UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing has joined Scholars Network, a national workforce model that connects students with healthcare employers offering substantial student loan repayment support in exchange for a post-graduation employment commitment.
The model is designed to create direct, lower-debt pathways into high-need clinical careers. Universities deliver academic and clinical training, while employers provide loan repayment funding, mentorship and a direct line to employment. As a result, students can pursue and complete their education with significantly less debt, while entering the workforce in roles that are aligned with health system needs.
Participating healthcare providers in Pennsylvania currently include WellSpan Health, The Guthrie Clinic, Penn Medicine, Titusville Area Hospital, Temple Health and Penn Highlands, with more employers expected to join. The network also offers additional opportunities in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, Michigan and North Carolina.
“Higher education and healthcare are facing a shared challenge: how to prepare the next generation of clinicians without placing unsustainable financial burdens on students,” said Sam Maron, founder of Scholars Network. “This partnership with Penn State reflects a forward-thinking approach that connects education directly to employment, reduces student debt and helps health systems build the workforce they urgently need.”
Students in the college’s bachelor of science in nursing program can apply to work at a participating health system within the network. Those accepted receive loan repayment support once they begin their employment.
“The Nese College of Nursing prepares nurses to care for communities across Pennsylvania and beyond,” said Laurie Badzek, dean of the college. “Through Scholars Network, our students can connect their education and clinical training with employment opportunities and financial support.”
Students interested in the program can learn more and apply at the Scholars Network website.
About Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing is one of the largest educators of pre-licensure nursing students in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The college's accredited degree programs serve undergraduate and graduate students across multiple campuses alongside online certification and continuing education opportunities. The college is positioned to lead the next generation of nurses and nurse scientists while enhancing the health of all people through quality care and education.
About Scholars Network
Leveraging proprietary technology and a national network of university partnerships, Scholars Network, operated by Noodle, partners with health systems, combining clinical and higher education expertise to solve some of healthcare’s biggest challenges: recruitment, retention and upskilling of talent. Scholars Network’s dedicated team is there throughout, helping to support each student through their recruitment, enrollment, education and employment.