Frequently Asked Questions

Graduate Student

Admissions  |  Finances/Financial Aid

Admissions
Do you have an admissions deadline since you offer rolling admissions?
		The deadline for Spring applications is December 1 and the deadline for Fall admissions is August 1.  The student applicant must submit a completed application by that date.  A student who applied earlier needs to be sure their application folder is complete by that date.
How do I apply as a Post Masters Student?
		Post Masters students apply to the  School of Nursing using the regular graduate application.  They will be required to include three letters of recommendation in addition to an official transcript and copy of their RN license.  You do not have to submit GRE scores. The graduate application has a special category box for Certificate students on the regular application so be sure to mark it.
How does the School of Nursing graduate program rank?
		The School of Nursing receives a plaque each year from the US News and World Report Graduate Rankings in recognition of our ranking in the Top 50 Schools of Nursing.  We were ranked 39th in 2005 and our Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program continues to rank #10.  These rankings are conducted every 2 years.
Can I apply as a non degree student and just take some graduate classes?
		The SON does allow students to apply as a non degree student using the Non Degree Application on the admissions website.   You only need to complete the application, submit an official transcript, application fee and copy of RN license. When you are accepted as a non degree student, you are ineligible for financial aid.  You can take as many as 9 credits in this admission classification and then will have to apply as a Regular Admit Student using the Graduate Application.
Does the School of Nursing offer any online graduate courses?
		The School of Nursing offers web enhanced courses. Many of our courses have online components. We are exploring the possibility of offering more online courses in the future.
Does CUA have a minimum GPA or GRE scores that they will accept?
		The School of Nursing looks at each graduate application individually on its own merits. We look at a total picture of the prospective student. Usually we like to see a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and graduate GPA of 3.5 for graduate and doctoral students respectively. There is no minimum GPA score. We do not deny admission based solely on GRE score.
Finances/Financial Aid
How can I finance my nursing education?
		There are several sources of funding a graduate education. The Office of Financial Aid has information on student loan programs and filing the annual FAFSA form. The School of Nursing has a separate application for scholarship programs that they administer. Finally the website has a long list of outside financial resources for students to explore on their own to locate other sources of scholarship monies. Students are also encouraged to discuss their unmet need for educational funds with their employers and Human Resource Departments.
How do I apply for financial aid after being accepted?How do I apply for financial aid after being accepted?
		Newly admitted students are eligible for financial aid if they are accepted as a regular admit student.  If you have been admitted provisional or non degree, you are ineligible until you have applied, been reviewed and accepted as a regular admit student.  You will receive a letter in January each year outlining the financial aid process.  The three requirements,  file a FAFSA, have a GRE score report, and submit a Graduate Scholarship form online must be completed by Feb. 15.  The scholarship form is available on the nursing home page under Financial Information.  The Scholarship Committee meets each year in March and makes decisions by April.