Pennsylvania State University has received an anonymous gift of $5 million to endow a scholarship to help nursing students receive an affordable and debt-free education.
Under the scholarship program, the College of Nursing students will receive annual awards of up to $10,000. Students from western Pennsylvania and rural regions of the commonwealth with demonstrated financial need will be given top priority.
The university has also decided to double the scholarship endowment by matching the gift, 1:1 through a recently concluded Open Doors matching program.
“The College of Nursing’s potential for impact on the health of communities across the commonwealth is vast, and these donors have recognized that potential through this remarkable gift,” said Penn State President Eric J. Barron.
“Their support will help to address the commonwealth’s pressing need for health care professionals and allow recipients to forge meaningful careers in nursing, transforming their own lives.”
The students at the College of Nursing, which was established as a separate Penn State college in 2013, graduate with an average loan debt of more than $42,500, which is higher than the university’s average.
Till now, the college has awarded 732 bachelor’s degrees, 55 master’s degrees, and 14 doctoral degrees.
$20 Million Gift to Support Nursing School at Catholic University