Graduate Funding Opportunities
Current and Prospective graduate Nursing and Gerontology students interested in gaining teaching experience are encouraged to apply for a Teaching Assistant (TA) position within the College of Nursing. Most TA positions include a service (work) component of 10-20 hours per week and may be eligible for a separate tuition reduction benefit (Tuition Benefit Program - TBP) administered through the University of Utah's Graduate School.
TBP benefits provide eligible graduate students:
- Reduction in their tuition (reduction based on service component)
- Non-resident students qualify for resident tuition rates
TA assignments are determined twice a year and the application will be opened in March and June. TA selection is a competitive process. Students will need to be matriculated for the semesters they are a TA. Students who apply for a TA position and are not selected may still be eligible for a Graduate Assistant (GA) or Research Assistant (RA) position. Likewise, students who apply for a GA or RA position and are not selected may still be eligible for a TA position. Therefore, students who are interested in graduate tuition benefits through working as a TA or GA are encouraged to apply for both.
- We will open the application again in March 2026 for the 2026-2027 academic year.
For questions and inquiries regarding TA positions, contact Sally Matthews at sally.matthews@nurs.utah.edu
For questions and inquiries regarding tuition benefits associated with TA positions, contact Heather Clarkson at heather.clarkson@nurs.utah.edu
Nursing and Gerontology graduate students interested in gaining research experience are encouraged to submit an RA interest form. Most RA positions include a service component of 10-20 hours per week.
Research Assistant Application
For students wishing to be considered for future RA openings:
- Fill out the RA Interest Form. Note: only students who have been admitted OR current students may submit an RA interest form
- Upload your CV or resume with the interest form
Students whose qualifications are a match with the RA position will be contacted directly by a Research staff member.
For current students wishing to apply for advertised RA openings:
- Positions will be posted on Canvas (follow application directions per Canvas announcement instructions)
- Visit the University of Utah Student Employment Job Portal to view any recent position openings
We accept scholarship applications for all of our matriculated graduate programs, including:
- Masters of Science in Nursing
- Masters of Science in Gerontology
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- PhD program
Unfortunately, our post-graduate certificate programs are not eligible to receive scholarship funding.
A completed scholarship application includes:
- Submitted Application (submitted through the application system)
- Two (2) letters of recommendations (submitted through the application system)
Applications are reviewed between mid-February and Mid-March. Award decisions are made by the first week of April.
Please note, applicants to our programs will be submitting a funding application without knowing their admission status. Only students who are admitted will have their application file reviewed. Basing our scholarship deadline on admission notification dates would push back funding notifications to mid-summer.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) allows master’s, graduate certificate, and PhD students who are residents of the WICHE member states to enroll in ~450 high-quality programs at 61 participating institutions outside of their home state while paying discounted tuition. More information about the exact tuition rate can be found on the Graduate School’s website. If you have specific questions about enrollment in WRGP through the College of Nursing at the University of Utah, please contact Heather Clarkson at Heather.Clarkson@nurs.utah.edu.
University of Utah & College of Nursing Funding Opportunities
The University of Utah Graduate School lists various University-sponsored fellowships and scholarships on their website, as well as a direct link to the University Financial Aid Office. Check often for updates; applications for most awards are generally due early spring semester.
Since 1995, University Teaching Assistantships (UTA) have been available to departments on a competitive basis. The purpose of the University Teaching Assistantship program is to improve graduate education programs and training at the University of Utah in the service of undergraduate education through the creative use of graduate teaching assistants. Mentoring of graduate students to assist them in preparing for teaching careers is an integral part of the program.
The College of Nursing awards donor-named fellowships for graduate students on an annual basis – awards are disbursed for the fall and spring semesters only. Fellows may also qualify for the Graduate Tuition Benefit Program. Applications are due in January each year.
The College of Nursing awards various scholarships for graduate students on an annual basis – awards are disbursed for the fall and spring semesters only. Award recipients may also qualify for the Graduate Tuition Benefit Program. Applications are due in January each year.
Students receiving a graduate fellowship or scholarship and/or serving as a Research Assistant (RA), Teaching Assistant (TA), or Graduate Assistant (GA) may also qualify for the Graduate Tuition Benefit Program (TBP). This generous program available through the University of Utah Graduate School qualifies students for in-state tuition rates and offers a 50%, 75%, or 100% instate tuition reduction (excluding the College of Nursing differential fee or any other special course fees). RA/TAs may also qualify for subsidized health insurance. Eligible students must adhere to registration, financial support and service guidelines.
This fellowship program is available to current University of Utah College of Nursing faculty enrolled in a doctoral program at the CON. Benefits and fellowship availability are based on the current economy and donor funding. Faculty interested in this program should contact their division chair for more information.
Federally-Funded Opportunities
Direct PLUS loans can help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid. The U.S. Department of Education makes Direct PLUS Loans to eligible graduate or professional students through schools participating in the Direct Loan Program.
The overall goal of AHRQ grants for Health Services Research Dissertation Program is to help ensure that a diverse pool of highly trained health services researchers is available in adequate numbers and appropriate research areas to address the research mission and priorities of AHRQ.
An opportunity for graduate students to perform research within the NIH Intramural Research Program while enrolled in a doctoral program in the U.S. or abroad. Selected students work and study at the NIH.
In exchange for scholarships to cover tuition, fees, and education costs, recipients work in critical shortage facilities after graduation.
The purpose of this Kirschstein-NRSA training program is to enable institutions to recruit individuals selected by them for predoctoral and postdoctoral research training in specified shortage areas. The goal of this program is to prepare qualified predoctoral and/or postdoctoral trainees for careers that have a significant impact on the health-related research needs of the Nation.
The VA offers nursing predoctoral fellowships to assist in the education and research development of doctoral-level nurses for the VA and the nation.
Private Scholarships and Grants for Graduate Students and Post-Doctoral Nurses
A list of AACN financial aid resources, as well as other scholarship and financial aid resources for both graduate and undergraduate nursing students.
Postdoctoral Fellowships (PF) support new investigators in research training programs to position them for independent careers in cancer research. As part of their evaluation, peer reviewers consider how well the fellowship will broaden the applicant’s research training and experience.
Throughout our 50-year history, Native Forward has empowered over 22,000 students from over 500 Tribes in all 50 states by providing scholarship dollars and support for services for undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees.
Since 1955, more than 1,100 beginning and experienced nurse researchers have received over $6 million for research addressing important issues of practice of care and the profession. In keeping with both the terms of the fund endowments that we steward with great care, and the spirit of innovation, the American Nurses Foundation is taking the Nursing Research Grants program in a new direction.
APNA offers awards, recognition, grants, and scholarships each year to practicing, teaching, and aspiring psychiatric-mental health nurses.
One of the Army Nurse Corps Association’s major initiatives is the Scholarship Program. Its purpose is the support of nursing education through scholarship funding to worthy students who are US citizens in an accredited baccalaureate or graduate nursing or anesthesia program.
CGS is the only national organization in the United States that is dedicated solely to the advancement of graduate education and research. They maintain resources to help graduate students find fellowship opportunities.
Johnson & Johnson provides a searchable database of financial aid opportunities for all levels of nursing education.
Applicants must be students with a documented disability who have applied to, or already been admitted to, a college or university program on a full-time basis.
HACU offers scholarships for graduate and undergraduate students attending a HACU member or partner college or university.
In support of our commitment to high-quality, respectful care, we recognize and promote excellence in nursing by awarding four annual $10,000 scholarships. These scholarships are available to nursing students enrolled in accredited programs who are dedicated to improving maternal and infant health outcomes for all families.
Each year, NAHN awards scholarships to active and eligible members who are enrolled in accredited LVN/LPN, associate, diploma, baccalaureate, and graduate nursing programs for the next academic year. Scholarship recipients are a select group of nurses who demonstrate promise of professional contributions to the nursing profession and who have the potential to act as role models for other aspiring nursing students.
NANN offers scholarships for members pursuing a BSN or graduate degree in neonatal nursing or nursing administration.
NBNA offers a Student Nurse of the Year award to an NBNA member in pursuit of a baccalaureate or other advanced nursing degree. Award amount ranges from $1,000- $15,000.
As the first national organization to fund nursing education research, the NLN is the leader in advancing the science of nursing education — furthering the scholarship of teaching and promoting evidence-based nursing education. A long record of support for rigorous, high-quality study that contributes to academic progression is reflected in the NLN's nursing education research and grants program.
NEF offers a scholarship for nurses enrolled in an accredited master's or doctoral level nursing program.
ONS awards academic scholarships specifically for students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree or a post-master's certificate.
Sigma Foundation for Nursing Scholarships
The AORN Foundation awards scholarships to students who are pursuing a career in perioperative nursing, and to registered nurses who are continuing their education in perioperative nursing by pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree.
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN-Critical Care) and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN-Colleges) are partnering to provide scholarships to prelicensure nursing students interested in practicing in critical care settings. Administered by the Foundation for Academic Nursing, the AACN2: Pathway to Critical Care Nursing Scholarship will provide $2,500 in support to eligible students enrolled in entry-level baccalaureate nursing programs who are committed to providing expert care to patients at their most vulnerable.
Loan Repayment Programs
This program provides loan repayment assistance to faculty members from economically and environmentally disadvantaged backgrounds with eligible health professions degrees or certificates to serve at eligible academic institutions. The goal of the program is to decrease the economic barriers associated with pursuing careers as academic faculty.
We offer eight programs that repay part of your school loan debt. In exchange, you serve in an eligible health care facility for a community in need.
Contact Us
Student Scholarships and Funding Administrator
Heather Clarkson, M.Ed.
Phone: (801) 585-1671
Email: scholarships@nurs.utah.edu
Office of Student Services
Phone: (801) 587-3194
Questions for an undergraduate advisor?
advising@nurs.utah.edu
Questions about admissions?
admissions@nurs.utah.edu