Financial Resources

There are financial resources designed specifically for nursing students. In addition to the following description of sources of financial assistance, students are notified of new information via email as it arrives. Materials and applications, when available, may be obtained from the School of Nursing office or found on designated bulletin boards.

• Farrell Scholarship Dr. Francis (JMU ’82) and Mary Carter Farrell (JMU ’84) established the endowed Farrell Scholarship in 2004 in honor of their parents, Frank and Eva Farrell. Qualified applicants:  Registered nurse with an Associate Degree who has gained admission to James Madison University RN to BSN program as a full-time student; demonstration of excellence in and commitment to nursing practice; self-reported financial need. View further specifications on the JMU RN-BSN Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Awards page.
• Federal Loan Programs: Excellent federal loans specifically for nursing students are available at a low rate of interest. No interest is payable while in school and for nine (9) months post-graduation. Repayment can be deferred or canceled depending upon employment following graduation. Eligibility depends on the student’s financial need status. The financial aid office has applications.
• Whitehead Scholarships: The Whitehead Foundation provides significant money annually to the JMU Nursing program for distribution to students with financial need. It is need-based as determined by the Financial Aid Office, and the student must file a financial aid form with them. Eligibility requires that the student be from designated southern states. If the student qualifies on the basis of geography and financial need they will automatically be considered for this award.
• Military Scholarship and Loan Programs: All branches of the military (Air Force, Army, Navy, and ROTC) offer programs for nursing students. The student should contact the branch of their choice to explore these programs.

Federal Scholarship Programs

• The Veterans Administration Scholarship Program is a very good, but highly competitive scholarship program that involves commitment for employment following graduation.
• The Indian Health Service has a less competitive but excellent scholarship program as well.
• National Student Nurses Association: The NSNA Foundation awards scholarships annually to NSNA members. Information about these scholarships can be secured through the JMU Chapter of VNSA or directly from NSNA.
• Virginia League for Nursing: The VLN offers several smaller scholarships annually.

Other Helpful Links

• American Association of Colleges of Nursing Scholarships & Financial Aid
• HRSA Health Workforce School-Based Loans and ScholarshipsNursing Student Loan program provides long-term, low-interest rate loans to full-time financially needy students pursuing BSN.
• Nurse.org The Ultimate List of Nursing Scholarships
• Virgina Department of Health Incentive Programs
  The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) offers several scholarship opportunities to help pay for nursing education in exchange for one year of service in Virginia upon graduation. Scholarships are available for individuals seeking certificates, diplomas or degrees as Certified Nurses Assistants (new), Licensed Practical Nurses, and Registered Nurses. Applicable scholarships for RN-BSN students are the Virginia Mary Marshall Nursing Scholarship Program and the Virginia Long Term Care Facility Scholarship. Please visit the link above for more information and on how to apply.