Tag: University of Louisville online

RN-to-BSN Program’s Revised Curriculum Results in Cost Savings

RN-to-BSN Program’s Revised Curriculum Results in Cost Savings

By |

Saving future nursing students nearly $5,000 is one benefit of the University of Louisville School of Nursing’s revamped RN-to-BSN online program that reflects the evolving nature of health care. Some courses have been restructured and others, such as population health and nursing leadership and health policy, are new to the program.

“In Kentucky, only 33 percent of the nursing workforce is baccalaureate-prepared. The Institute of Medicine has recommended that 80 percent of nurses receive a bachelor’s degree by the year 2020,”said Marcia J. Hern, Ed.D., CNS, RN, dean, UofL School of Nursing. “It is well documented that baccalaureate–prepared nurses have decreased patient deaths and better outcomes in caring for patients with complex diseases.”

The online RN-to-BSN program provides a flexible, cost-effective opportunity for nurses with an associate’s degree or a nursing diploma to earn a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing at their own pace. Students can finish the program in as few as 16 months, although they may take more time if needed.

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the RN-to-BSN program requires 31 core credits plus 30 portfolio credits. The portfolio consists of a resume, goal statement, professional development documentation, and other materials to support practice as a professional nurse. These 30 tuition-free credit hours count toward graduation requirements – a value of more than $14,000 in tuition costs.

“The affordability and convenience of the online education platform combined with the strong support of award-winning faculty and access to all university support services makes the online RN-to-BSN program ideal for nurses seeking a baccalaureate degree,” Hern said.

There’s still time to apply for this summer! In addition, July 1 is the application deadline for fall classes, along with December 1 for spring classes.

Learn more about UofL’s 100% online RN-to-BSN program here.

Financial Aid: Getting Started Guide

Financial Aid: Getting Started Guide

By |

We know the cost of education is one of the most important considerations when deciding where to pursue a degree. The University of Louisville is committed to ensuring you’re knowledgeable about all of your financial aid options. That’s why the university created Start to Finish, a collection of all the information you’ll need to simplify the financial aid process and make earning a degree affordable for your family.

The information below answers some of the basic questions about financial aid, but you can always visit our website to learn more about online tuition and financial aid.

Eligibility Requirements

General eligibility requirements for Federal Student Aid include:

  • Must be admitted to the college and enrolled in a degree-granting program (visiting students and students in non-degree/graduate certificate programs are not eligible)
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident
  • Must be enrolled at least half time (for loans and state grant aid)
  • Must not be in default on any prior student loan or owe a refund on a federal grant
  • Must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year

FAFSA Submission

The cornerstone of the financial aid process is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Complete the FAFSA online to determine your eligibility for need-based federal student aid. The UofL school code you’ll need when filing the FAFSA is 001999.

Please note that international students are not eligible for federal financial aid, with some exceptions. To learn more about eligibility for international students, visit the U.S. Department of Education website.

To complete the FAFSA, make sure to have ready all of the following:

  • Social Security Number
  • Driver’s license number (if applicable)
  • Alien Registration Number (if not a U.S. citizen)
  • W-2 forms and other 2012 records of money earned
  • Federal income tax return (use estimates if not yet completed)
  • Information on savings & investments, and records of untaxed income

Note: Dependent students must provide all information for self and parents.
Independent students must provide all information for self and spouse, if married.

Application Verification

After the FAFSA has been submitted, the Financial Aid Office may contact the student if additional information is required for verification. The FAFSA is the application for all federal and state grants. Should a student require student loans, the FAFSA is the application for the Federal Stafford Loan Program as well.

Other tuition payment options

Applying for federal aid is a great option for tuition payment. However, there are several other options for covering the cost of earning a degree:

  • Military benefits. Visit http://louisville.edu/veterans or contact Carissa Gentry.
  • Employer tuition assistance. Ask your employer if this benefit is available.
  • Convenient payment plans. Make several payments throughout the semester.
  • If you attend KCTCS or Ivy Tech Community College (Sellersburg, IN), you may qualify for the Academic Transfer Scholarship. Visit the transfer services website for details.
  • You might also qualify for the Go Higher Grant, a need-based grant awarded to Kentucky residents age 24 or older. Visit the Go Higher Grant web site for application details and qualifications.
    • Other grant opportunities can be found at https://louisville.edu/financialaid/grants. This includes federal and state grant programs, designated to students working towards a first bachelor’s degree (eligibility based on FAFSA and school information).
  • Department Aid. Check with your program about additional scholarship opportunities.

UofL’s Office of Student Financial Aid is available to answer any questions you have about the financial aid process. Visit the financial aid web page or contact a financial aid counselor at 502.852.5511.

Students Chose: UofL’s online criminal justice program among the best

Students Chose: UofL’s online criminal justice program among the best

By |

image_miniGraduatePrograms.com has named University of Louisville one of the top online criminal justice schools, in a new ranking based on student reviews. The 100% online Master in Science in Justice Administration/Criminal Justice ranked 14th nationally, based solely on ratings and reviews from current or recent graduate students posted on the Graduate Programs website.

Program rankings, compiled using data gathered between September 1, 2012 and September 30, 2014, encompass reviews posted by more than 70,000 students participating in over 1,600 graduate programs nationwide. Ratings are based on a 10-star system (with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best).

According to GraduatePrograms.com, the rankings cover a variety of student topics, ranging from academic competitiveness and financial aid to career support and networking. Rankings are determined by calculating the average score for each program based on the 15 specified categories. No program is ranked until a minimum threshold of graduate student surveys is complete.

To learn more about the program at UofL, including scholarship opportunities, visit the online Justice Administration/Criminal Justice website.

Online Higher Ed. Administration program recognized nationally

Online Higher Ed. Administration program recognized nationally

By |

best-school-seal-2-150x150The University of Louisville’s online Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration program is the nation’s third best online education degree program, according to TheBestSchools.org.

The site ranked the top 25 programs, based on a combination of academic excellence, types of available classes, faculty strength, other rankings and reputation.

Among other areas, higher education professionals work in student affairs, academic affairs, fundraising, admissions, registrar, financial aid and advising services, while some degree seekers also work in management positions at nonprofit foundations, international associations and government agencies.

According to TheBestSchools.org, the Master in Higher Education degree “prepares graduates to solve the many challenging issues facing higher education institutions. These degree programs train higher education professionals to plan, oversee, and increase the effectiveness of higher education.”

In choosing the 100% online Higher Education Administration program at UofL, the site cited the university’s high research activity and accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

“The 100-percent online Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration 36-credit hour degree provides graduates with an opportunity to find careers in two-year and four-year colleges and universities,” the site noted. “Students can complete the degree program in as little as two years. The degree plan of study includes core coursework and an internship in a post-secondary education setting.”

The write-up also highlighted particular courses offered in the Higher Education Administration program, including Philosophy of Higher Education, The American College and University and Research Methods and Statistics.

To learn more about the program, including the full degree map and course descriptions, visit the Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration online.

RSS Unknown Feed

  • An error has occurred, which probably means the feed is down. Try again later.