Become a Nurse in 12 Months — Tuition Free

Apply to the 12-Month Accelerated Bachelor's in Nursing (ABSN) program at the University of Rochester School of Nursing. Learn more about how to apply to the 12-Month ABSN program.

To qualify for full tuition coverage through the UR Nursing Scholars Program, you must:

• Be a new UR Nursing student
• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent U.S. resident, or DACA student*
• Hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.8 GPA and have completed prerequisite courses
• Apply, be admitted, and commit to the University of Rochester School of Nursing's 12-Month ABSN program in Rochester, NY
• Complete UR Nursing Scholars Loan Agreement & Promissory Note upon acceptance
• Commit to working as a full-time registered nurse at Strong Memorial, Highland, or F.F. Thompson Hospital for at least three years after graduation 
• Complete the ABSN 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.}

Submit your application for the 12-Month ABSN program—including all materials—by the application deadline, indicating your interest in the UR Nursing Scholars Program and your hospital preferences (Strong Memorial, Highland, or F.F. Thompson).

Upon admission to the Scholars Program, you receive:

• A scholarship covering 15% of tuition
• A loan covering the remaining 85% of tuition

After completing the three-year service agreement as a full-time RN at your assigned hospital, the loan is fully forgiven:

• 30% forgiven after year one
• 30% after year two
• 40% after year three

If you do not meet the program conditions, you must repay the loan with interest (7% annually). Additional fees (e.g., technology, lab, mobile device) are not covered and remain your responsibility.

Yes. Each portion of the loan forgiven is typically considered taxable income. The University may withhold or report taxes as required. Consult a tax professional to understand your individual tax situation.

Applications are reviewed with each ABSN cohort. You will be notified of your UR Nursing Scholar status in your decision letter. Hospital assignments will be communicated prior to the start of the program.

After you are accepted as a UR Nursing Scholar, you will review and sign your contract specifying your hospital choice with Financial Aid.

Scholars work with recruitment offices at their assigned hospital to secure a position in a participating unit. During the program, you’ll meet monthly with recruitment and leadership to get oriented. Near graduation, you’ll attend a job fair and interview for available units. Final placement is based on mutual fit, performance, and unit availability.

See additional details about each hospital, including participating units.

Clinical rotations expose you to different units, helping you identify your preferred work environment. Some Scholars end up working in units where they trained, but final offers depend on fit and hospital needs.

There is typically a 3-6 month gap between graduation and starting employment, during which you prepare for and take the NCLEX-RN exam.

All new nurses join the hospital’s one-year Nurse Residency program. The first 3-5 months focus on orientation, including training with a “buddy nurse.”

After orientation, you have input on your shifts. Most nurses work 12-hour shifts (36 hours/week), with a 40-hour/week option available. Working weekends and holidays is standard, with some units using rotation or on-call schedules.

If you withdraw, fail to graduate, or don’t remain employed full-time for three years, you must repay the full tuition loan plus interest.

If your employment ends due to death or qualifying long-term disability, the loan is automatically forgiven.

Yes. If you take a job-protected leave (e.g., FMLA), your payment obligations are paused but leave time does not count toward your three-year service requirement.