What is Federal Student Aid (FSA)?
Federal Student Aid (FSA) is a program run by the U.S. Department of Education that provides financial assistance to students pursuing higher education. This aid can come in the form of grants, loans, and work-study programs. For nursing students, FSA can be a crucial resource to help manage the high costs of nursing education.
Types of Federal Student Aid Available for Nursing Students
There are several types of federal student aid available to nursing students:
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for federal student aid, nursing students must meet several eligibility requirements, including: Being a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
Having a valid Social Security number
Being enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an eligible degree or certificate program
Maintaining satisfactory academic progress
Not being in default on a federal student loan
Loan Forgiveness Programs for Nurses
Nurses have access to specific loan forgiveness programs that can alleviate the burden of student loans: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Nurses working in qualifying public service jobs may have their remaining loan balance forgiven after making 120 qualifying monthly payments.
Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program: This program repays up to 85% of unpaid nursing education debt for registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, and nurse faculty in exchange for working in a critical shortage facility or an eligible school of nursing.
Important Deadlines
It's crucial to be aware of important deadlines for federal student aid. The FAFSA opens on October 1st each year, and the deadline to submit it varies by state and institution. Missing these deadlines can result in reduced financial aid or missed opportunities for funding. Additional Resources
For more information on navigating federal student aid for nursing students, you can visit the official
Federal Student Aid website, consult your school's financial aid office, or seek guidance from professional nursing associations.
