Our Financial Aid team provides resources and personal guidance to students considering nursing school and to those already managing financial aid.
Applying for Financial Aid
Whether you’re a first-time applicant or a returning student, the financial aid process begins with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Follow these steps to start your financial aid process:
- Step 1: Submit the FAFSA. Complete the FAFSA online. This is the primary form used to evaluate your eligibility for all types of financial aid. It must be filed by students who live with their parents (dependents) and those who are not (independent students).
- Step 2: Enter the school code. Use the Research College of Nursing Title IV Code: 006392.
- Step 3: Apply. To receive an official financial aid award package, you must first be accepted to RCoN. Not a student yet? Apply today!
Financial aid awards are for one academic year. All students must reapply annually. Aid packages may change based upon variations in federal funding or your personal circumstances.
Types of Financial Aid
Research College of Nursing offers several options to make your education affordable. Depending on your previous degree status and financial need, you may qualify for a combination of options.
- Federal Pell Grant: Awarded by the U.S. Department of Education to undergraduate students with high financial need.
- Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Campus-based grants for students who demonstrate exceptional financial need.
- The Research Foundation Scholarships: Targeted assistance for traditional, transfer, and accelerated BSN students. Actively enrolled students may also access the Nursing Student Emergency Fund. To learn more, visit The Research Foundation’s Scholarships page.
- HCA Midwest Health Work Loan Forgiveness: A unique program for RCoN BSN students that provides 75% tuition coverage in exchange for a two-year commitment to work as an RN at an HCA Midwest Health facility.
- Federal Stafford Loans: Low-interest loans available in two types: Subsidized (interest does not add up while you’re in school) and Unsubsidized (interest begins immediately)
- Federal Parent PLUS Loans: Loans available to parents of dependent students without a prior degree to help cover the remaining cost of attendance.
- Federal Nursing Loans: Specific loan funding available for students pursuing a nursing degree.
Tuition Forgiveness
“The tuition forgiveness is incredible and life changing, and the foundation support as well. My mom was like — you’re going to RCoN.”
— Owen Phillips TBSN ’27
Tuition and Cost of Attendance
To help you plan your investment, RCoN provides transparent access to our current tuition rates and fee structures. Your total cost of attendance is determined by your specific program and enrollment status.
For a breakdown of costs, applications, and scholarship details, view the RCoN College Catalog and Student Handbook.
Enrollment Requirements for Financial Aid
The number of credit hours you take directly impacts your eligibility for funding. RCoN courses vary from two to six credits each.
| Enrollment Status | Credit Hours | Aid Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 12+ | Eligible for RCoN, federal, and outside aid. |
| Half-time | 6-11 | Eligible for federal aid. |
| Less than half-time | Fewer than 6 credits | Generally not eligible for federal (Title IV) aid. |
Maintaining Your Aid Eligibility
To continue getting federal and institutional aid, you must meet specific academic standards known as Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). These standards are reviewed at the end of every semester in the fall, spring, and summer.
Three Standards of SAP
To remain in good standing, you must meet all three of the following requirements:
- Cumulative GPA: You must maintain a minimum RCoN GPA of at least 2.0
- Pace of Completion: You must successfully complete at least 67% of all the credit hours you attempt.
- Maximum Timeframe: You must complete your degree within 150% of the published program length. For example, a 128-credit program must be completed within 192 attempted hours.
Attempted credit hours include all successfully completed courses, transfer credits, failed courses, withdrawals, and courses dropped after the add/drop period.
Warnings, Ineligibility, and Appeals
If you don’t meet the SAP standards, RCoN provides a structured process to help you become eligible for aid again.
If the student does not successfully complete 67% of attempted credit hours or has not met the 2.0 cumulative GPA requirement, the student shall be placed on academic progress warning. Students remain eligible to receive aid during the warning period, and their record will be reviewed for compliance again following their next payment period. Students will have one payment period to achieve a 2.0 cumulative GPA and to have completed 67% of attempted credit hours.
Your financial aid will be terminated if:
- You fail to meet SAP standards by the end of the warning period.
- It becomes mathematically impossible for you to complete your degree within the 150% timeframe.
If you lose eligibility due to mitigating circumstances (such as illness or a family emergency) you may submit a written appeal.
- Deadline: Appeals must be submitted within 30 days of your ineligibility notification.
- Submission: Send your written appeal to the Director of Financial Aid.
- Probation: If approved, you will be placed on Financial Aid Probation. You will remain eligible for aid as long as you meet the requirements of your specific probationary academic plan.
Disclosures and Contact Information
The RCoN Office of Financial Aid is here to ensure all students have full transparency regarding your student accounts and rights as a borrower. The college maintains all individual financial aid records in accordance with applicable federal laws.
Required Loan Counseling
As required by federal regulations, all students receiving loans must complete an:
- Entrance interview: Completed before your first disbursement to make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities.
- Exit interview: Completed before graduation or if you drop below half-time enrollment to review your repayment terms and monthly obligations.
Important Notices and Disclosures
- Right to Cancel: Learn about your right to cancel all or a portion of a Federal Stafford or PLUS loan.
- Complaints: Access the State Authorization and Complaint Process for information about filing a formal grievance.
If you have questions about your specific financial aid package or would like to schedule an appointment, please reach out to our team. We’re here to help.
