The McNair Scholarship supports alumni of the McNair Scholars Program who enroll in NYU Wagner’s Master of Public Administration or Master of Urban Planning. Up to two recipients receive half-tuition support for full- or part-time study in New York City.
Full-time students who start in Fall can complete the MPA or MUP in as little as two years; part-time students typically finish in three to four years. The scholarship is available only for Fall enrollment, and the NYU Wagner application portal is accepting Fall 2027 applications. McNair alumni apply through the regular admissions process rather than a separate scholarship application.
Benefits & funding
- A half-tuition scholarship is awarded to up to two recipients.
- NYU Wagner waives the application fee for McNair alumni applying in any semester, although scholarship consideration is limited to Fall enrollment.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be alumni of the McNair Scholars Program and complete their McNair service by the start of the Fall semester.
- Applicants must seek Fall entry to NYU Wagner’s MPA or MUP and may study full time or part time.
- Applicants must satisfy the relevant master’s admission requirements, including a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent foreign qualification before enrollment.
- Work experience is not required for MPA or MUP admission, although NYU Wagner prefers at least two years of relevant experience.
- NYU Wagner publishes no separate nationality, residency, gender, or age restriction for this scholarship.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Education required
Bachelor
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Application process
- 1Create an account in the NYU Wagner application portal and select an eligible MPA or MUP program for Fall 2027.
- 2Select the McNair Scholars affiliation in the application’s Wagner Community section.
- 3Submit the complete admission application, including the required essays, résumé, transcripts, and recommendation letters; no additional scholarship essay is required.
- 4Await the admission decision; scholarship recipients are typically notified within 24–48 hours after admission is released.
Program timeline
Applications are open.
Fall 2027 application cycle
Application deadline
NYU Wagner’s accessible scholarship and application pages do not state the exact Fall 2027 date.
Within 24–48 hours after the admission decision
Scholarship notification is typically issued.
Eligible recipients begin MPA or MUP study.
Fall 2027