Financial Awards & Aid

Our dean is committed to supporting doctoral student education and works with the PhD program to identify mechanisms and sources of financial support for students.

 

Applicants are encouraged to submit completed applications by December 1 to have the greatest opportunity for financial aid awards. Completed applications received by December 1 will be considered for all financial awards including:

 

  • Graduate School Honor Fellowships
    These highly competitive awards are in addition to a fellowship or tuition scholarship and are for a period of five years:
    • Harold Stirling Vanderbilt Graduate Scholarships: $6,000
    • University Graduate Fellowships: $10,000
  •  Vanderbilt School of Nursing Awards
    • VUSN Service-Free Tuition Scholarship valued at half the tuition and renewable for one year based on progress toward achieving program requirements
    • Centennial Ph.D. Fellowships are highly competitive and prestigious nursing research awards available for first year students determined on the basis of academic merit and potential for scholarship
    • Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) of the Department of Health and Human Services provides financial support to full or part-time students who meet the qualifications of the loan. The NFLP provides financial support for tuition and other fees associated with advanced nursing degrees for individuals interested in pursuing a faculty role upon graduation. Loan recipients who complete the nursing education program may cancel up to 85 percent of the loan in exchange for four years of service as a full-time nurse faculty at any school of nursing in the United States. If you have questions about this program, contact: Kristie Smith, VUSN Student Financial Services Director, at (615) 322-8986 or by email kristie.l.smith@vanderbilt.edu.
    • VA National Quality Scholars Fellowship

 

Students wishing to be considered for any of the financial awards provided by the School of Nursing or the Graduate School must check ‘yes’ in the box next to the question, ‘do you wish to be considered for a financial award?’ on the application under ‘Plans for Graduate Study’.

In addition, our Graduate School offers other mechanisms of financial support such as Dissertation Enhancement Grants.

 

Students are encouraged to explore all avenues of financial support. Full-time students are encouraged to apply for pre-doctoral funding through various external agencies such as the NIH, specialty organizations and foundations. Additional support for dissertation work and educational expenses may be available from other foundations and through educational loan programs.


Students who need more financial aid may apply for loans through the Federal Direct Loan Program. In order to be considered for Federal Loan programs, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Vanderbilt Nursing Graduate/Professional Financial Aid and Scholarship Application (First Year or 2nd Year/Returning). Questions about financial aid should be directed to:
Kristie Smith, Director of Student Financial Services, Vanderbilt School of Nursing at 615-322-8986

 

Additional Websites for Financial Assistance


Contact your own specialty professional nursing association(s) for other funding opportunities.