Financial Aid Tips

Tips by Aid Type

Various types of financial aid are available to help pay tuition as well as some assistance with living expenses. There are resources beyond the federal and state student aid programs.

• Scholarships and Grants are considered gift aid. Funds do not have to be repaid. The Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing recognizes the need and has been successful in gaining financial support from various philanthropic foundations to support our programs. As a result, Case Western Reserve and the School of Nursing offer a limited number of grants and scholarships to our nursing students, as well as both merit and need-based scholarships.
• Teaching and Research Assistant (TA/RA) Positions are available to graduate students with relevant training and experience. Graduate students may work to earn tuition support and along with a small monthly stipend. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain exposure to academia and academic related careers.
• Federal, State, and Private Loans are available. Loans must be repaid. Case Western Reserve will consider you for the federal loan programs like Perkins, Nursing, and Stafford, if you complete the FAFSA. Private loans are available to assist with tuition and other educationally related expenses.
• The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) offer programs to address the national shortage of nurses. Visit bhpr.hrsa.gov/nursing/ or call 1.877.464.4772 for more information.
• The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) offers scholarships to full-time graduate nursing students interested in Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Midwifery programs. NHSC also offers an opportunity to pay off student loan debt for service in under-served health care facilities.
• Military Service offer ways to earn money for education and training as well as a means to pay off student loan debt. ROTC Programs also offer opportunities for scholarships. More information is available at www.military.com.
• Many hospitals offer Tuition Assistance to undergraduate nursing students and graduate level students completing coursework to become registered nurses (RN).
• Check with your State Department of Health or Rural Health Programs for loans available to health care professionals.
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities may offer tuition reimbursement to their employees. Oftentimes the employer will pay a portion of tuition. Check with your employer regarding this benefit.
• Local Organizations, Student Nursing Organizations, Professional Groups and Clubs are great resources for finding money to help pay for your education.

Funding from the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing

• The FPB School of Nursing offers a limited number of grants and/or scholarships to graduate students based on merit or financial need.
• Full-time MSN students specializing in gerontology are considered for grant support. No additional application is required.
• Undergraduates that are not offered university scholarships will be considered for a generous Bolton Scholarship regardless of financial need.
• CRNA Tuition Assistance on average is about 20 percent of tuition. All enrolled in the program receive support. No FAFSA or additional application is required.
• TAs and RAs may work 10 to 20 hours a week to earn 4.5 to 9 credit hours of tuition support, and possibly receive a monthly stipend. Graduate students that have been offered admission may submit their resume to Maureen Kendel

Getting Started

All students are encouraged to apply for financial aid. The majority of students are eligible for some type of financial assistance to cover tuition, and other estimated educational costs.

In order to receive federal student aid, you must:

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
2. Be enrolled at least half-time (5 credit hours for graduate students).
3. Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
4. Complete the Financial Aid Application. This form is available online after we have received your FAFSA information.
5. Submit all supporting documents as requested, i.e., tax forms, etc.

General Tips

• Suggested deadlines for completing your FAFSA:
  • Fall – April 1
  • Spring – November 1
  • Summer – April 1
• Start looking for scholarship opportunities at least 12 to 18 months before your hope to begin your program.
• Your aid package will be comprised of several different sources. Anticipate additional paperwork for each loan you accept and receive.
• Private or alternative student loans usually require satisfactory credit, residence and employment history of at least two years.
• Think about a relative or friend that is creditworthy and willing to help you with financing your education. Private loans may require a co-borrower.
• You may call or email the FPB School of Nursing Financial Aid Director, Dedra Hanna Adams, at 216.368.0517 or email her at fpbfinaid@case.edu to discuss or ask questions based on your individual case.