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SFA > Awards/Scholarships - By Program > Nursing Scholarship Nursing Scholarship

Purpose

The Nursing Scholarship Fund was created by the 1990 Indiana General Assembly to encourage and promote qualified individuals to pursue a nursing career in Indiana.

The Nursing Scholarship Fund program is administered by the Division of Student Financial Aid (SFA) which is responsible for record keeping and for allotting funds to approved colleges and universities.

Eligibility

To be eligible students must:

  1. Be admitted to an approved institution of higher learning as a full time (12 hours or more) or part time (6-11 hours) nursing student.
  2. Be an Indiana resident and a US citizen.
  3. Agree, in writing, to work as a nurse in an Indiana health care setting for at least the first two (2) years following graduation, as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse providing direct patient care in the following locations:
    1. an accute care or specialty hospital;
    2. a long term care facility;
    3. a rehabilitation care facility;
    4. a home health care entity;
    5. a hospice program;
    6. a mental health facility; or
    7. a facility located in a shortage area (as defined in IC 16-46-5-6);
  4. Demonstrate a financial need for the scholarship.
  5. Have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.0 on a scale of 4.0 or the equivalent, or meet the minimum GPA requirements established for the college's nursing program.
  6. Not be in default on a state or federally sponsored student loan.
  7. Complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  8. Meet all other minimum criteria established by SFA.

Check with your chosen college to see if their programs are approved for the Nursing Scholarship Program; not all programs at all colleges are approved. Colleges are responsible for making the actual awards. Scholarships are non-transferable between universities. Students must re-apply if they transfer

Complete the nursing program within six (6) years from the time the first scholarship is received.

Renewal Scholarships

Scholars must:

  1. Maintain the GPA required by the college for admission into its nursing program
  2. Maintain a GPA of at least 2.0 on a scale of 4.0 or the equivalent if there is no minimum at the college.
  3. Reapply each year

Scholarship Value

The maximum annual scholarship is $5,000 and can only be applied towards tuition and fees. Colleges will determine the actual award amount when developing a scholar’s financial aid package. The amount of the scholarship may be affected by the level of other tuition specific grants and scholarships aid received by an applicant.

Those who fail to fulfill the terms of their scholarship agreement may be required to reimburse the State of Indiana for the full amount of the scholarships plus administrative costs.

Application Procedures

Applications by Term:

For the scholarship consideration, applications should be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid at the college the student plans to attend. 2012-2013 applications filed through the online system will be provided to the first eligible institution listed on a student's FAFSA after May 31, 2012. Applications should not be submitted to SFA. Colleges will make the award decisions. Awards will be announced by each college according to their awarding schedule.

If you have any questions regarding this program, including detailed program requirements, please email awards@sfa.che.in.gov or call (317) 232-2350.