Nurse Faculty Loan Program

WHAT IS THE NURSE FACULTY LOAN PROGRAM (NFLP)?

The NFLP is a federal program designed to increase the number of graduate nursing students who pursue careers as full-time faculty teaching in schools of nursing following graduation. Full-time or part-time graduate students who plan careers as nurse faculty are eligible to apply and may be eligible for up to 5 years of financial support (contingent upon ongoing federal funding, subject to change).

Up to 85% of the total loan amount will be forgiven if the graduate works full-time for 4 years in a nurse faculty position within 12 months following graduation. Faculty positions may be in any state and at any accredited nursing program (ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP, or PhD). PhD students who are considering postdoctoral fellowships after graduation are still eligible to apply for the NFLP, but they must commit to careers as nurse faculty following the postdoctoral experiences.

WHAT EXPENSES DOES THE NFLP COVER?

NFLP funds cover the cost of tuition, books, fees, lab expenses, and other reasonable educational expenses. Awards may be renewable for a maximum of five years, but this is contingent upon ongoing federal funding. The NFLP loan may not exceed $35,500 per student for any academic period. The NFLP student borrower must complete the specified education component(s) for the advanced nursing degree program prior to graduating from the program.

Funding cannot be approved for the following:

• General living expenses (room, board, personal expenses)
• Family health insurance
• Student transportation costs
• Expenses specifically covered by another source of funding
  • For example, if you are a RA/TA and get a University tuition award, then you cannot claim University tuition as cost under NFLP. If in doubt, please submit the request for funding and we will help sort out whether it is an eligible request.
• Other restrictions may apply

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY TO THE NFLP?

School of Nursing students are eligible to apply if they are committed to assuming a full-time faculty role upon graduation. NLFP loans should be made on a first-come-first-serve basis for an academic year until funds are expended.

Priority will be given to full-time students, students who have received NFLP support in a prior academic year within the graduate program, and students who do not have funding from other sources. NFLP funds are limited.

Eligibility requirements for new and continuing applicants (PhD or DNP):

• Be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national of the U.S, or a lawful permanent resident to the United States
• Be enrolled as a student in good standing in an advanced nursing program at the School of Nursing (PhD or DNP) or post-master’s nursing certificate program
• Remain in good academic standing while enrolled in the advanced nursing academic program
• Have no judgment liens based on the default on federal debt, 28 U.S.C. 3201(e)

WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF NFLP RECIPIENTS?

If you are approved to receive monies from the NFLP, you must:

• Sign a promissory note and a Statement of Rights and Responsibilities online
• NFLP recipients are required to:
  • complete all educational components for their PhD or DNP program
  • register for coursework or fulfilling other teaching activities that may be required
  • complete three nursing education courses (9 credit hours), in addition to the curriculum required by their PhD or DNP program
    • Please see the Graduate Certificate | UNC School of Nursing website for more information about the NE courses.
    • As of 2016-17, NFLP-eligible doctoral students who have completed NE coursework as part of a prior graduate degree or certification program that meets the course objectives of the NFLP NE courses must submit documentation of that program, and they are encouraged to complete at least two additional education courses (e.g., 6 credit hours) and/or participate in at least one or more mentored teaching experiences (total 3 credit hours) (e.g., Teaching Practicum, Teaching Fellow or Teaching Assistant).
    • Students who desire to take advanced education courses may enroll in those offered at the SON, the UNC-Chapel School of Education, or under the University Interinstitutional Program.
• NFLP students are encouraged to participate in SON faculty development offerings focused on teaching; participate in programming focused on the faculty role or teaching methods/strategies sponsored by the University Center for Faculty Excellence; or serve as a Teaching Fellow or Teaching Assistant.
• Recipients are responsible for registering for coursework or fulfilling other teaching activities that may be required.
• The SON is not responsible if the student neglects to complete required courses or does not maintain participation in teaching activities.
• The student should follow application procedures for each year subsequent funding is desired (as required by HHS). Funding is contingent upon ongoing federal funding.

The University must stop disbursement if the borrower fails to meet the above requirements, withdraws from the institution, fails to meet the academic standards of the institution, or requests to terminate participation in the NFLP program.

HOW MANY STUDENTS WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE NFLP?

Awards will cover as many qualified students as possible until funding is depleted.

NFLP FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS

• NFLP Request for Partial Cancellation
• NFLP Employment Certification
• NFLP Request for Postponement of Installment Payment
• NFLP Forbearance Request