Nursing Department

Financial Aid for Nursing Students

Students looking at a human anatomy model in class

Investing in the Future of Nursing

Saint Mary’s College of California is proud to support students in our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. We recognize the dedication, academic achievement, and commitment it takes to pursue nursing, and we offer specific scholarships and aid designed for nursing majors.
 

Merit Scholarships for Nursing Students

Every student admitted to the BSN program has demonstrated strong academic performance. To recognize this achievement, all nursing students will automatically receive a $10,000 Nursing Scholarship upon admission to the program.

Important Notes:

  • Nursing students are not eligible for standard undergraduate merit-based scholarships.
  • The $10,000 Nursing Scholarship is renewable each year a student remains enrolled in the BSN program and in good academic standing.
     

Need-Based Financial Aid

Nursing students may be eligible to receive federal and/or state need-based aid, including:

  • Federal Pell Grant
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
  • Cal Grant (for California residents)
  • Federal Direct Loans

In addition, nursing students with a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 15,000 or less (as determined by the FAFSA) will receive a $5,000 Saint Mary’s Grant from SMC.
 

Other Institutional Aid

Nursing students are typically not eligible for other institutional scholarships or grants, such as:

  • Departmental Scholarships for programs other than Nursing
  • Alumni Legacy Scholarship
  • Community College Pathways Grant
  • Community-Based Organization Partnership Awards
  • Other program-specific institutional aid outside of nursing
$10,000/year
Nursing Scholarship
$5,000/year
Saint Mary's Grant (SAI <15,000)
Up to $18,401/year
Federal/State Need-Based Grants

FAQ - Financial Aid for Nursing Students

No. Once you are enrolled in the Nursing program, your financial aid eligibility will follow the guidelines outlined on this page only, regardless of any previous aid awarded for your first degree at Saint Mary’s.

 

If you need additional assistance, you may submit a written appeal with supporting documentation to the Financial Aid Office. Please note that additional institutional funding through an appeal is extremely limited.

 

Yes, provided you remain enrolled full-time in the BSN program and maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Once you are admitted to the Nursing program and your FAFSA is received, the Financial Aid Office will send your offer letter as quickly as possible. 

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