Where is there money for faculty to return to school?

I am in your same boat....so I would also appreciate any answers to this question as well!

Several nursing organizations offer grants. I think you are still lucky to work in a place that still offers tuition reimbursement for full-time. That is also going away at a lot of places. Best of luck to you!

Once you are accepted to a graduate program, the financial aid office of the school can typically offer you a lot of info about scholarship/grant opportunities.

For a start, you could look into whether your state offers any state-funded scholarship/loan programs for nursing -- many do. My state offers three different student loan programs for people to attend basic or graduate programs in nursing. I got money through a state scholarship program to attend graduate school and was able to "work off" the debt simply by working in my state after I graduated, rather than having to pay back the loan. V. nice deal!

Best wishes --

Been there, done that. I totally agree with you. Why, when you need a master's, at least, to teach, is it so tough, and expensive to get? My state has no nursing education master's degrees programs, so I was forced to go out of state. And of course my college will only pay for courses taken in state. I went to Nebraska Methodist College, great institution, and found that they have a program that will pay for 85% of your tuition if you are planning on teaching after your degree. I believe that this applies to full-time and part-time students. I don't think this is just in Nebraska, but that other states have it also. Good luck.

Here is info from the AACN

"In AACN’s efforts to keep you apprised of the appropriations process and funding for federal programs of interest, we are pleased to provide you with this preliminary report of the House Appropriations Committee’s work to finalize the FY 2010 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies bill. The mark-up of this bill is still underway and is expect to continue this evening, but we do not expect these numbers to change.

Reports suggest that the House Appropriations Committee will support the President’s FY 2010 budget by providing $263.40 million for Title VIII.This funding level, which provides a 54% increase over FY 2009, demonstrates a strong commitment to building a robust nursing workforce. The Nurse Loan Repayment and Scholarship programs and the Nurse Faculty Loan program were the only Title VIII authorities to receive a portion of the $92.37 million funding increase. (See the chart below for a complete listing of the Title VIII program funding levels)

The Committee will also provide $146.95 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research. This is a $5.07 million increase over FY 2009 and $3.2 million more than the President’s FY 2010 budget.
AACN will continue to keep you informed as the appropriation process continues in the House and the Senate.

Program Name	FY 2010 House Appropriations	Change over FY 2009
Advanced Education Nursing Grants	$64.43 million	Level Funding
Nursing Workforce Diversity Grants	$16.10 million	Level Funding
Nurse Education, Practice, and Retention Grants	$37.29 million	Level Funding
Nurse Scholarship and Loan Repayment Programs	$125 million	+ $87.87 million
Nurse Faculty Loan Program	$16 million	+ $4.50 million
Comprehensive Geriatric Education Grants	$4.56 million	Level Funding
National Institute of Nursing Research	$146.95 million	+ $5.07 million"

I'm looking into programs that are GAANN funded, since doctoral nursing education has now been identified as an area of national need. This may also apply for a Master's program, not sure. Do a Google search for this. Also, check with a university you are interested in, to see what they offer, and/or ask if they participate in the GAANN grant funding for their program.

Hope this helps,
Sunflower3

Tuition reimbursement is on "hold" at my institution. Paying out of my pocket-3 more classes and then I'll feel RICH!

I don't go to a state school(online program) so I am unable to apply for state funding-only applies if you go to an in-state school

otessa

Thank you all for the advice in this thread. I'm a bit frustrated as I am in limbo---have applied to a BSN to PhD program but will do a Master's if necessary. I already have some financial aid in place through the new GI Bill; my husband, who is National Guard, transferred his educational benefits to me but unfortunately they only cover part of the cost. But I am waiting, waiting, waiting to see if I'm accepted into the PhD program or if I have to jump through the MSN hoop first. I did finish much of a MSN but moved way out of that area---no online classes---so I might have to start over from scratch if I go the MSN route. If so I will likely do it at the school to which I am applying for the PhD---the initial classes would be the same if I did the BSN to PhD route anyway.

I was told by the SON that they'll have more information for me after I am accepted. I do need to fill out FAFSA but haven't been too proactive on that since I won't know until mid-November if I get in to the program I want.

Waiting is the PITS!!!!!