National Health Service Corps Now Accepting Applications for Scholarship and Loan Repayment Programs
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has announced the opening of its annual application cycle for the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) scholarship program as well as three of its loan repayment program options. Created in 1972, the NHSC is one of the federal government’s largest investments in health workforce distribution with selected students and graduates receiving financial support for their education in exchange for a service commitment in an underserved community. As of 2021, PA students and graduates are eligible for all NHSC component programs.
Beyond its loan repayment options, HRSA also offers a scholarship program which fully funds the educational expenses of accepted students (including tuition, fees, and a monthly stipend) with a one-year service commitment per scholarship-supported year of education.
While all NHSC loan repayment programs use the same application platform, each of the available options has different award ceilings and commitment lengths. For example, the traditional NHSC loan repayment program offers up to $50,000 in loan repayment assistance for two years of full-time service or up to $25,000 in aid for two years of part-time service. In addition to this option, the NHSC also offers more targeted loan repayment options focused on specific provider type and geographic needs. Specifically, the NHSC Substance Use Disorder Workforce loan repayment program offers up to $75,000 of aid for three years of full-time service or up to $37,500 in aid for three years of part-time service. In contrast, the NHSC Rural Community loan repayment program offers up to $100,000 in aid for three years of full-time service or up to $50,000 in aid for three-years of part-time service.
Applications for NHSC loan repayment opportunities are due by April 25, and scholarship program applications are due by April 27. Additional information about the programs can be found on HRSA’s website.
