Frequently Asked Questions About the Academic Investment Program
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Frequently Asked Questions

Please review the below frequently asked questions for more information about the Academic Investment Program. Still have questions? Contact our admissions team at Admissions@MethodistCol.edu to learn more.

 What is the Academic Investment Program?
 The Academic Investment Program offers the opportunity for eligible nursing students to step into a rewarding career without out-of-pocket tuition expenses. It will provide full coverage of qualifying tuition, book expenses and other fees charged to your student ledger at Methodist College for students who commit to working at Carle Health for a minimum of two years (2.5 for graduate students) after graduation and/or completion of their licensure. 
 Why are Carle Health and Methodist College offering this program? 
 Carle Health and Methodist College are committed to creating access and pathways for interested individuals to experience fewer barriers when pursuing successful healthcare careers. The organizations are committed to investing in the success of students and future clinicians as part of the ongoing focus on creating better health outcomes for the people we serve. Like many communities across the nation, central Illinois continues to face challenges in maintaining healthcare expertise. Initiatives like the Academic Investment Program will create more opportunities for local community members. 
 Who is eligible?
 The program is open to current Carle Health team members in good standing and Methodist College students, and all other individuals eligible for admission to Methodist College Nursing programs. Students must be eligible for Carle Health employment after graduation. 
 What is the program structure?
 Qualified nursing students at Methodist College will have the opportunity to enter into a loan agreement with Carle Health to finance their tuition, book expenses and other fees charged to your student ledger. Carle Health will finance any expenses remaining after external financial support like scholarships or grants have been applied. Following graduation and completion of their licensure, the student loan will be repaid by Carle Health as the individual fulfills their work commitment in a relevant position. (A role requiring the clinical education or licensure received.)  
 What is the work commitment?
 Students receiving financial support will require, on average, one year of employment at Carle Health per year of financial support received, with a minimum two-year work commitment (2.5 years for Graduate Students). Each student’s work commitment will be tailored to their individual financial needs. Each student will work with the Methodist College Finance Team and Carle Health Human Resources to determine their individual work commitment. Students who complete the program will receive employment opportunities at a Carle Health hospital or care facility. Graduates will have access to opportunities across the Carle Health system and will work closely with Human Resources to find a mutually agreeable position. Work commitments must be full-time (.8 FTE or higher) in a relevant nursing position throughout the duration of the work commitment. 
 What academic programs are eligible?
 

As the national nursing shortage continues to be a challenge, Carle Health and Methodist College are committed to creating access and pathways for interested individuals to experience less barriers when pursuing successful healthcare careers. The new initiative will fully cover tuition, book expenses and other fees charged to your student ledger for the following programs: 

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) 

  • Prelicensure – a traditional nursing program for students entering directly from high school or as transfer students. 

  • Accelerated Prelicensure - for transfer students who have completed all general education requirements. 

  • Second Degree – for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in another subject. 

  • LPN-BSN – for students who have completed a Licensed Practical Nurse program. 

  • RN-BSN – for licensed (RN) professionals who have completed an associate degree or diploma nursing program. 

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) 

  • Prelicensure – for students with a bachelor’s degree in another subject, who want to become registered nurses for career advancement or to pursue doctoral studies. 
 When does the program begin?
 The Academic Investment Program begun supporting students at the start of the Fall 2025 semester. 
 When can I start in the AIP program?
 Students will have the opportunity to apply for AIP for start dates in the Spring and Fall terms. Students can begin using AIP funding in the Summer of 2026 and beyond if already admitted into the program previously, but new students will not be accepted for a Summer start date into AIP due to the shortened term. 
 How can I apply for the academic investment program?
 Individuals interested in the Academic Investment Program should begin by applying to Methodist College. Upon admission, students will receive further information and next steps to participate in the program. Visit MethodistCol.edu/Academic-Investment-Program to get started. Current Methodist College students, or students who have already applied to Methodist College, can reach out to AIP@MethodistCol.edu to see when the next round of applications will be accepted.  
 Who can I contact with questions about the program?
 Please contact the Methodist College admissions team at Admissions@MethodistCol.edu or AIP@MethodistCol.edu with questions about the program, or to learn more. 
 What eligibility requirements are there to begin participating in this program?
 

To participate in the Academic Investment Program students must be eligible for admission to Methodist College Nursing programs.  

 

Current Carle Health team members must be in good employment standing. Non-Carle Health team members must be eligible for employment at Carle Health after graduation. 

 

Participating students must meet Methodist College’s general admission requirements, as well as the following GPA requirements (specific to the Academic Investment Program):  

High school students or students with no college experience: High school GPA of 3.0 or higher*  

Current students or transfer students: GPA of 2.5 or higher  

 

*If a new student meets Methodist College's general admission requirements but not the Academic Investment Program GPA requirement, they may still be admitted to Methodist College. In this case, they will be able to apply for the program following a successful semester with a 2.5 GPA or higher. 
 What eligibility requirements are there once admitted to the program?
 While in school, students must remain eligible for enrollment in Nursing to maintain participation in the program. When fulfilling their work commitment, they must remain in good employment standing at Carle Health to continue loan forgiveness. 
 Do I still need to complete a FAFSA?
 Yes. Once accepted into Methodist College, the student will need to complete a FAFSA. A student's eligibility for AIP will not be reviewed until a valid FAFSA is received. We encourage all students to complete scholarship applications to optimize external financial support first. A new FAFSA will be required each academic year to stay Eligible for AIP.  
 Am I still eligible for a sign-on bonus?
 Students who participate in this program may still be eligible for a sign-on bonus at the time of their graduation/licensure. Talk with an HR recruiter to discuss eligibility. 
 What if I don’t finish my education or fulfill my work commitment?
 If a student or team member is unable to complete their education or meet work commitments, they will be responsible for the loan repayment at the terms set in the promissory note. 
 What if I don’t pass the NCLEX-RN?
 A student’s work commitment will begin after completion of their licensure. Loan repayment and their work commitment will be deferred until the student passes or is no longer eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. In the latter case, the student’s loan would enter repayment. 
 If I work at Carle Health while completing my education, will time be removed from my work commitment?
 All participants of the Academic Investment Program will be required to fulfill a minimum two-year work commitment in a role that requires the clinical education and licensure received after graduation. 
 I am a current student or graduate of Methodist College; can I participate retroactively?
 The Academic Investment Program begins to offer support for the Fall 2025 semester and subsequent semesters. Already completed coursework or previously achieved credits do not qualify for funding support under this program. 
 I am a current Carle Health team member; can I utilize Tuition Reimbursement in addition to Academic Investment Program?
 No, if a team member has utilized tuition reimbursement in the same calendar year, they will be ineligible for the Academic Investment Program for the remainder of that calendar year. Team members will also be ineligible for tuition reimbursement while completing their required work commitment. For Example: If tuition reimbursement is used for SP26 for ANY school, it makes you ineligible for AIP until SP27.  

Get Started With the Academic Investment Program

Support of tuition and eligibility is subject to change based on Carle initiatives and/or budget constraints without prior notice. Policy