s prospective department and the Financial Aid Advisory Committee.  

Funding type: Assistantship 
Degree: Ph.D. 
Audience: Current McNair Scholars seeking renewal
Deadline (Only for Continuing Students): Friday, January 9, 2026, 5:00 PM ET 

What the Award Is

Award (AY 2026-2027):

• Full tuition (student fees not included)
• $24,000 stipend (Fall & Spring)
• Renewable for up to 3 years (with continued eligibility)
• Year 4 tuition-only support possible for students who have achieved candidacy

Who Should Reapply

Current McNair Scholars in good standing who wish to renew support (up to 3 years total; see year-4 note above).

To remain eligible, scholars must:

• Fulfill assistantship duties (15 hrs/week research or TA each term)
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5
• Participate in Annual Research Month
• Maintain progress toward degree and meet award terms
• Refrain from outside employment

How to Apply (3 Steps)

*You must complete/submit both the online funding renewal form and PDF funding renewal application (Part 1 and Part 2) below for your application to be considered complete.

Complete Part 1 and 2 of the Funding Application (Steps 1 and 2)*

Due: Friday, January 9, 2026, 5:00 PM ET (Current McNair Scholars seeking renewal)

• Step One:  Complete and Submit Online: Part 1: Online Funding Renewal Form (Click button below)
• Step Two: Download & Complete the Part 2: PDF Funding Renewal Application (Click button below)