New fully funded BSN opportunity Tuition, fees covered for qualifying students
The new UTHealth Houston Future Nurses Fund will provide free in-state tuition and fees to qualifying students enrolled in the state’s top Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Cizik School of Nursing.
Beginning in the 2026 spring semester, UTHealth Houston will provide grants supplementing other financial aid and scholarships to provide a full ride for Texans enrolled in the Pacesetter accelerated BSN program who earn less than $100,000 annually in adjusted gross income. The grants will be available to current and newly accepted nursing students.
“The Future Nurses Fund will help address the nursing shortage by providing needed financial assistance so students can attend Cizik School of Nursing, the No. 1 BSN program in state,” said Dean Diane Santa Maria, DrPH, MSN, RN, ACRN, PHNA-BC, FAAN. “We anticipate that at least a third of our undergraduate students will benefit from these grants, which will open doors to higher education for many future nurses.”
The Future Nurses Fund will supplement other forms of financial aid, such as scholarships and grants awarded by UTHealth Houston or state/federal government programs. Grants from the fund will be applied after other financial aid so that all tuition and mandatory fees are covered for qualifying students.
"At UTHealth Houston, we are committed to removing financial barriers for students pursuing their dreams of becoming health professionals,” said LaTanya J. Love, MD, UTHealth Houston interim president and Alkek-Williams Distinguished Chair. “The Future Nurses Fund reflects our dedication to expanding access to top-tier education and addressing the critical nursing shortage in Texas. By providing full tuition support to qualifying students, we are empowering the next generation of compassionate, highly skilled nurses who will strengthen health care across our communities.”
Grants will automatically be awarded to current and newly accepted students who meet the qualifications. A separate application is not required, and the grants will be available for four consecutive semesters to full-time students who continue to meet academic requirements.
To qualify for the Future Nurses Fund, a new student must:
- 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.
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.
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 Sept. 15, 2025, for the Spring 2026 semester.
The school’s BSN program is ranked No. 1 in Texas and in the top 4% nationally, according to the 2025 U.S. News Best College publication.
Get all the details on the Pacesetter BSN program and the Future’s Nurses Fund.
