ICN Scholarships

Scholarship Application Instructions & FAQ

The Intercollegiate College of Nursing is privileged to award numerous endowed scholarships given by donors committed to the education of professional nurses. These funds are separate, both in application and awarding, from Washington State University scholarships. You are invited and encouraged to apply for a College of Nursing scholarship if you are currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at the Intercollegiate College of Nursing and have financial need.

To apply for a scholarship:

• Read the FAQ below; it will answer many questions.

• Print the entire application form and complete it using block print or typewriter. Illegible applications will not be considered.

• Write a personal mission statement describing your career goals. This essay should not exceed 200-250 words (approximately 20-25 lines).  It may be double or single-spaced.

• Obtain one (1) Letter of Recommendation from a College of Nursing instructor or from someone outside the College who can assess your commitment to nursing and your scholarly capabilities.  The letter must be written during the year in which you are submitting your scholarship application and it must be returned to us in a sealed envelope.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should I ask if I have questions about the scholarships or the application process?

The Academic Affairs office can answer some questions, as well as the faculty Scholarship Committee representatives.  The list of committee members should be available in Academic Affairs or ask your advisor for their names.

Where do I find information about qualifications for these scholarships?

After the submission deadline, the Committee will screen your completed application and consider you for all scholarships for which you qualify.  Every question on the application assists us in this screening process.  If you choose not to complete all questions, you may not be considered for all scholarships. For selected scholarships, you may be contacted for further information.

Who should I ask for a letter of reference?

It is desirable to obtain a letter of reference from a College of Nursing faculty member if you are a currently enrolled student.  Another person (not a family member) who can attest to your commitment to the nursing profession, character, and financial need may also be asked.  The letter must be written during the year in which you are applying for a scholarship and must be turned in to Academic Affairs in a sealed envelope.  It is wise to provide an envelope when you ask someone for a reference.

When and how do I hear about the scholarship awards?

Generally, you are notified within six weeks after the application deadline about whether or not you are awarded a scholarship.  The letters are placed in student mailboxes at the College or sent to the address that the Academic Affairs office has on file for you.  Please be certain your address is current.

Do I get the money directly?

The awards are not given to you directly, but are directed to your student account where they are applied to your tuition and fees for the next semester.

What if I already have student aid?  Can I still get a scholarship?

Yes!  But you need to be aware that your financial aid status can be affected by the receipt of any College of Nursing scholarships.  We have no control over this allocation.  The WSU Office of Financial Aid can provide more information.  If you discover that a nursing scholarship negatively impacts your financial aid, it is always your prerogative to decline the scholarship. Just contact us.

Are all scholarships based on financial need?

Criteria for most scholarships include an element of "financial need."  Other considerations include leadership, commitment to the profession of nursing, and academic merit.  There are specific scholarships targeted to those who demonstrate significant financial need but are not "needy" enough to qualify for federal and state grants.  Pay close attention to the special circumstances section of the financial information form and consider writing a brief statement.  The more the committee knows about you, the more informed our decision will be!

Who makes the decisions about scholarship awards?

A committee comprised of College of Nursing faculty and a representative from among the College's alumni collaborate on the selections of the recipients.

Do I have to attend the Scholarship Award Ceremony?

The College holds an award ceremony once a year.  You are expected to attend this ceremony.  We like for you to meet the person(s) responsible for your award, and to have your selection honored in this public ceremony.  Exceptions to attendance can be made in special circumstances.

What happens to the material I provide the committee?

All applications are retained for a minimum of six years as required by WSU's retention policies. They are not kept in your permanent academic file; they are filed separately.