Financial Aid for College
A college education to earn an Associate or Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing at a state-supported or private college or university is a large financial investment. It helps to investigate all financial aid resources to supplement what the student and his/her family is expected to pay.
Applying for Financial Aid
The first step in applying for financial aid is completing the Free Application for Federal Aid FAFSA. This form must be completed every year. It is required for Pell grants, Perkins and Stafford loans, work study, all state and many school student assistance programs. The form must be filed after January 1st and before each states individual deadline. In Indiana the deadline is March 10th.
- Apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov
- Visit www.fafsa.org for helpful information on student financial aid and the FAFSA.
Types of Financial Aid
Scholarships are gifts that do not require repayment. Scholarships usually have requirements for specific criteria such as academic performance, special qualifications or interests in a particular field of study. Databases of scholarships can be found with a web search.
Loans are borrowed monies that must be repaid. There are three types of loans: student (Stafford or Perkins,) parent (PLUS loans,) or private.
Grants are based on financial need, and do not require repayment.
For more information on scholarships, loans and grants visit www.fafsa.org
Student employment includes work-study programs and part-time jobs. Nursing students may be eligible for employment as a student nurse after one semester of clinical nursing experience.
Tuition Reimbursement is often available to employees of health care agencies and other work settings as an employee benefit. Eligibility for tuition reimbursement varies and may include length of employment, minimum number of working hours per pay period, and commitment to work following the college education. Employment as a student nurse does not usually qualify for this benefit.
NATIONAL FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES
American Association of Colleges of Nursing
Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.
Johnson and Johnson
The Campaign for Nursing's Future
Military
National Black Nurses Association, Inc.
National League for Nursing
National Student Nurses' Association
Nurses for a Healthier Tomorrow
UNCF--United Negro College Fund
The Hispanic College Fund
LULAC
State Farm Insurance Hispanic Scholarships
http://www.statefarm.com/foundati/hispanic.htm
Friends of Columbia (SADCO) Hispanic Scholarships
http://www.sadco.org/englishversion.html
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Alpha Kappa Alpha Scholarships
Indiana Financial Aid Resources
Learn More Indiana--Indiana's Pre-K to College Connection
A resource to help students, parents, and adult learners plan for college and careers. Provides a guide to student financial aid and links to more information
Indiana Association of Health Care Recruiters
Indiana Organization of Nurse Executives
Scholarships for RNs advancing education in pursuit of leadership roles.
State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana (SSACI)
Awards scholarships and grants to eligible students; administers the Nursing Scholarship Fund Program.
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Local Colleges/Universities with Schools of Nursing
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Ancilla College
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Bethel College
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Goshen College
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Indiana University Northwest
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Indiana University South Bend
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Ivy Tech Community College/Gary
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Purdue University Calumet
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Purdue University North Central
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Valparaiso University
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Saint Mary's College
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Financial Aid from Health Care Institutions
Some health care institutions do offer scholarships and loans, but these programs have restrictions such as work commitment. Many require current employment within the institution; employment as a student nurse usually does not meet this requirement. However, there are several institution based scholarship programs for student nurses. For more information, visit the institution website or contact the nurse recruiter or Human Resource Department, listed below:
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LaPorte Regional Health System
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Heidi Jankowski 219-326-2471 scholarships, tuition reimbursement, student nurse employment
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Memorial Hospital of South Bend
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Cathy Schiff 574-284-7447 Carol Lyle-Ford 574-284-3274 scholarships, tuition reimbursement, student nurse employment
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Porter Hospital
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Sandra Gazler 219-263-4803 scholarships, tuition reimbursement, student nurse employment
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Saint Anthony Memorial Hospital |
Cheryl Hickman 219-877-1843 Mary Ann Dziepak 219-877-1602 tuition reimbursement, student nurse employment
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Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center |
Dave Goldman 574-237-7054 Darla Austin 574-237-7743 scholarships, tuition reimbursement
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