Nursing Education Scholarship Program Overview

The Nursing Education Scholarship Program (NESP) provides scholarship assistance to those who are pursuing a certificate in practical nursing, an associates degree in nursing, a hospital-based diploma in nursing or a bachelor’s or graduate degree in nursing, and demonstrate the greatest financial need among qualified students. The program was designed to increase the number of nurses available for employment in Illinois by offering scholarships to overcome financial barriers to education. The scholarship pays for coursework within the nursing curriculum, but does not pay for pre-requisite coursework.

The number of years a recipient may receive funding from this program is based on the certificate, diploma, or degree being pursued.

Full-time students may receive a stipend (part-time students are not eligible for a stipend).

Scholarship recipients must sign an agreement promising to begin full- or part-time employment as a licensed practical nurse, a registered nurse, or a nurse educator in Illinois within six months of graduating, and remain employed for a period equivalent to the educational time supported by the scholarship. If the recipient terminates studies, or fails to become employed, they will be required to repay the full scholarship amount, plus 7% interest per year. Further details are provided in the Students & Parents – After College area of this website, and may be accessed via the "Program Requirements" link that appears in the right-margin menu of this page.