Become a Nurse in 12-Months — Tuition Free

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.

We are currently accepting applications by March 1 for the Fall 2024 semester. The next application deadline is July 1 for the Spring 2025 semester.

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.}

Once you submit your application for the 12-Month Accelerated Bachelor's program, you will be provided an option to complete an additional form for the UR Nursing Scholars application. This application features two short answer questions as well as a prompt to indicate your interest in working at Strong or Highland 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.