The Dean’s Excellence in Nursing Leadership DNP Scholarship
Nurses play a key role in ensuring the continued quality of patient care and evidence-based outcomes in our nation’s health care system. The need for strong, effective nursing leadership and nursing faculty in health care has never been more critical. In response, Pacific Lutheran University’s School of Nursing offers the Doctor of Nursing Practice for nurses seeking a terminal degree at the highest level of nursing practice.
Each year, PLU awards scholarships up to $8,500 to new students in the DNP program. The number of scholarships awarded and amount will vary, depending on the qualifications of the candidates. This scholarship is designed to support current and future nurses committed to improving healthcare outcomes through the pursuit of the DNP degree.
Award amount: up to $8,500
Number of awards: varies
Criteria: All graduate program applicants seeking the DNP degree may apply for these scholarships.
Terms of the award: The scholarships are awarded for one year. Recipients must meet the following conditions to be considered for renewal for second year:
- Maintain full-time student status by taking 8 or more semester credits during both the fall and spring terms
- Maintain good standing in the program including a 3.0 or better in all courses, and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
- Maintain an unencumbered active registered nurse license and the ability to practice without restriction in the State of Washington.
Application Procedure:
Scholarship will only be considered for those who have submitted a complete application for the DNP program. To apply for the scholarship, please:
- Submit admission application for the DNP program via NursingCAS by the priority deadline dates.
- Respond to the scholarship questions when you fill out the admission application on NursingCAS.
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
(When complete the FAFSA, be sure to indicate that you want the results of your analysis sent to PLU, school code 003785. Be sure to print out your confirmation page and include your email address so the FAFSA generated Student Aid Report can be emailed to you.)
Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) program
This is a grant from the federal Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) which supports training for 72 Doctor of Nursing primary-care nurse practitioners, beginning with the 2019-2020 school year. The grant is for $2.8 million over four years, with annual funding subject to Congressional budgeting. This grant will strengthen training partnerships between the university and healthcare practices in those communities, and help train graduates in the use of telehealth, a growing area of modern healthcare that employs computer and video technology to connect patients and practitioners virtually. (Read More)
Graduate Assistantships
The Graduate Assistantship program offers graduate students an opportunity to participate in academic and administrative activities that will enhance their graduate education experience, as well as provide financial assistance.
A limited number of assistantships are available during the academic year. In general, assistantships awards are for interactions and opportunities involving time commitments between five and twelve hours per week. Students receive payment based on their hourly work as student employees.
Assistantships are considered taxable income.
These opportunities include:
- Graduate Teaching Assistants – teaching in the undergraduate major courses as assigned.
- Graduate Research Assistants – working under the direction of a faculty member or members in the design and execution of research projects. Responsibilities may include supervising undergraduate students on projects.
Award amount: Awards vary depending on hours worked and funds available; typically $15-$19 per hour.
Number of awards: Varied
Eligibility: To be eligible for a graduate assistantship, an applicant must be:
- admitted to the DNP program
- maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 graduate grade point average, and
- enrolled full or part-time during the semester/term of the assistantship
Criteria: Criteria for awarding assistantships may include any combination of the following: (a) skills and abilities (b) academic merit (c) potential for success, and (d) contribution to the mission of the School of Nursing and University. In addition to the assistantship application, information in the applicant’s admission file may be assessed.
Application and Deadline: Submit the Graduate Assistantship Application to apply. Priority application date for consideration is August 20. Applicants received after the priority date will be reviewed as funds are available. Please note that you should have accepted the admission offer before submitting the application.
PLU Alumni Discount
The PLU Grant provides a 10% discount on tuition for PLU graduates who enroll in a PLU graduate degree. Restrictions apply to those students who are also PLU employees. The discount begins immediately upon admission.
Federal Nursing Loans
These loans are available at a lower rate than the typical unsubsidized Stafford Loans offered to graduate students. Our Office of Financial aid has detailed information about the conditions and how to apply: https://www.plu.edu/financial-aid/types-aid/loans/nursing-loan/
Unsubsidized Stafford Loans (Direct Loans)
Although payments are deferred while you are enrolled at least half-time, unsubsidized loans accumulate interest while you are in school. If you can, it is recommended that you try to pay the interest on these loans while you are in school.
Loan amount: LOAN of $20,500 per year
Deadline: Applicants are considered for this loan when their FAFSA application is being processed. The loan is processed by PLU and disbursed to pay your tuition.
Number of awards: n/a
Criteria: You do not need to demonstrate need to qualify for these loans. Detailed information is available at the Federal student aid website.
Terms of the loan: This loan accumulates interest while you are in school, and when you are in your forbearance “grace period.” It is a loan, so it must be paid back with interest. When you fill out the FAFSA, there is a tool that estimates what your student loan repayment amounts will look like. Detailed information, including current interest rates, is available at the Federal student aid website.
How to apply:
- Fill out the Free Application For Student Aid – Please note, the FAFSA must be filled out each year that you are enrolled.
- Once you receive your PLU award notification, you must log onto PLU’s Secure Area of Banner Web, Financial Aid Services, to Accept or Decline the loan.
- If you choose to accept the loan, you must also “Sign In” to studentloans.gov to complete the required Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note.
PLUS Loan (Direct Loans)
Although payments are deferred while you are enrolled at least half-time, unsubsidized loans accumulate interest while you are in school. If you can, it is recommended that you try to pay the interest on these loans while you are in school. These loans differ from Unsubsidized Stafford Loans in that they have a higher interest rate and require a credit check.
Loan amount: LOAN to meet any unmet need up to the total estimated cost of attendance for the program.
Deadline: Applicants are considered for this loan when their FAFSA application is being processed. The loan is processed by PLU and disbursed to pay your tuition.
Number of awards: n/a
Criteria: You do not need to demonstrate need to qualify for these loans. Unlike the Stafford loan, borrowers must pass a credit check. Detailed information is available at the Federal student aid website.
Terms of the loan: This loan accumulates interest while you are in school, and when you are in your forbearance “grace period.” It is a loan, so it must be paid back with interest. When you fill out the FAFSA, there is a tool that estimates what your student loan repayment amounts will look like. Detailed information, including current interest rates, is available at the Federal student aid website.
How to apply:
- Fill out the Free Application For Student Aid – Please note, the FAFSA must be filled out each year that you are enrolled.
- Once you receive your PLU award notification, you must log onto PLU’s Secure Area of Banner Web, Financial Aid Services, to Accept or Decline the loan.
- If you choose to accept the loan, you must also “Sign In” to studentloans.gov to complete the required Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
Visit the AACN website for information about graduate scholarships and loan forgiveness programs for nursing students.
National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program
Minimum of two years of full-time service at an NHSC-approved site in a Health Professional Shortage Area of greatest need.
Visit the National Health Service Corps website to learn more about the NHSC Scholarship Program and application process.
NURSE Corps Scholarship Program
Nursing students are eligible to receive funding for their training in exchange for working at least two-years at an eligible NURSE Corps facility upon graduation. Visit the NURSE Corps Scholarship website for information. Sign up to be notified on updates about the application cycle.
National League of Nursing Scholarship Program
Get the financial support you need to advance your career by applying for a National League of Nursing Scholarship.
NLN Foundation Scholarship Awards: To address the nursing faculty shortage and build the future of nursing education, the NLN Foundation awards up to $8,000 to nurses seeking advanced degrees in accredited programs.
NLN-Home Instead Scholarship Awards: For the third consecutive year, the NLN Foundation has partnered with Home Instead Senior Care to provide at least six additional scholarships – totaling $10,000 – to students focusing in geriatrics.
NursingJournal.org
Visit NurseJournal.org to view a list of more than 50 scholarships and grants for nursing students.
National Health Services Corp loan repayment
The program is open to licensed primary care medical, dental, and mental and behavioral health providers. Awardees receive up to $50,000 in exchange for two-years of service if they practice in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) of 14 and above (Tier I). There are many NHSC loan repayment sites in the Puget Sound area.
More details are available on the NHSC website: http://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loanrepayment/index.html
Nurse Corps loan repayment
NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program sets registered nurses (including advanced practice registered nurses and nursing faculty) on a rewarding career path while paying off 60 percent of their unpaid nursing student loans in just 2 years – and an additional 25 percent of the original balance for an optional third year.
In return, NURSE Corps members fulfilling a service obligation at one of the thousands of eligible nonprofit hospitals, clinics, nursing schools and other facilities located in designated mental health or primary medical care Health Professional Shortage Areas across the U.S.
More details are available on the Nurse Corps website: https://bhw.hrsa.gov/loansscholarships/nursecorps/lrp
As part of HRSA’s efforts to combat the nation’s opioid crisis, special Nurse Corps’ funding has been provided to expand the nursing workforce to critical shortage facilities by providing evidence based care and treatment to patients needing opioid use disorder and behavioral health treatments. As a result, Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program has dedicated funding for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners.
Washington State Health Professional Loan Repayment Program
The Health Professional Loan Repayment Program encourages licensed primary care health professionals to serve in critical shortage areas in Washington State. The program provides financial assistance through either conditional scholarships or loan repayment. The loan repayment portion of the program provides educational repayment assistance to licensed primary care health professionals. Applicants agree to provide primary care health care in rural or underserved urban areas with designated shortages.
Yellow Ribbon Program
Pacific Lutheran University is proud to partner with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to offer an unlimited number of full-tuition Yellow Ribbon Scholarships to qualified veterans or their dependents.
For detailed information about this benefit and eligibility, see the Department of Veterans Affairs Yellow Ribbon Program FAQ.
For more information about using your post 9/11 GI benefits at PLU, please contact PLU’s Veterans Benefits Coordinator Neshell Henkel Chabot at 800-678-3243, 253-535-7161, or henkelnd@plu.edu.
Vocational Rehab & Other Benefits
At PLU, we are committed to assisting you with getting the most from your benefits. If you qualify for Vocational Rehab, or any other benefits, our dedicated Veterans Benefits Coordinator will work with you to help you fill out the paperwork you need for the VA. Please contact Neshell Henkel Chabot at 800-678-3243, 253-535-7161, or henkelnd@plu.edu.