PhD in Nursing Science Program

Financial Awards

Completed applications are due January 1, 2022.

VUSN-Supported Tuition Scholarships

Our dean is committed to offering scholarship opportunities for top students.  We evaluate all admitted students for merit-based scholarships and financial aid.

VUSN Grant Support for PhD Scholarship and Dissertation Project

Competitive small grants are available for supporting activities related to the PhD students area of scholarship (e.g. attendance at boot camps, seminars) and to support dissertation research.

External Funding Opportunities

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) provides a Minority Nurse Faculty Scholars Program funded by the Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing’s Future. The program provides generous financial support, mentoring, and leadership development to graduate students from minority backgrounds who aspire to teach in our nation’s schools of nursing. For additional information, go to: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/students/scholarships/minority

Students are encouraged to explore all avenues of financial support. Full-time students are encouraged to apply for pre-doctoral funding through various external agencies such as the NIH, specialty organizations and foundations. Additional support for dissertation work and educational expenses may be available from other foundations and through educational loan programs.

Students who need more financial aid may apply for loans through the Federal Direct Loan Program. In order to be considered for Federal Loan programs, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Vanderbilt Nursing Graduate/Professional Financial Aid and Scholarship Application (First Year or 2nd Year/Returning). Questions about financial aid should be directed to: Kristie Smith, Director of Student Financial Services, and Vanderbilt School of Nursing at 615-322-8986 

Additional Websites for Financial Assistance

• AACN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing)
• ACS (American Cancer Society)
• ANA (American Nurses Association)
• Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc  (www.discovernursing.com/home)
• Department of Veterans Affairs
• NIH (National Institutes of Health)
• NINR (National Institute of Nursing Research)
• NLN (National League for Nursing)
• MCHB (Maternal Child and Health Bureau)
• STT (Sigma Theta Tau, International)
• TCN (Tennessee Center for Nursing)  See the Tennessee Graduate Nursing Loan Forgiveness Program

Contact your own specialty professional nursing association(s) for other funding opportunities.