Scholarships And Grants For Your Nursing Education
Many people interesting in pursuing a nursing degree look first to the programs at public colleges and universities
. After all, tax dollars support those schools and so tuition tends to be less than the tuition of a private university.
But with many public colleges and universities facing huge deficits due to the recession, many nursing schools are making some difficult decisions. Some are cutting back on their enrollment in pre-licensure programs, closing nursing programs, or limiting the number of graduate offerings.
Private Universities are not dependent on state subsidies and provide a substantial contribution to all levels of nursing education. Private universities pride themselves on delivering a quality education and assist students to secure grants, scholarships, and Nurse Traineeship money from HRSA and other resources..
Students need to consider the reputation of the University when planning career goals. What is geographically closest, the cheapest, and most convenient should not be the primary motivator to advancing your career. You as a student should seek the University and nursing program that best fits your career goals.
An entry MSN degree, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or other nursing program, can be quite affordable even at a private college or university.
The reason? You are usually guaranteed a place in required classes and do not have to add time and money to semesters waiting for your seat. In addition, grants, scholarships and other forms of financial aid unique to that institution are available to nursing students. Often a financial aid counselor is available to help on an individual basis. These colleges and universities are also recipents of Federal funds available at public institutions.
For example, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, division of Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) offers several grants that are specifically targeted to nursing students.
MSN entry students should look into the HRSA's Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students. These federally funded scholarships are available to nursing students, as well as to any student enrolled in a full-time health professions program, including veterinary school, occupational therapy, social work, dental hygiene, etc. Apply through the financial aid office of your graduate nursing school.
The HRSA also administers more than 200 scholarships/grants to nursing students. Students must promise to work for at least two years after graduation in health care setting that has high need for nurses. These scholarships typically cover tuition and other program expenses and can offer a monthly stipend of more than $1,000. Go to the HRSA's website at http://www.hrsa.gov for information on these and other scholarship programs.
You also should look into grants for nursing school from your state as well as non-profit groups and corporations. Many of those who offer grants do so because they understand how important it is to help people get a nursing education and they want to be sure that those who wish to become a nurse can afford to do so.
Don't forget to check out professional nursing organizations, depending on your specialty. For example, if you believe you may go on to become a Family Nurse Practitioner, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners offers special grants. Thinking about working in the ER? The Emergency Nurses Foundation Association offers an annual scholarship.
With the wide and varied scholarships, grants and other means of financial aid available to nursing students today, you shouldn't let the cost of a private college or university keep you form pursuing your nursing education. You will need to spend time researching for financial aid opportunities, as well as filling out the forms and submitting the proper paperwork, of course, but the financial package(s) you receive could be well worth the effort.
by: Jean Henshaw
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