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UR Nursing Scholars Program

Strong Hospital logo

Highland Hospital logo

Thompson Hospital logo

The University of Rochester School of Nursing offers an inclusive, innovative, and inspiring place to achieve your dreams and make a difference in the lives of others. Now, college graduates can earn full tuition coverage for the 12-Month Accelerated Nursing Program at the University of Rochester with a three-year work commitment at Strong Memorial, Highland, or F.F. Thompson Hospital.*

We are proud to announce that the UR Nursing Scholars program has been extended through 2027! 

Applications are now being accepted to start the program in Summer 2025! Apply by November 1st.

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Change your Career. Make an Impact.

Sarah Cox Contact Information

Sarah Cox

Accelerated Student, Class of May 2023
Previous Degree: Spanish

As a professional birth doula and a cancer survivor, Sarah's admiration for the nurses in her life soon turned into a career goal of her own.

Sarah's Nursing Story
Christina Mather '18N Contact Information

Christina Mather '18N

Project Nurse, UR Medicine Employee Wellness
Previous Degree: Microbiology

From neuro-virology researcher to neuromedicine nurse, Christina discovered her passion for healing others right here at the University of Rochester.

Christina's Nursing Story
Joshua Billings Contact Information

Joshua Billings

Accelerated Student, Class of May 2023
Previous Degree: Psychology

A former case manager who helped survivors of human trafficking, Joshua is pursuing his bachelor's as the first step toward a career in psychiatric and mental health nursing.

Joshua's Nursing Story

UR Nursing Scholars Program

There is a critical need for skilled nurses — especially in acute care settings. The UR Nursing Scholars program seeks to combat the nursing shortage by providing an affordable nursing education for the next generation of nurses. 

Two nursing students in the simulation lab

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • 12-month, full-time program for students with a previous bachelor's degree

  • Career support from nursing leaders and mentors at UR Medicine hospitals

  • 100% tuition covered with three-year work commitment at Strong Memorial, Highland, or F.F. Thompson Hospital

About the 12-Month Accelerated Nursing Program

49

CREDITS OVER 3 FULL SEMESTERS

Become practice-ready in a high-impact learning environment, recognized by Apple for excellence in innovation, teaching, and learning.

1:1

Career Support

Connect with a network of peers and faculty at every stage of your journey. Each program cohort features students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

650+

HOURS OF CLINICAL TRAINING

Learn to solve complex problems and make safe decisions for your future patients with clinical rotations at the University of Rochester Medical Center and immersive simulation experiences.

About Nursing at UR Medicine Hospitals

Strong Memorial Hospital

Strong Memorial Hospital is the largest and most specialized hospital in western New York State as part of the University of Rochester Medical Center. Strong is home to nationally renowned clinical care, including upstate New York’s only cardiac and liver transplant programs, the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Golisano Children’s Hospital, and the Wilmot Cancer Institute.

Learn more about Strong about Strong Memorial Hospital
Strong Memorial Hospital
Highland Hospital building

Highland Hospital

Founded in 1889, Highland Hospital has a history of innovative and personalized care. The 261-bed community hospital is a regional leader in specialties such as total joint replacement, geriatric care, gynecologic oncology, women's health services, maternity, as well as hosting a collaborative Wilmot Cancer Center program.

Learn more about Highland about Highland Hospital

F.F. Thompson Hospital

Founded in 1904, the 113-bed F.F. Thompson Hospital is located at the north end of picturesque Canandaigua Lake in a vibrant community. With numerous distinctions and accreditations, the Thompson health system demonstrates a strong commitment to nursing excellence, and specializes in a full array of healthcare services addressing a wide range of needs across the region.

Learn more about F.F. Thompson about F.F. Thompson Hospital
F.F. Thompson building
Quotation Mark

As a lifetime health and wellness advocate, I knew nursing was the ideal choice for me. I chose the UR Nursing Scholars program because of the program length and immediate employment opportunities. I am a UR alum and know UR is a fantastic university with strong and rigorous academic standards.

Mona Sepulveda ’99 Headshot

Mona Sepulveda ’99

Student, Accelerated Bachelor's program
BA in Health, Behavior, and Society

How to Apply

The UR Nursing Scholars Program provides three-semesters of tuition coverage (in the form of a scholarship and forgivable loan) in Rochester, New York, in exchange for a three-year work commitment at Strong Memorial, Highland, or F.F. Thompson Hospital upon graduation and passing the NCLEX.

Apply Now

To be eligible for tuition coverage through the UR Nursing Scholars program, students must first apply and be admitted to the 12-Month Accelerated Bachelor's in Nursing program. We admit students three times per year, and accept applications by March 1 for fall entry, July 1 for spring entry, and November 1 for summer entry.

To be eligible for admission to the 12-Month Accelerated Bachelor's in Nursing Program, students must have earned a previous bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than nursing with a minimum 2.8 GPA. Students may apply to begin the program in the spring, summer, or fall semesters with successful completion of prerequisite courses.

Learn more about how to apply to the 12-Month Accelerated Bachelor's in Nursing Program.

To be eligible for the UR Nursing Scholars Program and full tuition coverage, you meet all of the following requirements:

  • Must be a new UR Nursing student. 
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent U.S. resident, or DACA student.*
  • Must apply, be admitted, and commit to the University of Rochester School of Nursing's 12-Month Accelerated Bachelor's program in Rochester, NY. 
  • Must complete UR Nursing Scholars Loan Agreement & Promissory Note upon acceptance and commit to working in a full-time registered nurse position at Strong Memorial or Highland Hospital for at least three years after graduation. 
  • Must complete UR Nursing's 12-Month Accelerated Bachelor's program within 12 months of start session.**

*Students who require immigration sponsorship are not eligible for the UR Nursing Scholars program, but may still apply to the 12-Month Accelerated Bachelor’s program to be considered for other School of Nursing scholarship support.

**Drops, withdrawals, or failing grades may negatively impact ability to continue to participate in the UR Nursing Scholars program.

Within your application for the 12-Month Accelerated Bachelor's program, you will be prompted to apply for consideration for the UR Nursing Scholars program and indicate your interest in working at Strong Memorial, Highland, or F.F. Thompson Hospital.

You will be notified whether you have been admitted as a UR Nursing Scholar within your decision letter for the 12-Month Accelerated Bachelor's program.

Upon being admitted to the UR Nursing Scholars program, students will receive a scholarship from the University of Rochester School of Nursing covering 15 percent of tuition. The remaining 85 percent of tuition will be covered by a loan provided by the School of Nursing. 

After completion of the three-year service agreement, the loan will be fully forgiven (30 percent will be forgiven after completing one-year of service, 30 percent for the second year, and 40 percent for the third year). If students do not meet the condition of the scholars program as outlined in the Loan Agreement, they will be required to repay loan funds. 

Additional fees such as mobile device, technology, and lab fees, still apply. See Tuition & Fees for more information.

Depending on individual tax situations, there may be tax implications from loan forgiveness. In most circumstances, loan forgiveness is considered income. We encourage students to work with a tax professional to determine the potential impact the UR Nursing Scholars program and loan forgiveness will have on your individual tax liabilities.

Quotation Mark

I am thrilled to be accepted to the UR Nursing Scholars Program as it will enable me to serve the Rochester community as an RN upon graduation. I never want to stay stagnant and look forward to a life full of learning. Our community needs nurses and I am honored to join this profession and
serve the Rochester area.

Caroline Roets Headshot

Caroline Roets

Student, Accelerated Bachelor's Program
BS in Biology and Psychology

Nurse

Request Info

Interested in learning more about the UR Nursing Scholars program? Complete the form and we will send you a factsheet about the program with more information.

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*The condition of UR Nursing Scholars Program is that recipients will work full-time in an eligible position at an eligible health care facility for up to three years. If students do not meet the condition of the UR Nursing Scholars program, they will be required to repay loan funds as set forth in the Loan Agreement & Promissory Note. The students exclusively attend classes at the University of Rochester School of Nursing on-site in Rochester, New York.