Graduate Nursing School Federal Student Aid
Financial aid for graduate nursing school can come from a variety of sources, including federal and state loans and grants. Determine your eligibility for federal student aid with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and find out more about the Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program (NELRP).
FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is used to apply for federal student financial aid, including grants, loans and work-study. Federal Student Aid programs are the largest source of student aid in America, providing over $60 billion a year in assistance. Take advantage of this opportunity by determining your eligibility today.
Federal Direct Loans
Federal Direct Loans must be repaid and are available to graduate students. Graduate students are eligible for loans up to $20,500.
Example of a Typical Yearly Direct Loan Academic Year Loan Range*:
| Class Standing | Subsidized | Unsubsidized | Total Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate | $8,500 | $12,000 | $20,500 |
*Maximum annual loan limits for graduate students are listed above. As of July 1, 2012, subsidized loans are no longer available to graduate students. Federal Student Aid, updated May 2012. Visit www.direct.ed.gov for details.
The Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program (NELRP) offers registered nurses assistance to repay educational loans in exchange for service in critical shortage facilities. The purpose of the NELRP is to assist in the recruitment and retention of professional nurses dedicated to providing healthcare to underserved populations. Some eligibility requirements include being an RN, having received a baccalaureate or master’s in nursing from an accredited school of nursing and having unpaid qualifying loans obtained for nursing education leading to a degree.
Financial aid for graduate nursing students needn’t be difficult. For more information, please contact a University Alliance program representative. You may also access The Student Guide from the U.S. Department of Education, a great source of information concerning student federal financial aid programs and how to apply for them.
