The Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) is a federal loan for graduate nursing students who plan to teach. If you work full time as nurse faculty after graduating, up to 85% of the loan can be cancelled over four years.
The program is run by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). HRSA funds schools, and each school lends to its own students, so availability depends on your program.
How the NFLP works
- Your school applies to HRSA for NFLP funding.
- If funded, the school offers loans to eligible graduate nursing students, often first come, first served.
- After you graduate, you work as full-time nurse faculty.
- Each completed year of teaching cancels part of your loan.
Schools describe the program in similar terms. Vanderbilt says recipients may cancel up to 85% of their loans. In exchange, they serve four years as full-time nurse faculty. The University of South Florida describes a commitment "to teach full-time for at least four years in the U.S."
The cancellation schedule
The University of Pittsburgh publishes the schedule in detail:
| Year of full-time faculty work | Cancelled |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | 20% of the unpaid principal and interest |
| Year 2 | 20% |
| Year 3 | 20% |
| Year 4 | 25% |
| Total | Up to 85% |
The remaining balance is repaid at 3% interest. Pitt says that if you do not finish or do not take a full-time teaching role, you repay the full amount. Interest is then charged at the prevailing market rate.
Who qualifies
Rules vary by school, but common requirements include:
- An RN license
- US citizenship or permanent residency
- Enrollment in a graduate nursing program (MSN, DNP or PhD), full or part time
- Good academic standing (Pitt asks for a 3.0 GPA)
- A plan to work as nurse faculty after graduating (Arizona says within 12 months)
Some schools add requirements. Vanderbilt requires DNP borrowers to take two education electives.
What counts as faculty work
This is the most important detail for CRNA students. Pitt defines full-time employment as one of these:
- A full-time faculty role at an accredited school of nursing
- Part-time faculty work combined with another part-time faculty or clinical preceptor role, adding up to full time
- A joint appointment as a full-time APRN preceptor within an academic-practice partnership
Many nurse anesthesia programs are housed in schools of nursing, but some sit in health systems or other colleges. Before you borrow, ask your school in writing whether teaching in a nurse anesthesia program, or precepting students, would count.
How much you can borrow
Limits depend on your school and its funding. Pitt lists a maximum of $40,000 per academic year, covering tuition and fees. USF lists up to $35,000. Vanderbilt says funding is set year by year by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Is NFLP funded in 2025-2026?
HRSA awards NFLP money to schools in yearly cycles, and the amount each school receives changes. Several CRNA programs and nursing schools still list NFLP on their current financial aid pages.
We could not confirm HRSA's latest funding round for this page. Ask your program's financial aid office whether it has NFLP funds this year, and check HRSA's Bureau of Health Workforce funding page.
Is NFLP a good fit for a CRNA?
It suits you if you truly want to teach. Compare faculty pay in your area with clinical CRNA pay, then weigh the cancelled amount against any income you might give up over four years.
It is a poor fit if you are unsure about teaching. If you do not complete the service, the loan becomes a regular debt at market interest.
Alternatives to consider
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
PSLF forgives the remaining balance on federal Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments. You must work full time for a qualifying employer, such as a government or nonprofit organization. Rules have been changing, so confirm details on studentaid.gov before relying on it.
HRSA Nurse Corps and NHSC
The Nurse Corps offers scholarships and loan repayment in exchange for at least two years of service at a facility with a critical nursing shortage. The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) funds providers in specific primary care disciplines. Check each program's current eligible disciplines before assuming CRNAs qualify.
Military
The Uniformed Services University offers a 36-month DNP in nurse anesthesia for active-duty officers in the Army, Navy, Air Force or Public Health Service. Civilians can apply only if selected for active duty as a direct accession. USU says there is no tuition for DoD employees, and all students owe a service commitment set by their sponsoring branch.
Employer help
Some employers offer loan repayment or stipends to new graduates. See CRNA starting salary for what to check.
For cost comparisons, see CRNA schools by cost and the cheapest CRNA schools. This page is general information, not financial advice.
FAQ
Can CRNA students get the NFLP?
Yes, if their school has NFLP funds and they meet its rules. DNP students are eligible at schools such as Vanderbilt and Pitt.
Do I need to fill out the FAFSA?
Vanderbilt says students do not need the FAFSA for its Nurse Faculty Loan. Other schools may differ.
What if I stop teaching after two years?
Cancellation is applied for each completed year of service, and you repay the rest. Confirm the exact terms in your promissory note.
Sources
- Vanderbilt School of Nursing: Financial aid
- University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing: Scholarships and financial aid
- University of South Florida College of Nursing: Tuition and financial aid
- University of Arizona College of Nursing: Costs and financial aid
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine: Financial aid (PSLF)
- Uniformed Services University: Nurse anesthesia DNP
- Uniformed Services University: Admissions FAQ
- HRSA Bureau of Health Workforce: Funding