What makes our Student Finance Office different?
What makes our Student Finance Office different is the individual attention we are able to give every student. This past year, some sort of financial aid was received by 91% of our graduate students and 87% of the undergrads.
Unlike larger institutions, we don’t just give you forms to fill out. Because of our deep roots in the community we help our students access a wide variety of outside resources, from public and private agencies as well as generous individuals, clubs and organizations.
Within OSF Saint Francis Medical Center there is a unique program we call MEEP, short for Modified Education Employment Program. If you’re willing to make a commitment to staying and working as a bedside nurse at the Medical Center (as so many students want to do) you may be eligible for $4000 of financial aid each semester. After you’ve fulfilled your commitment, that debt is totally forgiven. It’s an incredible opportunity.
At this current time of economic crisis, we know more and more students are experiencing financial troubles…but that means we just need to be very creative and use every possible resource. We are deeply committed to helping students get into school, stay in school, and achieve their dreams.
Student Finance Testimonials
Read what some of our students are saying...
"What I love most about Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing is that every instructor is there for you from day one to the end. Each instructor cares about your success in the program. They want you to succeed. Students all work together toward the same goal, which is becoming a professional nurse. I chose Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing because the NCLEX pass rate was the highest in the area and I wanted to become part of a program that achieves the highest success.
But financially, I wouldn’t have been able to go to College without scholarships. I didn’t get financial aid grants…all I could do was apply for scholarships and boy did I apply! And I got about $8000 in scholarship money!
What I would tell a student who needed help with their education finances is to apply for as many scholarships as they can. Start looking early for scholarships. Go to your local high school resources for local, state, and national scholarships. Go on the web and start looking for scholarship pertaining to nursing, any community service performed, if you are left handed, if you have parents in the military, if you’re a minority, if you’re a single parent, etc. Check with your parent’s employers for scholarships, or maybe even the union at your parent’s job. Get references, write your essay and as they become due make sure you get them sent out on time! The bottom line is..... start early and get organized! Good Luck!"
Click here to see Kelly speak at the College Scholarship Reception.
Kelly
"What I love most about the College of Nursing is the fact that it has turned my dream into a reality. It seems like just yesterday, people were asking me, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I would answer proudly, “A nurse.” I am now a step closer to becoming one thanks to the College of Nursing. I try to surround myself with positive individuals because it in turn inspires me and keeps me positive. At the college of nursing, everyone is positive and sincerely cares about your future. Nothing is more frustrating than not being able to accomplish your dreams due to barriers out of your control, such as money. At the College of Nursing, they do their best to overcome such barriers and help you succeed. I have been blessed to receive the MEEP scholarship. This means more to me than words can express. It has opened so many doors to my future. It has opened the door to my dreams.
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing has a mission and philosophy that also aligns with my beliefs: “Care for the sick and the poor and serve with the greatest care and love.” These few words may seem simple but there is much more meaning behind them. These words mean that it doesn’t matter who you are, what you do, or where you’ve come from, we will do our best to care for you without judgment and with nothing but love. This not only applies to the patients in the hospital but to how we, as students, are treated by the College of Nursing faculty and staff. Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing is not just a college, it is my home."
Caitlin
"Knowing that a medical facility believed so greatly in my future as an RN that they set aside money to assist me through school has made a world of difference in my life. With MEEP, I was able to concentrate more on my education without worrying about the added expenses that come with school. The honor of receiving the generous scholarship validated for me and for my family that continuing my education was a worthwhile cause. Knowing that an accomplished group of medical personnel see that I have something to offer by partially funding my education is emotionally and even physically energizing. Even the act of completing the application helped me identify and clarify the goals I was seeking in my future nursing career. Supporting the education of nursing students to be leaders is key to aid in shaping the future of health care."
Sarah
“The opportunity to be a recipient of MEEP has been an extraordinary experience that has significantly assisted in allowing me to attend the College of Nursing! It provides financial assistance towards my nursing education and opens the door for amazing opportunities at Saint Francis Medical Center to work in skilled, acute and complex clinical floor settings after I graduate and pass state boards to receive my registered nurse license.
I chose Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing because of the values and learning opportunities that allow me to “serve patients with the greatest care and love”. I knew I would be taught nursing excellence by knowledgeable instructors who are masters in their field of practice and who employ the use of state-of-the-art medical and simulation equipment. From the beginning I have been surrounded with incredible leaders and experts in nursing. My journey of becoming a skilled nursing professional has been facilitated by the excellent education I have received from the faculty and staff. Most importantly though, is the family-oriented environment that is integrated into the academic environment which fosters support and trust between students and faculty.”
Chris
"I chose Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing because of an experience in the hospital. My mom had just had surgery and her nurse was a former College of Nursing graduate and was a guy. I knew after seeing him care for my mom and living the mission that this is what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go.
What I like most about the College is the Faculty. I would also like to say how amazing it is to have a Dean like Dr. Sue Brown whose door is literally open just about all the time. If she is busy she always lets you know that you can come back and you don’t feel rude.
I also appreciate how the Student Finance Office supports student success. I am a broke college student who was working four part time jobs and trying to make it through school full time. As a guy, sometimes it is hard because we tend to have this thing called pride. I do not like having to ask people or tell them that I am sinking and I need help. The staff in the Student Finance Office are so friendly and personable. I love all of them. They make you feel welcome and are so educated in the funds that are out there. Not only with while you are in school but also how to make yourself financially responsible after school."
Rob
“As a non-traditional student, I wanted to earn a BSN in order to have a better advantage in my future career as a professional nurse. I was so happy to be accepted to attend Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing because of their reputation for providing an outstanding nursing education. I love that the instructors all want us to succeed. They are very supportive and patient and do whatever they can to help. One quote from one of my favorite instructors before each exam is “be confident in what you know!” and with each semester I am feeling more confident in what I know!
I love the ‘new family’ I have by attending the College of Nursing. I have made more friendships since I started here and the support I have is amazing. It is comforting to know that so many others know exactly what I am experiencing and are there to support me and lift me up. I have also had the most amazing experience with the Student Finance Office. My life circumstances changed dramatically at the beginning of my senior semester. I lost a significant amount of income and worried how I was going to be able to finish my last year of school. I found angels in the Student Finance Office who worked very closely with me to make things happen that will allow me to finish my nursing education! They helped me find resources I would have otherwise not known about and have worked with me to create a personal budget. I don’t know what I would have done if it had not been for their help and the generosity of the College through scholarships and MEEP. I owe them so much thanks and gratitude.”
Suzanne
“My experience at the College of Nursing has been remarkable! There is always someone willing to help you get through this challenge of nursing school. The instructors have not only inspired me to be the best nurse that I can be, they have given me the knowledge and skill to be the best nurse that I can be. I chose Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing because after visiting two times, I knew this was where I wanted to be! My aunt is an alumni and she was able to give me great advice. I thought that this school had phenomenal clinical experience that I would not receive at any other college. The clinical setting was definitely what won me over about applying. What I like most is that I am not considered a number. I have found throughout each lecture and each clinical experience a closer bond with the school and my classmates. I have been able to learn from others and build relationships that I will take with me into my future. I think that it is so helpful knowing that if I ever need help there is someone right there to pick me up. MEEP plays a significant part in my career. I could not be more thankful and appreciative to be accepted for MEEP! It means I will be giving my hard work and knowledge to OSF when I graduate…that I will have the chance of providing each and every patient with my greatest care and love. It also means that I will be able to fulfill a dream of a lifetime! “
Janessa
"I chose SFMC-CON based on its convenient location, large accessible hospital facility, well-known reputation, and vision to "serve with the greatest care and love." SFMC-CON offers an extensive faculty of highly educated professors with advanced clinical skills and innovative approaches, including use of stare-of-the-art simulation equipment. Moreover, SFMC-CON nursing student graduates consistently achieve outstanding passing rates on national licensure exams. Not only does SFMC-CON prepare graduates with the skills required for excellent nursing care, it also sets the stage and develops cognitive abilities for life-long learning."
Sarah