Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)

The Nurse Faculty Loan Program, also known as NFLP, is a federal loan program administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration, or HRSA, to help address the national shortage of nursing faculty.

NFLP supports eligible graduate nursing students who are preparing for careers as nurse educators. Students who meet the program’s teaching service requirements after graduation may qualify for significant loan cancellation.

The Nurse Faculty Loan Program helps strengthen the nursing education workforce at a time when schools of nursing face a nationwide shortage of qualified faculty.

By supporting doctorally prepared nurse educators, NFLP helps expand the capacity to train future nurses, strengthen diverse academic leadership, and advance health equity through education.

To apply for NFLP:

1. Complete and submit the NFLP application by the stated deadline.
2. Review the NFLP guidelines document before applying.
3. Complete the FAFSA, which is required as part of the federal approval process.
4. Submit the NFLP application to the Office of Financial Aid.
5. Complete any additional forms required by the financial aid office.

Financial need is not used as a selection criterion, but FAFSA completion is required for federal processing.

NFLP supports CDU’s commitment to health equity, social justice, workforce development, and service to underserved communities.

The program helps prepare nurse educators and academic leaders who reflect the communities they serve and are committed to training the next generation of nurses.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be enrolled in the Doctor of Nursing Practice, or DNP, program
• Be committed to a nurse faculty or nurse educator role
• Be in good academic standing
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Not be in default on any prior student loans

Within the established eligibility criteria, priority consideration may be given to:

• Current CDU faculty members pursuing the DNP at MMDCON with the intention of remaining at MMDCON after degree completion
• Newly admitted or currently enrolled DNP students at MMDCON who intend to become faculty members at an accredited school of nursing after graduation
• CDU employees pursuing the DNP at MMDCON with the intention of becoming faculty members at an accredited school of nursing after completing the program
• Full-time DNP students
• Students without full external funding

NFLP may support eligible educational expenses, including:

• Tuition
• Books
• Academic fees
• Other reasonable education-related expenses

The program is designed to help reduce financial barriers for students preparing for nurse faculty roles.

Eligible students may receive up to $35,500 per academic year, depending on funding availability and institutional approval.

Award amounts may vary by student and academic period. Funds are applied as a loan and distributed across academic terms.

NFLP awards may be renewable for up to five years, based on continued eligibility and the availability of federal funding.

Because NFLP is federally funded, award amounts and availability are subject to change.

Graduates who become full-time nurse faculty or preceptor roles may qualify for loan cancellation.

NFLP may cancel up to 85% of the total loan for recipients who meet the required service obligation. Forgiveness is applied over four years of eligible full-time employment.

Employment must begin within 12 months of graduation. Borrowers who do not meet the faculty service requirements must repay the loan at the standard interest rate.

Postdoctoral nursing programs, including fellowships, are not eligible for NFLP funding.

Graduates entering postdoctoral training may request a deferment of loan repayment.

The application deadline is May 15, 2026.

Students should submit all required materials by the deadline to be considered for funding.

Students who are awarded NFLP funding must complete additional forms through the financial aid office before funds can be disbursed.

Funds will not be released until all required documentation has been completed and approved.

The NFLP application is available through HRSA as a fillable PDF. In some cases, students may need to download the PDF, save it to their computer, and reopen it before completing the form.

Students may also contact the financial aid office for assistance with the application process.

Submit a NFLP Application

NFLP funding is awarded based on availability each year.

This page will be updated as new funding information becomes available.