Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)

The Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program is designed to address a national shortage of qualified nursing faculty by supporting academic institutions that prepare nurses for faculty roles. By strengthening the pipeline of nurse educators, the program aims to expand the capacity of nursing schools and ultimately increase the number of trained nurses entering the healthcare workforce. This initiative reflects a broader federal priority to enhance healthcare access and workforce sustainability across the United States. The primary purpose of the NFLP is to provide funding to accredited schools of nursing so they can offer low-interest loans to students pursuing advanced nursing education with the intention of becoming faculty members. These loans are structured to reduce financial barriers for students who commit to teaching careers. A key feature of the program is its loan cancellation provision, which allows graduates to have up to 85 percent of their loan principal and interest forgiven if they serve full-time as nurse faculty for up to four years. This benefit also extends to certain advanced practice registered nurses who serve as preceptors in academic-practice partnerships. Funding awarded under this opportunity is intended to support institutional loan funds and administrative costs associated with managing the program. Schools receiving funding are responsible for issuing loans to eligible students and ensuring compliance with federal guidelines. While the opportunity includes a cost-sharing or matching requirement, specific match ratios or structures are not detailed in the available forecast information. Institutions must be prepared to manage federal funds responsibly and adhere to reporting and compliance expectations throughout the award period. Eligibility for this program is broad but specifically centers on accredited schools of nursing within the United States and its territories. Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, government entities, and certain tribal organizations, provided they operate accredited nursing programs. Accreditation must be maintained throughout the duration of the award, and applicants must submit official documentation verifying their status. Tribal entities are eligible if they own and operate accredited nursing schools. The application process is expected to be conducted electronically, with submissions due by June 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. While detailed application components are not provided in the forecast, applicants should anticipate submitting institutional documentation, accreditation verification, and programmatic plans for administering student loans. There is no indication of a required pre-application step such as a letter of intent. The estimated award date is June 30, 2026, with project activities expected to begin on July 1, 2026. Evaluation criteria are not explicitly outlined in the forecast, but typical federal grant review processes emphasize program design, institutional capacity, compliance readiness, and alignment with program goals. Given the program’s focus, applicants will likely be assessed on their ability to effectively manage loan programs and contribute to increasing the number of qualified nurse faculty. Contact information for program inquiries is provided, including a program email and phone number for assistance. This opportunity is classified as a forecasted grant, meaning it has not yet been officially posted for application at the time of analysis. The estimated posting date is May 22, 2026, indicating that applicants should prepare in advance. The program appears to be part of an ongoing federal initiative, suggesting the likelihood of recurring funding cycles, although explicit recurrence details are not stated. Institutions interested in applying should monitor official updates and prepare required documentation ahead of the anticipated opening.