Introduction to the UTHealth Houston Future Nurses Fund
The Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston is launching a new initiative to address the nursing shortage in Texas. The UTHealth Houston Future Nurses Fund is a tuition-free program for qualifying students in the top-ranked accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. This program aims to remove financial barriers and provide opportunities for Texans to pursue a career in nursing.
How the Future Nurses Fund Works
The Future Nurses Fund will fully cover in-state tuition and fees for Texans earning under $100,000. The program will provide grants that supplement other financial aid and scholarships, ensuring a full ride for Texans enrolled in the Pacesetter accelerated BSN program. These grants will be available to both current and newly accepted nursing students.
Benefits of the Future Nurses Fund
The Future Nurses Fund will help address the nursing shortage by providing needed financial assistance to students. At least a third of undergraduate students are expected to benefit from these grants, which will open doors to higher education for many future nurses. The fund will supplement other forms of financial aid, such as scholarships and grants awarded by UTHealth Houston or state and federal government programs.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Future Nurses Fund, new students must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Texas resident
- Not have previously earned a bachelor’s degree in any field
- Add the UTHealth Houston code (013956) to their completed FAFSA form
- Have an annual adjusted gross income not exceeding $100,000
- Enroll full-time in Cizik School of Nursing’s Pacesetter accelerated BSN program
Requirements for Current Students
Current students receiving grants must:
- Maintain Texas residency and a GPA of 2.5
- Remain full-time and on track in the Pacesetter BSN program
- Remain in good academic standing
Application Process
Cizik School of Nursing accepts new students to the 15-month Pacesetter accelerated BSN program each spring, fall, and summer semester. Applications are now being accepted through September 15, 2025, for the spring 2026 semester.
Conclusion
The UTHealth Houston Future Nurses Fund is a significant step towards addressing the nursing shortage in Texas. By providing tuition-free education to qualifying students, the program aims to increase the number of nurses in the state and improve healthcare outcomes. With its generous grants and eligibility requirements, the Future Nurses Fund is an excellent opportunity for Texans to pursue a career in nursing and make a positive impact in their communities.
