Loans

The purpose of the “Norman W. Smith Educational Loan Trust” is to provide loans to students of Berkeley County, WV who are pursuing a minimum of a B.S. degree in the field of ministry or medicine (including nursing, pharmacy and dentistry). While priority will be given to Berkeley County, Morgan and Jefferson Counties can also be considered if resources permit. Loans are awarded on a semester basis by a selection committee consisting of four residents of Berkeley County. Members are from the Berkeley County Medical Society, Berkeley County Board of Education, Berkeley County Ministerial Assoc. and Shepherd College. Completed applications must be received for the fall semester by April 15th and the spring semester by September 15th. Applications may be obtained in the HSC Financial Aid Office, or by calling the Trust Department of Huntington National Bank (304) 348-4582. 

Federal loan program approved under Public Law 100-607. NSL provides limited loan funds to participating institutions. The maximum award for Nursing Student Loans is $3,300 for any academic year and $5,200 for each of the final two years of study. The interest rate is 5%. No interest accrues during the in-school period or during the 9-month grace period following graduation. Loans are restricted to students who 1) are citizens or nationals of the United States, 2) are enrolled or accepted for enrollment at least half time and 3) demonstrate financial need by completing the FAFSA. Preference is given to full time students with “exceptional need.” Must file FAFSA by March 1. Parental information is required regardless of dependency status.

The West Virginia Center for Nursing (WVCFN) and the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC) provides a range of scholarship/loan opportunities to assist current and future West Virginia nursing professionals and their education.  Learn More