Graduates of Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s nursing program have a new opportunity for both guaranteed employment and tuition loan repayment.
IUP has partnered with Scholars Network, a private healthcare talent recruitment and loan repayment platform, to help connect qualified healthcare graduates with partner institutions.
As part of the partnership, IUP nursing graduates who apply to and are accepted by one of the employers within the network will receive guaranteed employment and loan repayment.
“We’re excited to partner with Scholars Network to create more opportunities and financial support for our graduates as they begin their healthcare careers,” IUP Department of Nursing Chairperson Theresa Gropelli said. “This partnership helps to remove financial and logistical barriers for our students, empowering graduates to step confidently into meaningful roles where they can make a real impact. Addressing the healthcare workforce shortage will take long-term, collaborative solutions, and we are committed to being part of that effort,” she said.
The program is open to students who finance their studies through federal or private loans. Students would apply for a position with the participating healthcare institution before graduation. Once accepted for a position, students would commit to a scholar agreement, which guarantees a position and loan repayment upon graduation and licensure. Students would have the opportunity to participate in clinical rotations or internships at their future employment sites.
Annually, more than 125 nursing students graduate from IUP’s nursing program, which holds accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
IUP’s nursing graduates currently hold a 97 percent first-time passing rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. IUP’s rate reflects testing results from 2010 through 2020. IUP nursing graduates’ first-time passing rate exceeds the national rate of 88.56 percent (calculated for 2023 first-time test takers by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing) and the average Pennsylvania first-time pass rate for 2020 of 91 percent.
About Scholars Network
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. Noodle’s dedicated team is there throughout, helping to support each student through their recruitment, enrollment, education, and employment. For media inquiries, contact press@scholars-network.com.
Since its founding in 1875, IUP has evolved from a teacher-training institution into a doctoral research university recognized for its commitment to student success and achievement. As IUP celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2025 and through the Impact 150 comprehensive campaign, the university honors a legacy of educational excellence while looking to its next 150 years of student success, innovation, leadership in healthcare education, and public service.