Nursing Student Loan

The Federal Nursing Student Loan (NSL) is a low-interest, need-based loan for eligible undergraduate and graduate nursing students.

Texas Woman’s University is the lender. Awards are made from a limited revolving loan fund, so meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee that a student will receive an NSL.

Eligibility

To be considered for an NSL, a student must:

• Be admitted to the upper-division TWU undergraduate nursing program or an eligible TWU graduate nursing degree program;
• Be enrolled at least half-time—six credit hours for undergraduate students or five credit hours for graduate students;
• Meet the federal NSL citizenship and residency requirements, generally as a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, or another status permitted under federal NSL regulations;
• Demonstrate financial need based on the FAFSA and any other required documentation; and
• Remain in good academic standing.

Undergraduate nursing students

At TWU, undergraduate students must complete lower-division prerequisite courses before being admitted to the BSN program. Pre-nursing students who are still completing these prerequisites are not eligible for the Nursing Student Loan (NSL). Undergraduate NSL eligibility is limited to juniors and seniors who have been admitted to an eligible BSN program.

2026–27 maximum loan amounts

TWU Financial Aid will determine which annual limit applies to a graduate student based on the structure of the student’s degree program and remaining academic requirements.

The maximum total amount a student may borrow through the Nursing Student Loan program is $30,527. This aggregate limit includes NSL funds previously received at TWU or another institution.

A student’s actual award may be lower based on:

• Financial need;
• Cost of attendance;
• The student’s year in the nursing program;
• Other financial assistance;
• Previous NSL borrowing; and
• The availability of TWU NSL funds.

Loan limits are established by the Health Resources and Services Administration and may change annually. Review the HRSA Nursing Student Loan limits for additional information.

Loan terms

• The interest rate is fixed at 5%.
• Interest does not accrue, and payments are not required, while the borrower remains enrolled at least half-time in an eligible nursing program.
• A nine-month grace period begins after the borrower graduates, withdraws, changes to an ineligible program, or drops below half-time enrollment.
• Interest does not accrue, and payments are not required, during the nine-month grace period.
• Repayment begins after the grace period and generally continues for up to 10 years.
• Eligible borrowers may qualify for deferment or forbearance under certain circumstances.
• The loan may be repaid early without penalty.
• NSL entrance counseling and MPN must be completed each academic year prior to receiving the loan with ECSI.
• Exit counseling is required when a borrower graduates, withdraws, or drops below half-time enrollment.

Applying for the loan

Students must submit the FAFSA for the applicable award year in order to determine financial need.

Because funding is limited, an NSL is not automatically offered to every eligible student. Students who believe they meet the requirements and would like to be considered should contact TWU Financial Aid.

Students who are offered an NSL must accept the loan and complete all required promissory-note, disclosure, and entrance-counseling requirements before the funds can be disbursed.

Loan servicing and repayment

Texas Woman’s University is the lender for the Nursing Student Loan. TWU uses ECSI for billing and loan-servicing services.

Borrowers may visit the ECSI website to access their accounts, make payments, and obtain forms. Questions about billing, payments, deferment, or forbearance may be directed to ECSI at 888-549-3274.

Questions about NSL eligibility, awards, or disbursement should be directed to TWU Financial Aid.

Page last updated 12:51 PM, September 2, 2026