College of Nursing Graduate Student Scholarships

The SDS Scholarship Program provides scholarships/ living expense stipends (up to ~$30,000 annually) to full-time nursing students from environmentally and/or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds, and have financial need (according to recent FAFSA application). The program’s goal is to increase the number of students in health professions to provide care in underserved areas and to underserved populations following completion of the student’s degree.

Funds are awarded to select, eligible full-time students who: (A) are from an educationally/environmentally disadvantaged background; (B) have filed a FAFSA form; and (C) are citizens/nationals of the United States. 

“Educationally / environmentally disadvantaged background” means an individual has experiences that have made it difficult to obtain knowledge, skills, and abilities required to enroll in and graduate from a health professions school. For example:

The individual is the first generation in his or her family to attend college;

English is not the individual’s primary language and language is still a barrier to academic performance;

The individual comes from a family that received public assistance (e.g., Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program, Medicaid, and/or public housing);

The individual graduated from a high school with low average SAT/ACT scores, or below average state test/Regents’ results, according to published data.

The individual graduated from a high school that had a low percentage of seniors receiving a high school diploma, according to published data.

The individual graduated from a high school that had a low percentage of graduates (<60%) who go to college during the first year after graduation, according to published data.

The individual graduated from a high school where many students (at least 30%) were eligible for free or reduced-price lunches; according to published data.

Examples of current published data supplied by the New York State Education Department can be accessed by dataset or district name.

No. You need to be enrolled in the standard program of study (i.e., standard academic “pathway”) for the summer, fall, and spring semesters in the year that you are applying for SDS funds. Students are NOT eligible to apply if expected graduation is in Summer or Fall semester of the year that the student is applying for SDS funds.

Yes, however you must reapply each year. Selection preference is not based upon prior award. Students with two-year programs of study will not be able to receive funding in multiple years as students are NOT eligible to apply if expected graduation falls after Summer or Fall semester.

No. There is not adequate financial need after a full tuition waiver.

Yes. Loans will usually be reduced by the SDS scholarship. Please check with a SUNY Downstate Financial Aid Counselor to confirm what happens to loans in your unique situation.

SDS funds are limited. Application is not a guarantee of award. Eligible applicants will have their applications reviewed by the scholarship committee in August/September. Awardees will be notified in October. Awards will be posted to your account in two divided disbursements (Fall and Spring). Students who apply must pay for Summer semester, as awards are not dispersed until Fall semester.