The Nightingale Nursing Scholarship, funded in part through gifts from the Russell and Vera Smith Foundation, awards scholarships to high school students intending to pursue a major in nursing at Viterbo. Finalists will be selected from the applicant pool to participate in an on-campus competition. All competitors will receive a scholarship, including:

• 1st Place: $24,000 ($6,000 per year)
• 2nd Place: $16,000 ($4,000 per year)
• 3rd Place: $12,000 ($3,000 per year)
• 4th Place: $10,000 ($2,500 per year)
• 5th Place: $8,000 ($2,000 per year)
• All other places: $2,000 ($500 per year)

Scholarship Criteria

1. Must complete scholarship application by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025.
2. Must be admitted to Viterbo University prior to scholarship application deadline.
3. Must be a new, incoming first-year student for fall 2025.
4. Must intend to major in nursing.
5. Preference for selection of finalists includes a cumulative high school GPA of 3.50 or higher.

After all scholarship applications have been received, finalists will be selected and invited to compete in the on-campus competition taking place on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025. This competition will determine the scholarship amount awarded to each finalist. Finalists must compete in-person to be eligible for scholarship money. Overall evaluation of finalists at the competition may include, but is not limited to:

• Materials previously submitted, such as the application essay, resume, recommendations, and high school transcripts.
• Proctored exam and interviews on the day of the competition.

Scholarship Application

The scholarship application is found in the Viterbo application portal (see link below) and is accessible immediately after submission of your application for admission*. 

To find the scholarship application once logged into the application portal, click on your 2025 Fall - Nursing application. On the next screen, select Supplemental Items & Recommendations and complete the following:

1. Select the Nightingale Nursing Scholarship. You will then be asked to upload files for the following items:
   • A 500-word essay (double spaced, 12 pt., Times New Roman font) that answers the following questions: Why are you passionate about becoming a registered nurse? What have you done to prepare yourself for rigorous study at Viterbo University? What have you done to prepare yourself for a career in nursing? How would you benefit from this scholarship?
   • A resume (12 pt., Times New Roman font) that includes information about the following areas: extracurricular activities, volunteer and community service, and work experience. Please note hours and/or years of service and positions (especially leadership positions).
   • Note: Formatting and readability of the essay and resume will be considered during the application review process. Aside from the formatting mentioned above, no specific style is required. Documents should look professional. Please also include first and last name on all uploaded documents. 
2. Return to the Supplemental Items & Recommendations page. Scroll down to Recommendation Requests. You will then be asked to provide the names and email addresses for two different people to complete recommendations on your behalf. Each recommender will be sent an email with details on how they can complete their online recommendation, which must be received by Viterbo by the application deadline of Jan. 12, 2025.
   • The first recommender should be a teacher who can address your academic strengths and potential to succeed in a rigorous academic program.
   • The second recommender should be a non-family member/non-teacher who can address your personal character.

*Students applying to Viterbo via the Common App will have a delay in access to the application. An email will be sent to the student with instructions on how to access the Viterbo application portal. 

Click Here to Access the Viterbo Application Portal

Scholarship Dates

Aug. 1, 2024: the scholarship application will be available no later than Aug. 1

Jan. 12, 2025: to be reviewed for eligibility, students should be admitted to Viterbo and have submitted the scholarship application along with required supplemental items by 11:59 p.m.

Jan. 24, 2025: applicants will be notified via email that they have been selected as a finalist no later than Jan. 24

Jan. 31, 2025: deadline for selected finalists to RVSP for competition day (RSVP link provided in email)

Feb. 7, 2025: live, in-person competition for invited finalists

Competition Day Details

(Tentative/subject to change)

Parents/supporters are encouraged to attend. Reserved parking will be available in campus Lot A, near the Fine Arts Center. A campus map can be found here.

Contact the admissions office with any questions about the application process or on-campus competition at admission@viterbo.edu or 608-796-3010.