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2026 McNair & RGPN Scholars Application

APPLICATION EXTENDED FOR THOSE WHO ARE BOTH FIRST GEN & INCOME-ELIGIBLE 

 JANUARY 2, 2026 – 11:59:59 PM

First- Gen:

  • First-generation college student means: (1) an individual neither of whose natural or adoptive parents received a baccalaureate degree; or (2) an individual who, prior to the age of 18, regularly resided with and received support from only one parent and whose supporting parent did not receive a baccalaureate degree; or (3) an individual who, prior to the age of 18, did not regularly reside with or receive support from a natural or adoptive parent.

Income-Eligible:

 

No paper applications and/or materials will be accepted. Full applications must be completed online. Please be sure you have read the 2026 Application Informational before you submit your application. Read all application directions thoroughly. Only students whose applications are complete and have adhered to the directions given will be considered for participation in the UMBC McNair Scholars Program. The application will be completed within DocuSign. We highly suggest you keep a Word document of your responses as they may not save over time.

Please click here to view the 2026 Application Informational that lists all the items that must be submitted as part of your application, or click the APPLY NOW button.

We believe in a holistic review of applications so:

  • No Letters of Recommendations accepted (we do ask for references’ contact info in case we need to reach out)
  • No Transcript Needed (No minimum GPA or Credits). Academic Progress will be holistically considered.
  • If you don’t qualify to be a McNair Scholar, we will consider you for the Retriever Graduate Preparation Network (RGPN) Scholar!

 

Click the “apply now” button to begin your application!

EXTENDED DEADLINE:

 JANUARY 2, 2026 – 11:59:59 PM

Don’t forget to also complete the McNair Interest Form so we can keep you updated!