Faith A. Fields Nursing Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Arkansas State Board of Nursing
Introduction
In 2009, Act 9 authorized additional funding for Arkansas’ nursing student loan program with the aim of encouraging nurses to enter nursing education. That legislation expanded support for forgivable loans administered by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN).
Program overview
The Faith A. Fields Nursing Scholarship Loan offers forgivable loans to students preparing for careers as a registered nurse (Nursing Practice Loan), a licensed practical nurse (Nursing Practice Loan), or a nurse educator (Nurse Educator Loan). The program’s funds are provided through the ASBN.
Eligibility
To be considered for the Faith A. Fields Nursing Scholarship Loan applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a bona fide resident of Arkansas.
- Be accepted to or enrolled in an Arkansas-approved nursing education program, or in a nationally accredited out‑of‑state nursing program that satisfies ASBN and Arkansas Department of Higher Education requirements.
- Demonstrate financial need by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Not be related to an ASBN board member or staff in accordance with Arkansas nepotism policies.
- If already licensed as a nurse, hold a current, unencumbered nursing license.
Additional requirements for Nurse Educator Loan applicants
- Be currently teaching or have been hired to teach in a nursing education program located in Arkansas.
- Be enrolled in an Arkansas-approved or nationally accredited baccalaureate, master’s, or doctoral nursing program.
Award amounts
Recipients may receive up to $20,000 in total, disbursed across multiple semesters provided they remain eligible. Per-semester limits are:
- Full‑time students: up to $5,000 per semester (maximum $10,000 per year).
- Part‑time students: up to $2,500 per semester (maximum $5,000 per year).