USF Tuition & Fees 

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 of Nursing 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.

Note: An estimated list of expenses (usually $1,000-$2,500 per year) will be provided to you as an admitted student.

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 eligibility to find scholarships that align with your background and interests, applying early, and tailoring your application to highlight your strengths and goals.

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.

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 Student Aid Index. Please visit the Office of Financial Aid website for details on how to get started on this free application for funding.

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.  

Loans

The Nurse Faculty Loan Program for Master's, DNP or PhD Students –The Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) is a federal program that provides loans to students enrolled in advanced nursing degrees in exchange for a commitment to teach full-time for at least four years in the U.S. as a nurse faculty member.

Students can borrow up to $35,000, and after the end of the teaching commitment, 85% of the loan is forgiven. To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled in a nursing education program. For more information, please contact nursingscholarship@usf.edu.   

USF Foundation

USF offers a variety of scholarships designed to help you pay for college. To apply for these scholarships, you will need to complete a questionnaire in the USF AwardSpring Database during the designated application period. Use the keyword “nursing” in the search to view the current scholarships for nursing students. Scholarships can be based on academic merit, extracurricular activities, special talents, or demographics.

For helpful tips and instructions, please visit the resources available through USF Foundation here.

Agency-Sponsored Scholarships

Florida Navy Nurse Corps Association Scholarship - The Florida Navy Nurse Corps Association Scholarship Committee has established a fund to award scholarships to deserving nursing students and/or Registered Nurses to continue their studies for a baccalaureate or graduate degree in nursing. Application information will be distributed each Fall term and can also be found here.

The NAPNAP Foundation DNP/PhD Student Scholarship - Supports the education of a pediatric-focused nurse practitioner Doctor of Nursing practice (DNP) or PhD student who demonstrates the ability to articulate and implement an innovative solution through clinical competence, academic achievement, and leadership, as well as encourage involvement in NAPNAP and promote professional development of the individual student. Application and award information can be found here.

Below you can also find links to scholarship and loan repayment opportunities available to nurses receiving education and/or licensed in the state of Florida:

• Florida Nurses Association
• Health Resources and Service u Administration
  • Graduate: National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program
  • Undergraduate and Graduate: Loan Repayment Program
• · Nursing Student Loan Forgiveness Program, Florida Department of Education

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.

PhD 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 healthcare 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.