Understanding Your Aid

Preparing financially for your doctoral program

There are lots of things you can to do as you get ready to apply for one of our doctoral programs. Do some financial planning and create a personal budget, including your income and expenses. Know your spending habits and make note of what will need to change. Keep a record of your assets and personal savings, and work to set up an emergency fund. Also, keep an eye on your credit; check your credit score, work to boost your number, and make sure that any errors on your credit report are corrected.

Program funding for full-time doctoral students

Full-time doctoral students will receive full funding for four years of tuition, fees, a stipend for living expenses, and health insurance. Your funding may be provided internally by the School of Nursing or externally by the federal government, professional organizations, or foundations. Leaders of your doctoral program will determine the most appropriate funding source for each incoming student.

Financial aid for part-time doctoral students

Part-time doctoral students are responsible for their tuition, fees, and health insurance. You can submit a FAFSA if you would like to borrow Federal loans for your tuition, fees, health insurance, and living expenses.

Federal Direct Loans & Direct Graduate Plus Loans are available for full-time and part-time students who are attending at least half time (2 CUs). You can request $20,500 of unsubsidized Direct Loan funds every academic year. Keep in mind you must make a progression of 6 CUs to receive each new level of borrowing.

You can use Grad Plus Loans to cover your expected contribution and any difference between your needs and the combination of your grants, scholarships, and loans. 

Loan forgiveness program

The Nurse Faculty Loan Program, funded by HRSA, allows loan recipients cancel up to 85 percent of the loan over 4 years in return for serving full-time as faculty in any accredited school of nursing. The program is available to MSN, Post-Masters, DNP and PhD students who are interested in pursuing a career as a nursing educator. Awards vary and can be as much as $35,500. 

Working while enrolled in the doctoral program

You are permitted to work in the School of Nursing to supplement your income:

• U.S. Citizens or permanent residents: Up to 10 additional hours per week
• International students: Up to 8 hours per week in addition to your primary appointment.

Many doctoral students work a secondary appointment in the school as a lecturer, clinical instructor, or as classroom support.

 

As always, if you have any questions, we are here to help!