University Cost to Attend

As you make financial plans to attend college, there are several factors to consider. The USF tuition rates are assessed per credit hour by course level, and costs will vary based on your residency status and course type (online, clinical, etc.). The current graduate tuition rates can be found on the University Controller's Office website.

College Expenses

If you are admitted to the USF Health College of Nursing there may be additional fees to cover CPR training, housing, criminal background check, drug screening, textbooks, course software, clinical uniforms, equipment and other expenses depending on your program.

Graduate Student Housing

The Office of Housing and Residential Education has designated specific apartments in Magnolia F for graduate student housing to best support this population's specific needs. This residential community consists of 3-4 single bedroom apartments and is a short walk to everything USF has to offer. More information can be found on the office website.

Graduate students can apply for on-campus housing by clicking here to start their application. Graduate students remain eligible for other spaces in the on-campus inventory as well. For any questions related to graduate housing, please reach out to our office at 813-974-0001 or at housing@usf.edu.

Determining how to finance your education is not a one-step process. It takes a commitment to learning about the different types of aid, exploring which ones suit your budget and then applying for those you qualify for. The College of Nursing awards specific assistantships and scholarships to currently admitted students. An email will be sent to students through their USF email when funds are available. We recommend checking your USF email account daily.

University Financial Aid

The services offered by the USF Office of Financial Aid are an excellent place to start understanding and managing your college finances. With that office's helpful "Get Started" section, you can choose from step-by-step guides, search for scholarships, and learn more about the types of financial aid.

Note:The College of Nursing does not have a separate Financial Aid office. Contact the USF Health Office of Financial Aid once you become an admitted student for assistance in navigating the financial aid process. That office also provides assistance with securing adequate funding, debt management counseling and financial planning.This office works in conjunction with the college and the Office of Financial Aid. 

Apply for FASFA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

No matter what type of funding you are applying for, start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for most types of financial assistance and allows you to be automatically considered for federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs based on your dependency status and Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Please visit the Office of Financial Aid website for details on how to get started on this free application for funding.

Loans

The Nurse Faculty Loan Program for Master's, DNP or PhD Students – The Nurse Faculty Loan Program requires a commitment to teach for four years in the U.S. post-graduation with an 85% loan forgiveness possible. Please contact nursingscholarship@usf.edu for more information on how to apply.

Veteran Education Benefits

See the Office of Veteran Success for details to on how to apply for VA Education Benefits at USF. That office provides step-by-step instructions on how to navigate the admissions and VA benefit process. Contact ovs@usf.edu or call 813-974-2291 for assistance on the Tampa campus.

Scholarships

• Jonas Nurse Leader and Jonas Veterans Healthcare Scholars – The College of Nursing requests funding every two years and will announce the applications process upon the receipt of funds.
• Pat Vardell Endowed Nursing Scholarship – To support scholarships and/or stipends for students enrolled in the College of Nursing who have stated an intent to practice nursing in Pinellas County, Florida. Students must have demonstrated academic excellence by earning a minimum 3.0 (B) average, and financial need. Visit the Office of Financial Aid to apply.
• USF Scholarships – Scholarships are based on both need and merit and do not have to be repaid. The university will email you directly when funds are available, through your USF email account. Each scholarship has specific rules on eligibility requirements. Information is available through the USF Office of Financial Aid.
• Health Resources and Service Administration
  • Graduate: National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program

The USF College of Nursing awards admitted students through grants and endowed funding. Types of financial assistance include graduate assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships. See the complete details provided below.

Graduate Assistantships FAQs

1. What types of graduate assistantships exist for doctoral students?
Doctoral students can be appointed as graduate teaching assistants or as graduate research assistants dependent on college needs and/or student preparation and experience.

2. How much is a Graduate Teaching or Research Assistantship stipend per hour?
$22.86 per hour

3. Will I be funded through all years of my program?
Funding for graduate assistantships typically is available until a student’s coursework is completed. PhD students will be expected to be funded by a grant during the dissertation stage. Graduate assistantships will be continued pending favorable performance evaluations and overall college funding availability.

4. What does the assistantship cover?
Students on graduate assistantships are paid a salary and are considered salaried employees. Graduate assistants may also receive a portion of tuition paid by the college depending on the number of hours worked.

Graduate Teaching Assistant

Teaching assistants (TA) are available for full time students only. A full time student takes 9 credits in the spring and fall semesters and 6 credits in the summer. PhD students who work as a TA 10 hours per week will receive half-tuition waiver; students working 20 or more hours per week will receive full-tuition waiver up to 9 credits per semester. This is evaluated on a semester by semester basis. TAs are appointed for a minimum of 10 hours per week and a maximum of 30 hours per week. TAs will be assigned to a clinical team or specific course(s) with an identified supervisor. A specific work schedule is developed in collaboration with the appropriate faculty supervisor. Training will be provided for each position. These positions may require travel to different sites. Click here to view examples of the different roles that can be held as a graduate teaching assistant. Please view the Graduate Assistantships Resource Center for more information on waivers, training, and the collective bargaining agreement.

Note: The student is responsible for any fees not covered by the tuition waiver. Tuition waivers are reviewed and awarded each semester.

Application Process:

1. Review the example job descriptions for graduate teaching assistants.
2. The Office of Student Success will send out the application for graduate teaching assistantships to all admitted PhD students each semester. Please check your USF email frequently to receive this information and updates regarding the application process.
3. Once received, complete the application form and submit per directions.

Graduate Research Assistant

Graduate research assistants (GRA) are available for full time students only. A full time student takes 9 credits in the spring and fall semesters and 6 credits in the summer. PhD students who work as a GRA 10 hours per week will receive half-tuition waiver; students working 20 or more hours per week will receive full-tuition waiver up to 9 credits per semester. This is evaluated on a semester by semester basis. GRAs are appointed for a minimum of 10 hours per week and a maximum of 30 hours per week. GRAs will be assigned to a faculty research mentor who will also serve as the student’s supervisor. A specific work schedule is developed in collaboration with the appropriate faculty supervisor. Training will be provided for each position. These positions may require travel to different sites. Click here to view examples of the different roles that can be held as a graduate research assistant. Please view the Graduate Assistantships Resource Center for more information on waivers, training, and the collective bargaining agreement.

Note: The student is responsible for any fees not covered by the tuition waiver. Tuition waivers are reviewed and awarded each semester.

Application Process:

1. Review the example job descriptions for graduate research assistants.
2. The College of Nursing Office of Research will send out the application for graduate research assistantships. Please check your USF email frequently to receive this information and updates regarding the application process.
3. Once received complete the application form and submit per directions.
   
   

College of Nursing PhD Scholarships

• Cecile and Jon Lengacher Scholarship – Offers funding to full or part-time PhD students in the College of Nursing, Tampa campus, with a preference for students focused on oncology research. Visit the Office of Financial Aid to apply. This one-time award is given to one student: approximately $1,000.
• Patricia A. Burns Ph.D. Scholarship in Nursing – Provides support to a doctoral student for research assistance, data collection, and to attend conferences. Visit the Office of Financial Aid to apply. This one-time award is given to one student: approximately $2,000.
• Linda E. Moody Doctoral Dissertation Support Fund – This fund is to help USF College of Nursing PhD students working on their dissertation with financial support. This scholarship is renewable. Visit the Office of Financial Aid to apply. This award will vary based on available funding source.
• Research Scholarship - The goal of the research scholarship is to facilitate research activities with College of Nursing PhD students, faculty members, and nurses in the greater Tampa Bay metropolitan area. This serves three primary purposes: (i) expand the research portfolio and capabilities of local hospitals and health care facilities; (ii) provide research experience for PhD students and (iii) support PhD student dissertation research. 
  
  
  • This scholarship is awarded, preferentially, to first year, full time PhD students. Continuing students may also receive this scholarship based on available funds.
  • PhD students are eligible to apply for a research scholarship, administered for three consecutive semesters as a graduate research assistantship. Awardees will be appointed for 20 hours per week. 
  • A specific work project is developed in collaboration with the faculty mentor and approved by the director of the PhD program. It is expected that the PhD student will spend most of their effort on research endeavors.
  • Click here to view examples of the different roles that can be held as a graduate research assistant. Please review the Graduate Research Assistant tab for more information on tuition waivers.
• Additional Scholarships – PhD students can visit the Office of Financial Aid to apply for many other nursing scholarships available to all admitted nursing students.