Nursing Education Scholarship (NES) Program

The Nursing Education Scholarship (NES) Program provides scholarship assistance to those who are pursuing a certificate in practical nursing, an associate degree in nursing, a hospital-based diploma in nursing, a bachelor’s or graduate degree in nursing, or a graduate degree in nursing to become a nurse educator, and demonstrate the greatest financial need among qualified students. The program was designed to increase the number of nurses available for employment in Illinois by offering scholarships to overcome financial barriers to education. An NES award will pay a portion of tuition and fee charges, plus – for full-time students only – a living allowance. The scholarship pays for coursework within the nursing curriculum, but does not pay for pre-requisite coursework.

To qualify for a Nursing Education Scholarship, an applicant must:
• Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen (FSA Handbook Volume 1, Chapter 2) or meet the “undocumented student” criteria of the RISE Act
• Be an Illinois resident for at least one year prior to the date of application
• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment to a nursing or nursing education program in Illinois that is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation or the Illinois Board of Higher Education
• Demonstrate financial need
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress, as determined by the college
• Establish satisfactory repayment arrangements if they are in default on any federal student loan
• Sign an Application/Work Agreement/Promissory Note promising to fulfill the employment commitment or repay funds received, plus interest