Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)
Can you apply?
This grant is for nurse faculty members who commit to teaching at eligible nursing schools and institutions. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in or having completed an advanced nursing degree (Master's or Doctoral level) with a focus on nursing education and instruction. Eligible schools include accredited schools of nursing, nursing departments within academic institutions, and nursing education programs affiliated with hospitals. The program supports faculty roles in teaching clinical practice, didactic instruction, and curriculum development at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Geographic scope includes nursing schools throughout the United States. Borrowers must agree to a commitment period of service as nursing faculty to receive loan repayment benefits.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
Key dates
- Mar 9, 2026 Applications open
- Jun 22, 2026 Application deadline in 21 days
- Jun 30, 2026 Award announced
- Jul 1, 2026 Project start
This grant is for nurse faculty members who commit to teaching at eligible nursing schools and institutions. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in or having completed an advanced nursing degree (Master's or Doctoral level) with a focus on nursing education and instruction. Eligible schools include accredited schools of nursing, nursing departments within academic institutions, and nursing education programs affiliated with hospitals. The program supports faculty roles in teaching clinical practice, didactic instruction, and curriculum development at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Geographic scope includes nursing schools throughout the United States. Borrowers must agree to a commitment period of service as nursing faculty to receive loan repayment benefits.
Program description
The NFLP seeks to increase the number of qualified nursing faculty nationwide by providing:
- Low-interest loans for students studying to be nurse faculty.
- Loan cancelation for graduates who go on to work as faculty.
NFLP graduates can have up to 85 percent of their student loan and interest canceled if they work full-time as nurse faculty for up to four years. This includes Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who work full-time as preceptors in academic-practice partnerships.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- Colleges (all higher ed)
- County Government
- Hospital
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public University
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Details
This grant is for nurse faculty members who commit to teaching at eligible nursing schools and institutions. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in or having completed an advanced nursing degree (Master's or Doctoral level) with a focus on nursing education and instruction. Eligible schools include accredited schools of nursing, nursing departments within academic institutions, and nursing education programs affiliated with hospitals. The program supports faculty roles in teaching clinical practice, didactic instruction, and curriculum development at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Geographic scope includes nursing schools throughout the United States. Borrowers must agree to a commitment period of service as nursing faculty to receive loan repayment benefits.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Completed application form (HHS form or HRSA standard application)
- Signed commitment agreement or letter of intent for nursing faculty service
- Institutional verification letter from nursing school/program confirming employment or offer of employment
- Documentation of eligible educational loans (loan statements, promissory notes, proof of current balance)
- Curriculum vitae or resume demonstrating nursing education qualifications and experience
- Personal statement describing commitment to nursing education and workforce development
- Transcripts from advanced nursing degree program(s)
- Evidence of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status
Program contact
- 👤 Nawall Kertache
- 📧 NFLP@hrsa.gov
- 📞 877-464-4772
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.264 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$14,133,632
-
$8,392,899
-
$5,595,756
-
$5,479,678
-
$4,621,159
-
$4,194,154
-
$4,021,981
-
$3,715,810
-
$3,655,657
-
$3,159,453
Top States by Funding
- AL 7 awards $23.2M
- TN 3 awards $9.0M
- MD 1 awards $8.4M
- MA 6 awards $7.9M
- MI 4 awards $7.5M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.264). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $25,780,840 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for the Nurse Faculty Loan Program?
Advanced practice nurses and nurses with Master's or Doctoral degrees in nursing education who are employed or committed to employment as faculty at accredited nursing schools and programs are eligible. U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is typically required.
What types of schools and institutions qualify under this program?
Accredited schools of nursing, nursing departments within colleges and universities, nursing education programs in hospitals, and other eligible nursing education institutions recognized by accrediting bodies qualify for participation.
How does loan repayment work under NFLP?
The program provides federal loan repayment for qualifying educational loans in exchange for a commitment to serve as nursing faculty. Typically, repayment amounts increase with extended commitment periods.
Is this program competitive and how selective is the award process?
Yes, this program is typically competitive. Awards are made based on commitment to nursing education, institutional support, and loan repayment need. Strong institutional partnerships and demonstrated commitment to nursing workforce development strengthen applications.
What is the typical funding range and what can loans cover?
Loan repayment amounts vary, but the program typically covers federal and private educational loans related to nursing education. Specific funding amounts depend on commitment period and individual circumstances.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Secure strong institutional support and commitment letters from your employer school of nursing; programs prioritize applicants with institutional backing and clear faculty employment arrangements.
- Clearly document all eligible educational loans (federal and private) related to your nursing degree and education, including original loan amounts, current balances, and repayment history.
- Emphasize your commitment to nursing education and faculty development; demonstrate how your teaching will contribute to strengthening the nursing workforce and addressing faculty shortages.
- Highlight your qualifications and experience in nursing education, including teaching achievements, curriculum development, mentorship of students, and contributions to your institution's nursing programs.
- Address workforce development impact; explain how your continued service as nursing faculty will help address nursing shortages in your region or specialty area and improve nursing education outcomes.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Many applicants underestimate the importance of institutional partnership and employer support letters. Applications without clear evidence of committed employment and institutional participation in the program are significantly less competitive. Additionally, incomplete documentation of educational loans or failure to clearly establish the connection between loans and nursing education can result in ineligibility or reduced awards. Weak or vague commitments to nursing faculty service undermine applications; reviewers seek evidence of genuine long-term commitment to nursing education.
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