The Sinclair School of Nursing, in conjunction with the MU Graduate School, offers several fellowships and merit award programs for incoming and continuing DNP students.
Fellowships and Special DNP Funding
Graduate Assistantships
MU graduate assistantships, including both teaching and research assistantships, are part-time employment opportunities for graduate students applied for through academic departments or research centers. Availability of GTA and GRA are based on the needs of the school and are contingent upon available funding. Assistantships are typically 10-20 hours per week and offer a monthly stipend as well as a tuition waiver.
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Nurse Faculty Loan Program
The Nurse Faculty Loan Program is a federal program designed to increase the number of nursing students who pursue careers as full-time faculty teaching in schools of nursing. DNP and PhD students are eligible to apply if they are committed to a faculty role, in good academic standing, are US citizens or permanent residents, and not in default on any prior student loans. Recipients must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, complete at least 4-6 credits/semester, and maintain enrollment for a minimum of two consecutive semesters.
Recipients receive financial awards to offset a portion of the cost of tuition, books, fees and other reasonable educational expenses. Awards may be renewable for a maximum of five years but this is contingent upon ongoing federal funding and therefore subject to change. Recipients must complete the specified education component(s) prior to graduating. Nurse Faculty Loan Program applications are due by July 1 each year.
Fellowships for Underrepresented Minorities
DNP applicants interested in being nominated for one of these fellowships must submit all DNP application materials by the November 1 admission deadline.
Ronald E. McNair Scholars: This program is designed to support newly admitted masters or doctoral students in any field who successfully completed a Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program at a university other than MU. Nominees must have and maintain a 3.5 GPA. Fellowship applicants must include a letter from the McNair Director at the Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program at a university other than MU.
Gus T. Ridgel Fellowships: This fellowship program assists qualified underrepresented minority graduate students in any field. Awards can be made to U.S. citizens who are members of an underrepresented ethnic minority population (African American, Native American or Alaska Native, Hispanic or Mexican American). Nominees must have and maintain a 3.5 GPA. Please review the fellowships guidelines for more information.