Midwest States That May Help Pay for your BSN or MSN
Higher Education Articles November 22, 2013Great news for those considering an advanced nursing degree but don’t have the money to pay for it: Did you know that some states pay BSN and MSN candidates to pursue their advanced nursing degrees, depending on the state in which they live?
Grants, loans, and scholarships are available and can help you further your nursing. Additionally, many programs have evening, weekend, and online classes for those currently working full-time or juggling work and home life. In short, getting your BSN or MSN has never been more possible. You just have to know where to look.
One Way to Start Your Search
The U.S. Government’s Federal Student Aid program provides more student financial aid than any other entity in the country. More than $150 million in aid is distributed every year, and it remains one of the best ways to help pay for your college education.
According to the Federal Student Aid website, most people qualify for some help. All kinds of students are eligible for a variety of loans, grants, and work-study funds, including both U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens. Applicants must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be eligible for aid. Filling out the FAFSA is easy, free, and available online. Visit the Federal Student Aid website for more information submitting your FAFSA.
Ways to Pay for your BSN or MSN
Multiple States – California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin
If you are a Registered Nurse living in any of the states listed above, and you’re interested in pursuing a career in nursing education, the Foundation of National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) Promise of Nursing Regional Faculty Fellowship could help you get on your way. The scholarship program offers awards of $1,000 up to $7,500 toward tuition, books, and other costs associated with a graduate program. The NSNA must receive your application no later than March 8, 2013, and applicants must prove that they have a history of academic excellence, are in financial need, and that they are committed to a career as a nurse educator and plan to become one upon completion of the program.
Indiana
•Name of Program: Indiana Nursing Scholarship Fund
•Award Type: Scholarship/forgivable loan
•Description: The Indiana Nursing Scholarship Fund was created in 1990, to encourage those who are qualified to pursue a career in nursing in Indiana. The maximum annual award is $5,000 toward tuition and fees associated with a nursing degree, including advanced nursing degrees. Candidate must be full time or part time nursing student, be a state resident, agree in writing that they are committed to pursuing employment as a nurse in the state of Indiana, show they have a financial need for the scholarship, maintain either a minimum 2.0 grade point average or meet the nursing program’s required minimum, and complete both the scholarship application and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applicants must submit their application in time to appear on their FAFSA by May 31, 2013.
Iowa
•Name of Program: Iowa Student Loan Nurse Educator Grant
•Award Type: Grant or contract
•Description: The Nurse Educator Grant awards $2,000 per academic term, or $4,000 per academic year. Candidates must be enrolled in a graduate nursing program, teaching nursing in a classroom or clinical setting or have entered into a partnership with an Iowa college or university; intend to pursue a career as a Nurse Educator at a college or university in Iowa; not an Iowa student loan employee or spouse or dependent of an employee; and not currently approved for an award through the Iowa Student Loan Nursing Education Loan Forgiveness program.
Michigan
•Name of Program: Michigan League for Nursing Student Scholarship
•Award Type: Scholarship/forgivable loan
•Description: The MLNS Student Scholarship awards $1,000 to nursing students currently enrolled in a bachelors, associates, or licensed practical nursing education degree program, and have completed at least one course with a clinical component with a grade of C or better. Applicants must also include two endorsements with their application, one from a nursing faculty member and one personal reference excluding family members. Applications must be received by March 1, 2013.
