Faith A. Fields Nursing Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Arkansas State Board of Nursing

Quick summary
In 2009 Arkansas passed Act 9 to add funding to the nursing student loan program with a clear goal: encourage nurses to teach in Arkansas nursing programs. One of the programs funded through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) is the Faith A. Fields Nursing Scholarship Loan. It offers forgivable loans to students preparing to become a registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), or nurse educator.

Who this is for (basic eligibility)
To be considered for the scholarship loan you must meet all of these requirements:
- Be a bona fide Arkansas resident.
- Be accepted or enrolled in an Arkansas-approved nursing education program, or in a nationally accredited out‑of‑state program that meets ASBN and the Arkansas Department of Higher Education requirements.
- Demonstrate financial need by filing the FAFSA.
- Not be related to an ASBN board member or staff in a way that violates Arkansas nepotism policy.
- If you already hold a nursing license, it must be current and unencumbered (no active disciplinary restrictions).

Extra requirements for Nurse Educator Loan applicants
If you are applying for the Nurse Educator Loan, you also must:
- Be teaching or have been hired to teach in a nursing education program in Arkansas.
- Be enrolled in an Arkansas‑approved or nationally accredited baccalaureate, master’s, or doctoral nursing program.

How much funding is available
- Maximum award per recipient: up to $20,000 total (paid over multiple semesters as long as you continue to qualify).
- Full‑time students: up to $5,000 per semester (up to $10,000 per year).
- Part‑time students: up to $2,500 per semester (up to $5,000 per year).

A couple of practical notes
- These are “forgivable” loans — portions (or all) of the loan may be forgiven if you meet the program’s service or employment requirements. Check the ASBN policy for the exact forgiveness rules and service obligations.
- Filing the FAFSA is required to establish financial need; start this early.
- Always verify program approval/ accreditation and any hiring or teaching requirements with ASBN and your school before applying.

If you want to pursue this, your next steps should be: confirm program approval with ASBN, file the FAFSA, and contact your school’s financial aid or nursing program office for application details and deadlines.