DNP Admissions & Aid

1. Click the “Apply” link at www.nursingcas.org
2. Create an account and login to your secure NursingCAS online application. When creating your account, be sure to click “Yes” to the question, “Are you applying to a graduate level program in nursing?”
3. When logged in, complete all items on the Application Checklist as directed by NursingCAS.
   • Complete all sections of the NursingCAS application as directed
   • Request transcripts from ALL colleges attended to be sent to NursingCAS using transcript request forms that can be downloaded from NursingCAS
   • Answer program-specific questions (Questions tab)
   • Submit a writing sample of approximately 1-2 pages as directed (Documents tab)
   • Request at least two references as directed (References tab)
   • For applicants who have already attained licensure as an RN, please submit this information in the Licensure and Certification section of Supporting Information.
4. Be sure to designate Belmont University in the Designations Section of the application. 
5. Following a preliminary review of the completed application file, the Admissions Committee will make a decision on your application within two weeks. Candidates will be invited to interview prior to receiving a final admission decision. 

Applicants must have proof of a current RN license from their state of residence and/or practice. A Tennessee RN license or a license from a state that is in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is required for clinical experiences in Tennessee. Applicants will be asked to submit a personal statement that elaborates on their career aspirations upon receiving their DNP, along with initial ideas for their scholarly project. 

For Family Nurse Practitioner DNP or Leadership & Innovation DNP: 

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or Master’s Entry MSN from a nationally accredited baccalaureate-granting institution 
• A minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA 
• Two evaluation forms from faculty members, professional references, doctorally prepared nurses or health professionals 
• Interview with program faculty  

For Post-Master's DNP: 

• A master's degree in the field of nursing (MSN*) from a nationally accredited nursing program or a master's degree in a health-related field. This includes (but is not limited to) an MPH, MHI, MHA or MBA  
• A minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA 
• Two evaluation forms from faculty members, professional references, doctorally prepared nurses or health professionals 
• Interview with program faculty by invitation

Following acceptance, you must complete the requirements below before you register for courses:

• $500 non-refundable enrollment deposit by a specific deadline after acceptance, applied to your first semester’s tuition 
• Final official transcript of coursework that was in progress at the time of your application. Official transcripts should be sent to: 
  
  Belmont University
  Office of Admissions
  1900 Belmont Blvd
  Nashville TN 37212-3757
  
  Official electronic transcripts can be accepted, and must be sent through a secure third party (i.e. Student Clearinghouse, or Parchment). Request them be sent to: admissions@belmont.edu. 
• Documentation of licensure or certification information, as requested 
• A background check, as directed by the College of Nursing, with favorable results 
• Required immunizations 
• Proof of health insurance coverage or enrollment in Belmont's Student Health Insurance Program.

The Belmont Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) offers loan forgiveness for DNP graduates who commit to a full-time faculty role after graduation. The program forgives 85% of loans over four years of full-time teaching service at any nationally accredited school of nursing.  

Between March and June of each year, admitted and prospective students who have started an application in NursingCAS will receive email communications regarding NFLP, including a link to the online application. 

Timeline:  

• File your the FAFSA by the December 1 priority deadline
• NFLP Application opens in March
• Priority NFLP Application Deadline: June 1
• Students will be notified of awards by August 1

The Belmont DNP Graduate Assistant position is an opportunity for incoming DNP students to gain hands-on experience while supporting key initiatives within the Inman College of Nursing (ICON). This role requires a commitment of 10-20 hours per week of in-person availability to work on various ICON initiatives through the Dean's office.

Application

• Priority Application Deadline: June 1

Benefits

• 10 hours/week: 50% tuition reduction
• 20 hours/week: 100% tuition reduction

Reporting & Renewal

• Reports directly to the Dean of ICON.
• Renewable each year of enrollment at the Dean’s discretion.

This position provides a unique opportunity for DNP students to engage in nursing leadership, innovation, and administrative functions while receiving significant tuition support.

Contact us for more information

Belmont University is known for being a top school for Veterans.  

Ranked as a Military Friendly® School for ten consecutive years, Belmont University received a Gold designation in 2024-2025. Belmont was recognized for culture and commitment, graduation and career, and military support and retention. 

Let us help you make the most of your Post-9/11 GI Bill ® and Yellow Ribbon Benefits!

Learn more about Military & Veterans Benefits

Belmont offers a limited number of scholarships to new Doctor of Nursing Practice students. Students who apply by June 1 are automatically considered for these scholarships.

DNP students may be eligible for Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loans, grants, scholarships, graduate assistantships, military benefits, or the Nurse Faculty Loan program.

To determine your eligibility for any financial aid, graduate students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available online and should be completed each year. Complete and submit the FAFSA by the priority date of December 1. 

File your FAFSA

View our FAFSA Guide

Unfortunately, the online modality of our program does not meet the standards for an F-1 visa, so we are unable to accept students in need of a student visa.

No! BSN-prepared applicants are eligible for two tracks: our Family Nurse Practitioner DNP and our Leadership & Innovation DNP.

We can accept up to 20 credits for coursework completed in a previous Master’s or Doctoral program, often even if that degree was in a discipline other than Nursing. (Note: Many schools only accept up to 6 credits for transfer!) 

Here are some examples: 

• An applicant with a BSN and MBA could apply to our Post-Master’s track and transfer coursework that meets the criteria to substitute for courses like Health Care Finance and Leadership & Management. 
  • Similarly, that same student might choose to apply for the Family Nurse Practitioner or Leadership & Innovation track. This would take a little longer, but pertinent credits will still transfer.  
• An applicant who started but did not complete an MSN or DNP at another school could transfer to Belmont without getting too far off track.  
• A Belmont BSN alum who took Jump Start courses will automatically receive transfer credit for that coursework, so long as they took the course less than 5 years ago. 

Transfer credits are awarded at the program’s discretion after careful evaluation of the applicant’s transcripts and syllabi. Incoming students will receive an official program of study that specifies which courses have been accepted for transfer credit after completion of the NursingCAS application. If you would like to have an informal, unofficial discussion about what that program of study might look like prior to completing the application, we would be happy for you to schedule a meeting. 

Schedule a meeting

No, but you’ll get an even better deal!  

Belmont loves its alumni, but we REALLY love nurses. To make advanced nursing education more accessible for all, Belmont started offering a significantly lowered DNP tuition rate in Fall of 2025. The new tuition results in an even lower tuition cost compared to the previous alumni discount or any other partnership discounts, and the great news is that it is available to all applicants.  

Yes. The Nurse Faculty Loan Program is a federal aid program and therefore requires a FAFSA to confirm eligibility. Each July, Belmont reviews applications from students requesting the NFLP award, and applicants are only eligible if they have completed a FAFSA. Complete and submit the FAFSA by the priority date of December 1. 

File your FAFSA

View our FAFSA Guide