Nursing Student Loans

NSL
CFDA 93.364 Active Direct Payment (Specified Use)

Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$6M FY2026
$6M
FY24
$6M
FY25
$6M
FY26*
* estimated

Funded Projects

Examples of what this program has supported.

FY2025 Fiscal Year 2024: In FY 2024, the Nursing Student Loan program awarded nearly $11 million to schools to disburse to eligible full- and half-time nursing students. A program-specific webinar was conducted with all grantees focused on marketing and updates on program-specific guidance.

Program Objective

To increase educational opportunities by providing long-term, low-interest loans to students in need of financial assistance and in pursuit of a course of study in an approved nursing program.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • Other

All accredited public and nonprofit private schools of nursing that prepare students for practice as registered or graduate nurses, and that do not discriminate against students because of race, color, origin, gender, or handicapping conditions, are eligible to apply for funds to be disbursed to qualified nursing students. Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments and Native American Organizations may apply if they are otherwise eligible.

Beneficiaries

  • Specific Restrictions (Determined at NOFO Level)

The Nursing Student Loan Program provides financial assistance to nursing students who are citizens, nationals or lawful permanent residents of the United States or the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia.

How to Apply

Award Procedure

Notification of award is made in writing (electronic) through a Notice of Award. The Notice of Award is sent to the School's Contact Person notifying the school of the amount of federal funds allocated for loans prior to the beginning of the academic year in which the award is to be utilized. The student is notified by student aid office of approval or disapproval at times determined by schools.

Decision Timeline

  • Approval: From 120 to 180 days

Approximately 120 - 180 days after receipt of applications.

Program details & compliance

Description

To increase educational opportunities by providing long-term, low-interest loans to students in need of financial assistance and in pursuit of a course of study in an approved nursing program.

Mission Categories

Primary: Nursing Education

Other categories:
Health Education

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

The maximum amount a student may borrow is $5,936 for an academic year for each of the first two years, $9,338 for each of the final two years of a baccalaureate or graduate degree program, or the amount of the student's financial need, whichever is less. The total of all Nursing Student Loans to any student is limited to$29,227. Loans will be made to full and half-time nursing students enrolled after June 30, 2026 who are citizens, nationals, lawful permanent residents of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia. Funds are made to schools of nursing to capitalize loans.

Required Documentation

New applications for this program can be acquired from the Division of Health Careers and Financial Support by calling 1-877-464-4772 . The annual operating reports serve as the new year application for current NSL recipient institutions. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.

New applications for this program can be acquired from the Division of Health Careers and Financial Support by calling 1-877-464-4772. The annual operating reports serve as the new year application for current NSL recipient institutions. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.

Matching Requirements

Requirement for all Revolving Loan programs as outlined in Title 42 CFR 57.302: 11%. Under the Federal Capital Contribution method, schools participating in loan programs must match the federal contribution with an amount not less than one-ninth of the funds drawn down.

Reporting & Compliance

Audit Required
Yes — Determined at Time of Award
Records Retention
3 years

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

  • Subpart B — General Provisions
  • Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart E — Cost Principles
  • Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Contacts

Tejasvi Koka
(301) 443-1173
Division of Health Careers and Financial Support Bureau of Health Workforce, Rockville, MD 20857
Tinika Mayo
(301) 443-4306
Division of Health Careers and Financial Support Bureau of Health Workforce, Rockville, MD 20857
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2026-01-08. Spec v2.0. Last synced: 2026-05-30 02:37:38.