The Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) is a federal program designed to increase the number of nursing students who pursue careers as full-time faculty teaching in schools of nursing. Full-time or part-time graduate students who plan careers as nurse faculty are eligible to apply and may be eligible for up to five (5) years of financial support. (All support is contingent upon ongoing federal funding and therefore subject to change.) Up to 85 percent of the total loan amount will be forgiven if the graduate works full time for four (4) years in a nurse faculty position immediately following graduation. Faculty positions may be in any state and at any accredited program (ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP, or PhD).
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What expenses does the NFLP cover?
NFLP covers the cost of tuition, books, fees, lab expenses, and other reasonable educational expenses. Awards may be renewable for a maximum of five (5) years, but this is contingent upon ongoing federal funding and therefore subject to change. The NFLP loan may not exceed $35,500 per student for any academic year (including summer).
Funding cannot be approved for the following:
- General living expenses (room, board, personal expenses)
- Family health insurance
- Student transportation costs
- Expenses specifically covered by another source of funding. For example, if a student is a PA/RA/TA and gets a university tuition award, they cannot claim university tuition as cost under NFLP
- Other restrictions may apply
Who is eligible to apply to the NFLP?
School of Nursing DNP or PhD students are eligible to apply if they are committed to assuming a full-time faculty role upon graduation. All applicants will complete a brief essay demonstrating their commitment to the nurse faculty role. NFLP loans will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis for an academic year until funds are expended. Priority will be given to full-time students and students who already have received NFLP support and those who do not have funding from other sources.
Specific eligibility requirements for new and continuing applicants are:
- Be a U.S. citizen or national of the U.S, or a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. and its territories
- Be enrolled as a student in good standing in an advanced nurse academic program (i.e., DNP or PhD)
- Be and remain in good academic standing while enrolled in the advanced nurse academic program
- Have no judgment liens entered against them based on the default on a Federal debt, 28 U.S.C. 3201(e)
- Maintain enrollment for a minimum of two (2) consecutive semesters (fall/spring or spring/summer) either full time or part time
- Students may request funding for all three semesters (fall, spring, summer) if enrollment is planned
- Students scheduled to graduate in December may apply for fall funding. If enrollment is for dissertation or N906 DNP Scholarly Project only, student must have prior participation in the NFLP to receive support during the dissertation/Scholarly Project phase.
How many students will be eligible for the NFLP?
Awards will cover as many qualified students as possible until funding is depleted. Funding and loan eligibility is contingent upon yearly funding granted by the Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resource and Services Administration.
What are the responsibilities of NFLP recipients?
Students who are approved to receive monies from the NFLP must:
- Sign a promissory note and a Statement of Rights and Responsibilities online.
- Complete the required Nurse Educator Certificate coursework as part of their degree program. This includes a total of three (3) courses / 9 credits. Student do not need to complete the courses prior to applying for NFLP funding, but they do need to map the plan for completion as part of the NFLP application. The Nurse Educator Certificate courses are:
- N785 Foundations of Curriculum Development and Evaluation in Nursing Education (offered during the spring term, in the month of January, 3 credits)
- N786 Foundations of Teaching and Learning (offered spring term, 3 credits)
- N787 Nurse Educator Practicum (offered fall term, 3 credits)
- Participate in School of Nursing faculty development offerings focused on teaching, such as the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Colloquia.
- Follow application procedures for each year continued funding is desired (as required by HHS). Funding is contingent upon ongoing federal funding.
Recipients are responsible for registering for coursework or fulfilling other teaching activities that may be required. The School of Nursing is not responsible if students neglect to complete required courses or maintain participation in teaching activities.
The university must stop disbursement if the borrower fails to meet the above requirements; withdraws from the institution; fails to meet the academic standards of the institution; or requests to terminate participation in the NFLP program.
How do students apply for NFLP funding?
1. Download and read the NFLP Agreement to Participate (Appendix A). Candidates should read this document very carefully as it outlines rights and responsibilities.
2. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
3. Submit the UW–Madison School of Nursing NFLP Application. The application priority date is June 1. Applications will be accepted through the August 31 deadline, however students will be considered for funding based upon the date of application.