Discover Top Online RN to BSN Bridge Programs with Financial Aid

Program Profiles: RN to BSN Programs with Financial Aid

Accredited RN to BSN programs, including online and/or hybrid programs, typically accept financial aid. That means that if you’re awarded federal or state financial support for your studies, your school will permit you to use it. Many schools also offer institutional aid, meaning that the school itself will provide need-based and/or merit-based financial support for RN to BSN students on a case-by-case basis. This aid can be a grant or scholarship, or entrance to a work-study program. Check out the profiles of RN to BSN programs with financial aid to get an idea of what you can expect.

Financial Aid Eligibility & Application Checklist

Securing financial aid for an RN to BSN program requires careful planning and attention to detail. To help maximize your chances of receiving the best possible financial aid package, follow these essential steps throughout the application process. From FAFSA completion to award letter review, here’s your comprehensive guide to navigating financial aid.

Complete the FAFSA Early

As nursing students, you probably understand the importance of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in securing financial assistance. By filling out your FAFSA promptly, you increase your chances of receiving early notifications for scholarships, which can help you better plan out your finances for nursing school.

Review Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

Every scholarship and grant for nursing students has specific eligibility criteria, application procedures, and requirements to maintain the financial aid after receiving it. Being aware of these criteria reduces the chances of missing out on funding from a careless mistake. By thoroughly examining each aid package, you can also find every financial opportunity available to you.

Check Deadlines and Apply Early

It’s always wise to apply early for scholarships and financial aid whenever possible. These deadlines may coincide with school requirements, and applying early avoids the stress of a last-minute scramble. Some funding operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so being an early applicant may increase your chances of receiving it.

Gather All Necessary Documents

Whether you plan to apply early or not, gathering all the necessary documents beforehand will streamline the process and help you avoid missing deadlines or leaving out a critical piece of paperwork. Requirements usually include letters of recommendation, transcripts, financial information, standardized test scores, and a statement-of-purpose essay. However, each application is different, so review easy carefully.

Receive Feedback on Supplemental Materials

Asking a mentor or teacher to review your essays and other written materials before submission can help you stand out from other financial aid applicants. This helps you present yourself in the best possible light by highlighting your experience and education, showing its relevance to your nursing goals, and illustrating why you’re the best candidate to receive aid.

Review Award Letters

Award letters are official documents stating that you’ve received a financial aid package. These letters explain the type and amount of aid and the conditions for maintaining eligibility. You’ll also find instructions on how to accept or decline. A thorough review of these letters ensures you understand the details and gives you the opportunity to compare multiple offers.

Common Funding Options for RN to BSN Students

When it comes to funding your RN to BSN education, multiple financial aid options are available to help make your degree more affordable. From federal assistance to institutional support, understanding these funding sources can help you create a comprehensive financial plan for your nursing education.

Federal Student Aid

One of the most common and most popular sources of funding is federal student aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines your eligibility for three types of federal financial aid: scholarships and grants, loans, and work-study programs. Completing the FAFSA can be a bit of a process, but EduMed’s ultimate FAFSA Checklist can walk you through the process with ease.

Institutional Aid

Institutional aid is any form of financial aid that comes from your school. In the case of many RN to BSN students, this can include both merit-based and need-based funding. Some institutional aid has an automatic application system through the application for your program or your FAFSA, but your school may also want separate applications for various institutional scholarships, grants, and/or work-study programs. Be sure to check the deadlines for any institutional aid applications you may be considering.

Payment Plans

While it’s ideal to keep your student loan burden as low as possible—or to avoid loans altogether— some students may need to take out loans for their RN to BSN program. In these cases, payment plans can help you pay back your loans more easily. These programs give you lower monthly payments and/or interest free options to reduce your monthly cost burden and/or keep your total student loan debt from getting too high through long-term interest.

Scholarships & Grants

Some of the most competitive forms of aid are grants and scholarships. These are funds you don’t have to pay back, making them highly desirable. Some grants and scholarships are awarded on financial need, some on academic merit, and some on a combination of the two. There are also scholarships for marginalized and/or underrepresented students, such as LGBTQ+ students and members of racial and ethnic minorities.

Examples:

Nurse Corps Scholarship Program

• Amount: Varies
• This government-funded scholarship covers the total cost of your studies, including tuition, fees, and a stipend for living expenses. Recipients must work at an eligible underserved facility upon graduating.

Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship

• Amount: $2,500
• This is a scholarship for nursing students funded by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Applicants should have already been accepted to an accredited nursing program and have a financial need.