How to Secure Merit and Need-Based Scholarships at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing

Securing merit and need-based scholarships at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing (Penn Nursing) can significantly alleviate the financial burden of pursuing a nursing degree. With a range of scholarships available for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, understanding the application process and eligibility criteria is essential.

🎓 Merit-Based Scholarships at Penn Nursing

Penn Nursing offers several merit-based scholarships that recognize academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to underserved communities.

1. Endowed Nursing Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded based on the strength of your admissions application. Full-time students are automatically considered during the admissions review process, with no separate application required. Part-time students may be eligible for other scholarships, such as the Academic Practice Partnership Scholarship (PNAPP) .(Welcome to Penn Nursing)

2. Amy Gutmann Leadership Scholars

This prestigious scholarship supports students who demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and a commitment to community service. It aims to cultivate future nursing leaders who will drive positive change in healthcare .

3. Leonard A. Lauder Community Care Nurse Practitioner Program

Designed for students committed to serving underserved communities, this program provides financial support to nurse practitioner students who pledge to work in areas with limited access to healthcare .

4. Conway Scholars Program

Funded by the Bedford Falls Foundation, this program awards scholarships to high-merit students with financial need, aiming to support the next generation of nursing professionals .(Almanac | University of Pennsylvania)

💰 Need-Based Financial Aid

For students demonstrating financial need, Penn Nursing offers various forms of assistance to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder educational pursuits.

1. Federal and Institutional Aid

To be considered for need-based aid, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using Penn’s Federal School Code: 003378. This application determines eligibility for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs .

2. Academic Practice Partnership Scholarship (PNAPP)

Available to employees of Penn Nursing’s Academic Practice Partners, this scholarship offers a 25% discount per course unit (CU) for MSN, DNP, or MSNS programs. Eligibility requires employment with a partner institution, enrollment in a qualifying program, and maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher .

🌍 Scholarships for International Students

International students are eligible for institutional need-based financial aid but must apply at the same time as their admission application. Penn practices need-aware admissions for international applicants, and those not admitted with financial aid are not eligible to apply for aid in subsequent years .

📋 Application Checklist

To maximize your chances of securing scholarships and financial aid at Penn Nursing, follow this comprehensive checklist:

1. Complete the FAFSA: Submit the FAFSA online, ensuring you include Penn’s Federal School Code: 003378.
2. Submit the Financial Aid Planned Enrollment Form: This form will be available in mid-May 2025 and is required for financial aid consideration .
3. Maintain Academic Excellence: Strong academic performance enhances eligibility for merit-based scholarships.
4. Demonstrate Leadership and Community Involvement: Engagement in extracurricular activities and community service can strengthen your scholarship applications.
5. Apply Early: Adhere to all application deadlines to ensure full consideration for available scholarships and aid.

📚 Additional Resources

• Penn Nursing Financial Aid Office: For personalized assistance and information on scholarships, visit the Penn Nursing Financial Aid page.
• Student Nurses at Penn (SNAP): Explore additional scholarship opportunities through SNAP, which offers awards ranging from $250 to $10,000 .
• Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania: For scholarships supporting Pennsylvania residents pursuing nursing degrees, visit the NFP Scholarship Program.

By thoroughly understanding the types of scholarships available and diligently preparing your applications, you can enhance your chances of securing financial support for your nursing education at the University of Pennsylvania. Remember to utilize all available resources and seek guidance from the financial aid office to navigate the process successfully.