Undergraduate students under 24 years old pursuing bachelors and professional degrees are eligible for Federal Pell Grants. Grants are the primary resource of financial aid, to which additional federal and non-federal scholarships and loans may be supplemented. The maximum Pell Grant is $5,350 for the 2009 to 2010 school year. Award amounts vary, depending on full-time status, semester length, and additional funding. Funds are directly paid to universities and are disbursed at least once per semester. Students with low expected family contributions may be eligible for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, which ranges from $100 to $4,000 each year.
The U.S. Department of Health Resources and Services Administration offers loan repayment and scholarship programs to nurse practitioners and registered nurses. The foundation provides three nurse loan repayment programs: Nursing Education, Nurse Education for Faculty, and Faculty Loans. The loan programs pay off 20 to 60 percent of student loans for nurses who work in qualifying institutions. The association offers a range of scholarships for students enrolled in registered nurse training programs.
The National Health Service Corp provides nurse students with scholarships and loan repayment options in need of financial assistance. Students may obtain tuition and fee funding for two to four years of service in an approved facility. Students receive a living stipend while they complete their education. Nurses employed in a health professional shortage area may qualify for up to $50,000 toward loan repayment and, possibly, potential for additional support. Students work for two years in a qualified facility in return.
The Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) nursing program provide nursing cadets with one-on-one mentoring and Army training.The ROTC enhances students' leadership and analytical skills while providing financial assistance. The program offers two, three, or four year undergraduate scholarships. Army ROTC cadets who are also nursing students may attend the Nurse Summer Training Program. The three-week training program assigns nurses to United States and German hospitals during the summer.