The Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program (NEALP) was created by the Ohio General Assembly in 1990. The purpose of NEALP is to assist the state in meeting nursing shortages by providing financial assistance to Ohio students enrolled for at least half-time study (or accepted for enrollment) in approved Ohio pre-licensure nurse education programs who intend to serve as nurses after graduation. The annual award for the most recent academic year was $1,620/year. In exchange, to qualify for loan cancellation, recipients must be employed full-time as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse in the State of Ohio for a minimum of five years after graduation.
Note: Due to limited funding available and the continued abundance of practicing LPNs, NEALP will once again make awards for the 2019-2020 academic year only to RN and nurse instructor candidates.
Eligibility Requirements
An applicant must:
- Be an Ohio resident.
- Be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.
- Be enrolled in or be accepted for enrollment approved nurse education programs in Ohio colleges, universities, hospitals, or vocational schools.
- Not be in default or owe a refund to any Federal Financial Aid program.
- Maintain an academic record that places the student in good academic standings within the institution.
Steps to Apply:
Go here to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Go here and follow the instructions to complete the NEALP application process. (Please Note: NEALP does not automatically renew; students need to reapply annually) Feel free to call 614-466-3561 with any questions.
NEALP Awarding:
Applicants will be awarded NEALP funding based on information received from the applicant’s institution, FAFSA data, and information from the NEALP application. Applicants are ranked based on FAFSA data, those that demonstrate the highest level of need are awarded first. Awarding continues from the next neediest student until funds are depleted for the year. If sufficient funds are available, as determined by the Ohio Department of Higher Education, loan assistance will be awarded to all eligible applicants. Loans may be awarded for a maximum of twelve quarters or eight semesters or the equivalent. The total aggregate loan amount shall not exceed twelve thousand dollars.
Is There a Deadline?
Students may apply after January 1 and before July 15th of each year. Notification of acceptance or denial for NEALP funding will be sent in the first week of September.
How To Apply: Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet general FAFSA requirements.
Amount: The eligible amount varies based on Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and enrollment status. 2019-20: Not to exceed a maximum of $6,195 per year Deadline: Processed in date-received order