Applicants must complete and submit the online graduate application for admission to Southwestern Adventist University.

Domestic Applicants

Domestic applicants must submit official transcripts for each college or university attended, both undergraduate and graduate. Original transcripts from each institution must be submitted, even if coursework is listed on another school’s transcript.

International Applicants

International applicants are required to submit a transcript evaluation prepared by WES.org. Please request a WES ICAP evaluation to be sent directly to SWAU Admissions. For additional information, visit the International Admissions page.

• Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale across all prior college coursework, including nursing coursework.
• A current, unencumbered U.S. RN license is required for participation in any clinical or professional immersion experiences.

Applicants must submit written recommendations from two individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s professional ability, personal character, and readiness for graduate study. Recommendation letters should address the following areas:

• Interest in and commitment to nursing education and leadership
• Professional engagement as a nurse, including increasing responsibility, accountability, teaching potential, and scholarship
• Civic, volunteer, or leadership involvement

Applicants must submit a current resume and a cover letter. These documents should describe professional nursing experience, leadership roles, scholarly engagement, and community or volunteer involvement, as well as the applicant’s commitment to successful completion of the MSN program.

Breakdown of MSN Program Expenses
 

Financial Support:

To determine eligibility for a scholarship through SWAU for this program, you need to complete the following steps:

• Submit the current Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
  • Southwestern Adventist University code: 003619
  • Under the umbrella of FAFSA, you may qualify for federal loans
• Submit the previous year’s Federal Tax Return through your Self Service Portal.

Federal Student Loans: Funds that you borrow and must be paid with interest.

Scholarships and Educational Assistance

A SWAU-based Scholarship is available through the AWARDED platform to MSN students who demonstrate the following:

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Financial Need
2. Academic Achievement
3. Commitment to the Nursing Profession
4. Promise in Nursing Education and Leadership
5. Extracurricular Engagement

Scholarship Application Process:

1. Create a login with your SWAU Identification number and SWAU email (received upon completion of the application and instructions provided).
2. Submit the required documentation. 

Scholarship application deadline:  July 1 (fall semester) and October 1 (spring semester)
Award Notification: approximately 15-30 days post deadline.

Other Tuition Support Options include:

GUILD
We partner with GUILD, a Direct Pay Provider for tuition. If your employer offers tuition assistance as an employee benefit, we encourage prospective students to explore tuition reimbursement opportunities with their employer or HR department.

NLN (National League for Nursing)      
This is one organization among many that may have scholarship opportunities that are applicable: https://www.nln.org/nln-foundation/foundationoverview/nursing-education-scholarship-awards 

We accept tuition assistance from various organizations. Additionally, there are scholarship opportunities available from different entities.

Students with previous military experience may be eligible for certain benefits. Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) records center and obtain a certificate of eligibility before school begins. Bring the certification to the SWAU Department of Records. After registration, notification of enrollment will be sent to the VA. 

If you're a veteran who qualifies for full benefits under the Veterans Administration Post-9/11 GI Bill®, the VA will cover the full cost of your tuition. You may also receive a housing allowance and money to purchase textbooks and class materials. 

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available on the official U.S. government Website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Steps for Receiving VA Benefits 

• Step 1. Complete application via VONAPP at www.gibill.va.gov. 
• Step 2. Submit the following: VA Certificate of Eligibility and DD-214 (either your own or the person who is transferring the benefits to you). 
• Step 3. Register for classes. 
• Step 4. SWAU will certify your enrollment via the VA-ONCE online system. 
• Step 5. VA is responsible for processing certification and disbursing funds. Please note: VA processing may take over 30 days. 

Education Programs for Veterans 

A comprehensive comparison can be found on the GI Bill website. 
Refer to the Guide to Online Military Student Resources for more information. 
This scholarship supports MSN in Nursing Education students who demonstrate the following:

External Scholarships – nln.org- Students dedicated in excellence of Nursing can find various Scholarships that will benefit to continue their education. 
External Loans: elmselect- is an external platform that provides loan options for students who need additional funding to complete their education.

Through this platform, you will find various loan options to choose from, tailored to fit your financial situations and needs.