The Nursing Scholarship Program is a selective program of the U.S. Government that helps alleviate the critical shortage of registered nurses currently experienced by certain types of health care facilities by helping needy students complete their registered nurse training. In exchange for the scholarship, upon graduation, the newly minted nurses work at these types of facilities for at least 2 years.
Nursing Scholars fulfilling their service commitment receive a competitive salary and benefits package, which they negotiate directly with the employing facility.
Applications are accepted once each year, beginning in March or April and ending in April or May. Applicants selected to receive the scholarship are notified by postal letter no later than the end of July.
Benefits
In exchange for at least 2 years service at a health care facility with a critical shortage of nurses, the Nursing Scholarship Program pays
- tuition
- required fees
- other reasonable costs, including required books, clinical supplies, laboratory expenses, etc.
- monthly stipend ($1,326 for the 2010-2011 school year)
- more about scholarship benefits
- more about fulfilling the service obligation
Eligible Applicants
- U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), nationals or lawful permanent residents
- enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a professional registered nurse program (baccalaureate, graduate, associate degree, or diploma) at accredited school of nursing located in a U.S. state or territory
- begin classes no later than September 30
- free from any Federal judgment liens
- free from existing service commitments
- not delinquent on a Federal debt
- more about applicant eligibility
Selection Criteria
Preference is given to qualified applicants with the greatest financial need who are enrolled full-time in an undergraduate nursing program.
We estimate that 500 applicants will be selected to receive the scholarship in FY 2010 and that all or most will be from the first funding preference group:
- have a zero Expected Family Contribution (EFC) on the Student Aid Report from the Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA) and
- are enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an undergraduate nursing program as full-time students
- more about funding preferences
