Program Description
Through a grant competition, funds are awarded to institutions of higher education to prepare eligible participants for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. Participants are from disadvantaged backgrounds and have demonstrated strong academic potential. Institutions work closely with participants as they complete their undergraduate requirements. Institutions encourage participants to enroll in graduate programs and then track their progress through to the successful completion of advanced degrees. The goal is to increase the attainment of Ph.D. degrees by students from underrepresented segments of society.
Types of Projects
All McNair projects must provide the following activities:
- Opportunities for research or other scholarly activities
- Summer internships
- Seminars and other educational activities designed to prepare students for doctoral study
- Tutoring
- Academic counseling
- Activities designed to assist students participating in the project in securing admission to and financial assistance for enrollment in graduate programs.
McNair projects may also provide the following additional activities:
- Education or counseling services designed to improve financial and economic literacy of students
- Mentoring programs involving faculty members at institutions of higher education or students, or any combination of such persons
- Exposure to cultural events and academic programs not usually available to disadvantaged students
Funding History
FY 2001-2024 Ronald E. McNair Baccalaureate Achievement Program Funding History - The program-level information shows historical funding allocation, number of awards, number of participants, average award, average number of participants and average cost per participant for fiscal years 2001 through 2024.
| Fiscal year | Funding Allocation | Number of Awards | Number of Participants | Average Award | Average Number of Participants | Average Cost Per Participant |
| 2024 | $60,166,049 | 216 | 5,935 | $278,547 | 27 | $10,138 |
| 2023 | $60,801,067 | 216 | 5,935 | $281,486 | 27 | $10,244 |
| 2022 | $56,378,254 | 206 | 5,677 | $273,681 | 28 | $9,931 |
| 2021 | $49,824,230 | 187 | 5,242 | $266,440 | 28 | $9,505 |
| 2020 | $51,778,211 | 187 | 5,242 | $276,889 | 28 | $9,878 |
| 2019 | $50,027,266 | 187 | 5,242 | $267,525 | 28 | $9,544 |
| 2018 | $47,872,986 | 187 | 5,242 | $256,005 | 28 | $9,133 |
| 2017 | $45,896,206 | 187 | 5,234 | $245,434 | 28 | $8,769 |
| 2016 | $36,589,491 | 151 | 4,338 | $242,315 | 29 | $8,435 |
| 2015 | $35,701,197 | 151 | 4,293 | $236,432 | 28 | $8,316 |
| 2014 | $35,600,323 | 151 | 4,293 | $235,764 | 28 | $8,293 |
| 2013 | $34,060,382 | 152 | 4,190 | $224,081 | 28 | $8,129 |
| 2012 | $8,129 | 158 | 4,482 | $235,888 | 28 | $8,316 |
| 2011 | $46,118,554 | 200 | 5,419 | $230,593 | 27 | $8,511 |
| 2010 | $47,373,968 | 200 | 5,419 | $236,870 | 27 | $8,742 |
| 2009 | $47,298,189 | 200 | 5,430 | $236,491 | 27 | $8,711 |
| 2008 | $44,326,656 | 185 | 5,067 | $239,604 | 27 | $8,748 |
| 2007i | $45,604,173 | 190 | 5,210 | $240,022 | 27 | $8,753 |
| 2006 | $41,714,498 | 177 | 4,186 | $235,675 | 24 | $9,965 |
| 2005 | $41,934,925 | 178 | 4,236 | $235,589 | 24 | $9,900 |
| 2004 | $42,092,721 | 179 | 4,133 | $235,155 | 23 | $10,185 |
| 2003 | $41,885,612 | 179 | 4,118 | $233,998 | 23 | $10,171 |
| 2002ii | $38,357,300 | 156 | 3,774 | $245,880 | 24 | $10,164 |
| 2001 | $35,785,817 | 156 | 3,774 | $229,396 | 24 | $9,558 |
i Note: Two grants were funded with FY 2008 funds
ii The FY 2002 funding includes $1,560,000 for one-time supplemental grants of $10,000 per project for technology
Legislation
- Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended; Title IV, Part A, Subpart 2, Chapter 1, Sec. 402D; 20 U.S.C. 1070a-14
- Legislation for SSS Grant Aid
Regulations
- Official Final Regulations Amending TRIO Regulations, as published in the Federal Register on October 26, 2010. These final regulations amend the McNair program regulations.
- Title 34 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 647
- Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) 34 CFR Parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 82, 85, 86, 97, 98, and 99
- Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards - The Department worked closely with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to streamline some federal circulars into a single guidance document, and make conforming changes to Department regulations. The combined document is known as the "Uniform Guidance" and is codified at 2 CFR 200.
Eligibility
Who May Apply: Institutions of higher education and combinations of institutions of higher education
Students who qualify for McNair must be enrolled in a degree-granting program at an eligible institution. In all projects, at least two-thirds of the participants must be low-income, potential first-generation college students. The remaining participants may be from groups that are underrepresented in graduate education.
Applicant Information
The last competition for this program was held in FY 2022. View the Notice Inviting Applicants for New Awards for Fiscal Year 2022, published in the Federal Register on March 9, 2022.
- Federal TRIO Programs Current-Year Low-Income Levels
- Federal TRIO Programs Prior-Year Low-Income Levels
Reports
- Fast Facts Report for the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program: 2019-20 PDF (1.1M)
- Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program: 2002-05 Facts and Figures at a Glance
- A Profile of the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program: 1997-1998 Through 2001-2002
- A Profile of the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program: 1999-00
- A Profile of the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program: 1998-99
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the McNair program?
- What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds?
- How often are competitions generally held?
- What is the duration of the average grant?
- What is the average annual grant amount?
- Is there a cost matching requirement? If so, are in-kind contributions acceptable as part of the grantee's match?
- What are the reporting requirements for grantees? What kind of records and data should be maintained or collected in order to complete required reports?
- Are there program-wide performance measures?
- What are a few concrete examples of allowable activities?
1. What is the purpose of the McNair program?
The purpose of the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement (McNair) Program is to award grants to institutions of higher education for projects designed to provide disadvantaged college students with effective preparation for doctoral study.
2. What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds?
All McNair projects must provide the following activities: opportunities for research or other scholarly activities; summer internships; seminars and other educational activities designed to prepare students for doctoral study; tutoring; academic counseling; and activities designed to assist students participating in the project in securing admission to and financial assistance for enrollment in graduate programs.
McNair projects may also provide the following additional activities: education or counseling services designed to improve financial and economic literacy of students; mentoring programs involving faculty members at institutions of higher education or students, or any combination of such persons; and exposure to cultural activities.
3. How often are competitions generally held?
Competitions for new awards are held every five years.
4. What is the duration of the average grant?
All McNair Program grant awards are made for five-year grant award cycles.
5. What is the average annual grant amount?
The average McNair Program grant is approximately $220,000 per year to provide services to a minimum of 24 students per year.
6. Is there a cost matching requirement? If so, are in-kind contributions acceptable as part of the grantee's match?
There is no cost matching requirement for the McNair Program.
7. What are the reporting requirements for grantees? What kind of records and data should be maintained or collected in order to complete required reports?
All McNair Program grantees are required to submit an annual performance report documenting the number of McNair participants who complete research or other scholarly activities and continue in their undergraduate program or enroll in a graduate program in the subsequent academic year; who attain baccalaureate degrees; who enroll in postbaccalaureate programs; and who attain doctoral degrees. The Department of Education will aggregate the data provided in the annual performance reports from all grantees to determine the accomplishment level.
8. Are there program-wide performance measures?
The specific performance measure for the McNair Program is the increase in the percentage of McNair Program participants who enroll in and persist in graduate school.
9. What are a few concrete examples of allowable activities?
- Research or other scholarly activities
- Summer internships
- Seminars
- Tutoring
- Academic counseling
- Activities designed to assist students participating in the project in securing admission to and financial assistance for enrollment in graduate programs
- Education or counseling services designed to improve financial and economic literacy of student
- Mentoring programs involving faculty members at institutions of higher education or students
- Exposure to cultural activities
FY 2025
Total Projects: 197
FY 2024
Total Projects: 216
FY 2023
Total Projects: 216
FY 2022
Total Projects: 206
FY 2021
Total Projects: 187
GPRA Reports
The U.S Department of Education's annual Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) report for the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement (McNair) program contains outcome data for two measures: graduate school enrollment and graduate school persistence. In addition, but not a GPRA measure, the narrative report and accompanying tables provide program level annual completion rates for the doctorate degree attainment.
Grantee-Level Performance Results: 2022-23
Grantee-Level Performance Results: 2023-24
Program Description
Through a grant competition, funds are awarded to institutions of higher education to prepare eligible participants for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. Participants are from disadvantaged backgrounds and have demonstrated strong academic potential. Institutions work closely with participants as they complete their undergraduate requirements. Institutions encourage participants to enroll in graduate programs and then track their progress through to the successful completion of advanced degrees. The goal is to increase the attainment of Ph.D. degrees by students from underrepresented segments of society.
Types of Projects
All McNair projects must provide the following activities:
- Opportunities for research or other scholarly activities
- Summer internships
- Seminars and other educational activities designed to prepare students for doctoral study
- Tutoring
- Academic counseling
- Activities designed to assist students participating in the project in securing admission to and financial assistance for enrollment in graduate programs.
McNair projects may also provide the following additional activities:
- Education or counseling services designed to improve financial and economic literacy of students
- Mentoring programs involving faculty members at institutions of higher education or students, or any combination of such persons
- Exposure to cultural events and academic programs not usually available to disadvantaged students
Funding History
FY 2001-2024 Ronald E. McNair Baccalaureate Achievement Program Funding History - The program-level information shows historical funding allocation, number of awards, number of participants, average award, average number of participants and average cost per participant for fiscal years 2001 through 2024.
| Fiscal year | Funding Allocation | Number of Awards | Number of Participants | Average Award | Average Number of Participants | Average Cost Per Participant |
| 2024 | $60,166,049 | 216 | 5,935 | $278,547 | 27 | $10,138 |
| 2023 | $60,801,067 | 216 | 5,935 | $281,486 | 27 | $10,244 |
| 2022 | $56,378,254 | 206 | 5,677 | $273,681 | 28 | $9,931 |
| 2021 | $49,824,230 | 187 | 5,242 | $266,440 | 28 | $9,505 |
| 2020 | $51,778,211 | 187 | 5,242 | $276,889 | 28 | $9,878 |
| 2019 | $50,027,266 | 187 | 5,242 | $267,525 | 28 | $9,544 |
| 2018 | $47,872,986 | 187 | 5,242 | $256,005 | 28 | $9,133 |
| 2017 | $45,896,206 | 187 | 5,234 | $245,434 | 28 | $8,769 |
| 2016 | $36,589,491 | 151 | 4,338 | $242,315 | 29 | $8,435 |
| 2015 | $35,701,197 | 151 | 4,293 | $236,432 | 28 | $8,316 |
| 2014 | $35,600,323 | 151 | 4,293 | $235,764 | 28 | $8,293 |
| 2013 | $34,060,382 | 152 | 4,190 | $224,081 | 28 | $8,129 |
| 2012 | $8,129 | 158 | 4,482 | $235,888 | 28 | $8,316 |
| 2011 | $46,118,554 | 200 | 5,419 | $230,593 | 27 | $8,511 |
| 2010 | $47,373,968 | 200 | 5,419 | $236,870 | 27 | $8,742 |
| 2009 | $47,298,189 | 200 | 5,430 | $236,491 | 27 | $8,711 |
| 2008 | $44,326,656 | 185 | 5,067 | $239,604 | 27 | $8,748 |
| 2007i | $45,604,173 | 190 | 5,210 | $240,022 | 27 | $8,753 |
| 2006 | $41,714,498 | 177 | 4,186 | $235,675 | 24 | $9,965 |
| 2005 | $41,934,925 | 178 | 4,236 | $235,589 | 24 | $9,900 |
| 2004 | $42,092,721 | 179 | 4,133 | $235,155 | 23 | $10,185 |
| 2003 | $41,885,612 | 179 | 4,118 | $233,998 | 23 | $10,171 |
| 2002ii | $38,357,300 | 156 | 3,774 | $245,880 | 24 | $10,164 |
| 2001 | $35,785,817 | 156 | 3,774 | $229,396 | 24 | $9,558 |
i Note: Two grants were funded with FY 2008 funds
ii The FY 2002 funding includes $1,560,000 for one-time supplemental grants of $10,000 per project for technology
Legislation
- Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended; Title IV, Part A, Subpart 2, Chapter 1, Sec. 402D; 20 U.S.C. 1070a-14
- Legislation for SSS Grant Aid
Regulations
- Official Final Regulations Amending TRIO Regulations, as published in the Federal Register on October 26, 2010. These final regulations amend the McNair program regulations.
- Title 34 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 647
- Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) 34 CFR Parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 82, 85, 86, 97, 98, and 99
- Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards - The Department worked closely with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to streamline some federal circulars into a single guidance document, and make conforming changes to Department regulations. The combined document is known as the "Uniform Guidance" and is codified at 2 CFR 200.
Eligibility
Who May Apply: Institutions of higher education and combinations of institutions of higher education
Students who qualify for McNair must be enrolled in a degree-granting program at an eligible institution. In all projects, at least two-thirds of the participants must be low-income, potential first-generation college students. The remaining participants may be from groups that are underrepresented in graduate education.
Applicant Information
The last competition for this program was held in FY 2022. View the Notice Inviting Applicants for New Awards for Fiscal Year 2022, published in the Federal Register on March 9, 2022.
- Federal TRIO Programs Current-Year Low-Income Levels
- Federal TRIO Programs Prior-Year Low-Income Levels
Reports
- Fast Facts Report for the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program: 2019-20 PDF (1.1M)
- Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program: 2002-05 Facts and Figures at a Glance
- A Profile of the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program: 1997-1998 Through 2001-2002
- A Profile of the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program: 1999-00
- A Profile of the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program: 1998-99
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the McNair program?
- What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds?
- How often are competitions generally held?
- What is the duration of the average grant?
- What is the average annual grant amount?
- Is there a cost matching requirement? If so, are in-kind contributions acceptable as part of the grantee's match?
- What are the reporting requirements for grantees? What kind of records and data should be maintained or collected in order to complete required reports?
- Are there program-wide performance measures?
- What are a few concrete examples of allowable activities?
1. What is the purpose of the McNair program?
The purpose of the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement (McNair) Program is to award grants to institutions of higher education for projects designed to provide disadvantaged college students with effective preparation for doctoral study.
2. What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds?
All McNair projects must provide the following activities: opportunities for research or other scholarly activities; summer internships; seminars and other educational activities designed to prepare students for doctoral study; tutoring; academic counseling; and activities designed to assist students participating in the project in securing admission to and financial assistance for enrollment in graduate programs.
McNair projects may also provide the following additional activities: education or counseling services designed to improve financial and economic literacy of students; mentoring programs involving faculty members at institutions of higher education or students, or any combination of such persons; and exposure to cultural activities.
3. How often are competitions generally held?
Competitions for new awards are held every five years.
4. What is the duration of the average grant?
All McNair Program grant awards are made for five-year grant award cycles.
5. What is the average annual grant amount?
The average McNair Program grant is approximately $220,000 per year to provide services to a minimum of 24 students per year.
6. Is there a cost matching requirement? If so, are in-kind contributions acceptable as part of the grantee's match?
There is no cost matching requirement for the McNair Program.
7. What are the reporting requirements for grantees? What kind of records and data should be maintained or collected in order to complete required reports?
All McNair Program grantees are required to submit an annual performance report documenting the number of McNair participants who complete research or other scholarly activities and continue in their undergraduate program or enroll in a graduate program in the subsequent academic year; who attain baccalaureate degrees; who enroll in postbaccalaureate programs; and who attain doctoral degrees. The Department of Education will aggregate the data provided in the annual performance reports from all grantees to determine the accomplishment level.
8. Are there program-wide performance measures?
The specific performance measure for the McNair Program is the increase in the percentage of McNair Program participants who enroll in and persist in graduate school.
9. What are a few concrete examples of allowable activities?
- Research or other scholarly activities
- Summer internships
- Seminars
- Tutoring
- Academic counseling
- Activities designed to assist students participating in the project in securing admission to and financial assistance for enrollment in graduate programs
- Education or counseling services designed to improve financial and economic literacy of student
- Mentoring programs involving faculty members at institutions of higher education or students
- Exposure to cultural activities
FY 2025
Total Projects: 197
FY 2024
Total Projects: 216
FY 2023
Total Projects: 216
FY 2022
Total Projects: 206
FY 2021
Total Projects: 187
GPRA Reports
The U.S Department of Education's annual Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) report for the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement (McNair) program contains outcome data for two measures: graduate school enrollment and graduate school persistence. In addition, but not a GPRA measure, the narrative report and accompanying tables provide program level annual completion rates for the doctorate degree attainment.