Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) Loan Forgiveness and Eligibility for DNP Students
The Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) is a federally funded program that supports Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students preparing for faculty roles. The program provides low-interest loans and up to 85% loan forgiveness for graduates who teach in accredited schools of nursing.
At a Glance
- Up to $35,000 per academic year
- Up to 85% loan forgiveness
- Designed for Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students
- Funded by HRSA
- Deadline May 15, 2026.
Quick Links
NFLP Requirements, Funding, and Application FAQs
• Deadline May 15, 2026.
• Please read the NFLP CDU_MMDCON_NFLP.docx Important Overview and Guidelines document first.
• Complete your FAFSA. (Need is not a criterion but is part of the federal approval process for this loan program.)
• Submit the NFLP application form to @Financial Aid and include as the subject line: NFLP Application.
The NFLP, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), is designed to address the national shortage of nursing faculty.
Participating schools of nursing distribute low-interest loans to eligible students enrolled in graduate nursing programs with a nurse educator focus.
- Preparation of doctorally trained nurse educators
- Career pathways into nursing faculty and preceptor roles
- Workforce development that addresses health disparities through education
- Up to $35,000 per academic year
- Maximum of three years of funding
- Funds are applied as a tuition and fee offset, distributed across academic terms
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Enrolled in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program
- Committed to a nurse faculty or educator role
- In good academic standing
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Not in default on any prior student loans
Priority consideration is given to:
- Full-time DNP students
- Students without full external funding
Graduates who secure full-time faculty or preceptor roles may qualify for loan cancellation:
- Up to 85% of the total loan can be forgiven
- Forgiveness is applied over four years of eligible full-time employment
- Employment must begin within nine months of graduation
Borrowers who do not meet faculty service requirements must repay the loan at the standard interest rate.
- Postdoctoral nursing programs, including fellowships
Graduates entering postdoctoral training may request a deferment of loan repayment.
- Application deadline: May 15, 2026
- Review the NFLP guidelines document before applying
- Complete the FAFSA, required for federal processing
- Submit the NFLP application to Financial Aid
- Use subject line: NFLP Application
- Funding is awarded based on availability each year
- This page will be updated as new funding becomes available
Questions? Contact Us.
