Providence Scholars Program FAQ's for Continuing Students

1. What is the Providence Scholars Program?

The Providence Scholars Program, a partnership between Oregon Providence Health & Services (PH&S) and University of Portland. Providence Scholars receive tuition assistance in the junior and senior years of their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. A UP Grant of 25% coupled with assistance from PH&S gives students tuition coverage of just over 80%. This includes 100% coverage of professional fees. The student will sign a three-year, full-time employment agreement with PH&S in exchange for the tuition coverage. This is a loan forgiveness program, there will be a tax obligation on these funds.

2. What are the eligibility requirements to be a Providence Scholar?

• Current University of Portland School of Nursing & Health Innovations BSN students entering the junior level nursing courses the following fall semester are eligible to apply for the Providence Scholars Program.
• Applicants must have a minimum cumulative 3.25 GPA and cumulative 3.25 science GPA for required science courses at the time of application.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application
• Recipients commit to a three year, full-time employment agreement with PH&S

3. What is the application process?

The application process includes:

• Completion of a Providence Scholars Program application
  • Description of previous leadership, community service and health care work experience
  • 500-word essay based on the mission statement of PH&S
• Submission of three references
• Selected applicants will be required to participate in a one-on-one interview

4.  When is the Providence Scholars Program application due?

For continuing BSN students who will begin junior nursing courses in Fall 2024, the electronic application and corresponding materials must be submitted by January 15, 2024 to be considered.

5.  As a Providence Scholar, will I be able to choose the hospital and clinical area where I want to work?

There is a chance that you will not be placed at a facility or nursing unit of your choice. Clinical placement will be based on facility needs throughout Oregon. These facilities include: Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital, Providence Medford Medical Center, Providence Milwaukie Hospital, Providence Newberg Hospital, Providence Portland Medical Center, Providence Seaside Hospital, Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center, the Center for Medically Fragile Children in Portland, and the Benedictine Nursing Center in Mt. Angel.

Attempts will be made to meet your location preference; however, facility needs must be met first. You may be asked to move out of the Portland area.

6. If accepted as a Providence Scholar, what is my obligation?

Upon graduation, Providence Scholars have a consecutive, three-year, full-time employment commitment to PH&S within Oregon. You also commit to working at your position of initial employment for 18 months.

7. What is the selection process for the Providence Scholars?

The University of Portland School of Nursing processes applications. In the screening process the following factors are considered: academics; leadership; community service; work experience; an existing relationship with PH&S as an employee or immediate relative of an employee; University of Portland 4-year student; three references, and an essay.

Applicants that meet the screening criteria are interviewed to assess potential fit as a PH&S employee.

8. Will the Providence Scholars Program pay for pre-requisites to get into the nursing program at the University of Portland?

No. Prerequisite course fees are the responsibility of the Providence Scholar.

9. Will the Providence Scholars Program pay for a double-major, room and board, books, or equipment?

No. The Providence Scholars Program award only covers tuition fees for the required nursing curriculum.

10. What if I change my mind about nursing as a major or am unable to fulfill my employment contract? 

You will be required to pay back the amount loaned plus interest. You will sign a contract with PH&S that explains the payback arrangements if you are not able to fulfill your agreement.

11. Do I have to pay taxes on this scholarship?

Yes. Technically, the Providence Scholars Program is a loan forgiveness agreement. Income taxes will need to be paid because the loan is forgiven when you start working at PH&S. Your loan forgiveness will be calculated into equal installments (over 3 years) and tax will be assessed on those funds. For more specific advice, check with your tax advisor.

12. Do I need to show financial need to qualify?

No. This is a merit-based award.

13. Am I eligible for other financial aid if I receive a Providence Scholar award? 

You may be eligible for federal and state aid (including grants and loans) as long as you file a FAFSA; however, the Providence Scholars Award replaces any previously awarded University of Portland aid (this includes merit scholarships and institutional grants). For questions or further information, contact the Office of Financial Aid. Note: The Office of Financial Aid recommends that you complete the FAFSA by October 1; however, completion of the FAFSA is not required to receive the Providence Scholars Award.

14. Are PH&S employees who are interested in getting a baccalaureate or master's in nursing degree eligible to be Providence Scholars?

Not at this time. However, there is a 30% reduction in tuition for nursing programs at University of Portland for PH&S employees who work 32 hours per week. Providence has other programs to assist nurses to obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Contact the Providence Scholars Program Liaison for more information.

15. Is the Providence Scholars available for other schools besides the University of Portland?

No. The Providence Scholars Program is between the University of Portland and PH&S only.

16. If I miss the application deadline or am not selected to be Providence Scholar at the beginning of my junior year, can I apply at a later time when I am a student in the nursing program?

No. Continuing students may only apply if they are entering the junior year. The Providence Scholars Program is not available to students enrolled in their junior or senior years of the program.

17. What if I want to travel or need to attend to personal business after graduation? Do I need to begin my employment directly after graduation?

It is expected that you will pass the NCLEX-RN examination and be ready for employment no later than 60 days after graduation. Special extenuating circumstances require negotiation with PH&S.

18. Will I only have clinical experience and clinical rotations at PH&S facilities?

No. As a Providence Scholar, you will also have clinical experiences in other facilities. Your senior practicum or capstone clinical will be performed at a Providence facility.

19. What if I have further questions regarding the Providence Scholars Program?

For more information, contact the University of Portland School of Nursing & Health Innovations at 503.943.7211 or nursing@up.edu.