Program Details
Program Details
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Program Details

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Major in Nursing

Bachelor of Science in Nursing
James Madison University

Our pre-licensure BSN program graduates 226 students per year incorporating patient care simulation, be it with high fidelity mannequins or standardized patients (trained live actors), into clinical and courses. Our senior level transition to practice course includes a review of critical skills and preparation for the NCLEX (RN certification and licensure exam). Seniors enjoy an expanded 7-week "capstone" practicum their final semester, working full-time with a preceptor in a hospital or other clinical agency.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Online
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Hybrid
Check Course Schedules
Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree

In Nursing, students learn knowledge, practice skills, and apply these to 'real life' practice experiences. Learning activities are varied, innovative and up-to-date:

  • Classroom: In addition to lectures and discussion, learning activities include case study discussions, computer assisted learning, role-play and group activities. Advanced classroom technology allows faculty to use multimedia including PowerPoint presentations, films and computer-assisted instruction to enrich learning.
  • Skills Laboratories: State of the art equipment, simulation lab, mannequins and learning resources allow students to learn physical examination skills, nursing procedures (for example, how to give an injection or start an IV), and technical skills (for example, how to use IV pumps and suction equipment)
  • Practicum: Students apply knowledge to practice in a wide variety of health care agencies that include Hospitals, Outpatient Clinics, Home Health Agencies, the Free Clinic, the Health Department, Schools, Long-term Care Facilities and Rehabilitation Centers to name a few.
  • Student-Faculty Interaction: Supportive student/professor relationships are key to successful learning. A low professor to student ratio, a faculty open-door policy and close working relationships with faculty help students to develop their full personal and professional potential. You will be assigned a faculty advisor who will be available to assist you with program planning, problem solving and career exploration.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

Admission to the Nursing Program is separate from admission to the university and requires a BSN Admission Application. Admission decisions are made each semester for the following semester. Following your transfer to JMU, plan to complete one full-time semester at JMU, and then you may apply to the nursing program during the following admission cycle once you meet admission criteria. Further information about admission to the nursing program can be found at https://nursing.jmu.edu/bsn/admissionfaq.html. Admission to the Nursing program is competitive.

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and James Madison University within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree

As a graduate of the JMU Nursing Program you will be prepared to practice as a registered nurse to provide nursing care to clients in a variety of settings. The following are examples of career directions: community and rural hospitals, major medical centers and university teaching hospitals, primary and tertiary care centers, ambulatory treatment centers, home health agencies, community health agencies, school nursing, occupational health nursing, military nursing, flight nursing, and trauma centers.

Program Successes & Highlights

The JMU Nursing program enjoys a strong positive reputation. The BSN program:

  • is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org)
  • is fully approved by the Virginia State Board of Nursing
  • qualifies the graduate to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)

JMU graduates perform well on the state licensure exam and have a wide choice of career options. Graduates move quickly into positions of responsibility and leadership.

Program Credit Requirements
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Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Major in Nursing
120
Nursing - BSN
120
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 90 credits may be applied to this program.
General Education
40
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:

Completion of an approved transfer associate degree from a Virginia Community College (Transferable Associate Degrees - JMU) will guarantee complete fulfillment of JMU's General Education requirements.

Completion of a Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) or Passport program from a Virginia Community College will guarantee partial fulfillment of JMU's General Education requirements. Visit our website for specific requirements that are fulfilled (Credit From a Virginia Community College - JMU).

Students who will not be earning an approved transferable associate degree will be responsible for completion of JMU's general education program. For guidance about courses that can be used to complete core community college requirements and will assist with the satisfaction of general education requirements at JMU visit (VCCS and RBC Course Equivalents for JMU's General Education Program - JMU).

Madison Foundations
9
Writing - C1W
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Critical Thinking - C1CT
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Human Communication - C1HC
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Arts and Humanities
9
HumanQuestions&Context - C2HQC
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Visual & Perform Arts - C2VPA
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Literature - C2L
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
The Natural World
9
Quantitative Reasoning - C3QR
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Physical Principles - C3PP
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Natural Systems - C3NS
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Lab Experience - C3L
1
Independent Labs - C3L
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Physical Principles / Natural Systems Lab Courses
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
American and Global Perspectives
6
The American Experience - C4AE
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
The Global Experience - C4GE
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Sociocultural and Wellness Area
6
Wellness Domain - C5W
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Sociocultural Domain - C5SD
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Major Requirements
61
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
NSG Prerequisites
24
Complete courses from the following Course list:
AND
A minimum grade of C- must be earned for courses in this requirement.
NSG Major Requirements
61
Junior Year Courses
31
Complete courses from the following Course list:
AND
A minimum grade of C- must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Senior Year Courses
28
Complete courses from the following Course list:
AND
A minimum grade of C- must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Nursing Electives
2
Earn 2 credits: Complete the following
Earn 2 credits: Use the following rules
Complete the following
Use the following rules
Complete the following
Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Subject:
AND
Complete the following
Use the following rules
Course(s) of level 300
OR
Course(s) of level 400
AND
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C- must be earned for courses in this requirement.
But NOT
courses from the following Course list:
Applicable Admissions Agreements
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The table below lists admissions agreements between James Madison University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.

Institution Name Type Title
Richard Bland College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - James Madison University and Richard Bland College of the College of William and Mary
Laurel Ridge Community College GPAA RN-BSN Nursing Agreement between James Madison University and Lord Fairfax Community College
Brightpoint Community College GPAA James Madison University R.N. to B.S.N. Co-Enrollment Program Memorandum of Agreement James Madison University and John Tyler Co
Piedmont Virginia Community College GPAA RN-BSN Nursing Agreement between James Madison University and Piedmont Virginia Community College
Piedmont Virginia Community College GPAA James Madison University R.N. to B.S.N. Co-Enrollment Program Memorandum of Agreement James Madison University and Piedmont Virg
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College GPAA James Madison University R.N. to B.S.N. Co-Enrollment Program Memorandum of Agreement James Madison University and Reynolds Comm
Blue Ridge Community College GPAA RN-BSN Nursing Agreement between James Madison University and Blue Ridge Community College
Southside Virginia Community College GPAA RN-BSN Nursing Agreement between James Madison University and Southside Virginia Community College
Southside Virginia Community College GPAA James Madison University R.N. to B.S.N. Co-Enrollment Program Memorandum of Agreement James Madison University and Soutshide Vir
Blue Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Central Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Danville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Mountain Gateway Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Eastern Shore Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Germanna Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Brightpoint Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Laurel Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Mountain Empire Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
New River Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Northern Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Paul D. Camp Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Patrick & Henry Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Piedmont Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Rappahannock Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Southside Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Southwest Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Tidewater Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Virginia Peninsula Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Virginia Highlands Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Virginia Western Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Wytheville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University

You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Completion of an approved transfer associate degree will guarantee fulfillment of JMU's General Education requirements. https://www.jmu.edu/transfer/VCCStransfer/ASDegrees.shtml

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School
Credit for Prior Learning JMU accepts and reviews AP, IB, CIE and CLEP for all students with eligible scores, which may be different than at your prior institution. JMU will complete an independent review of the test score to apply credit to the JMU student record. Credit for prior learning (CLEP) is awarded on a per case basis for Adult Degree (Individualized Studies Majors) and RN-BSN students only and in consultation with the department of expertise, with the exception of military service credit. Credit for learning acquired in military service is awarded by the registrar's office using the ACE guide credit recommendation for study/experience listed on the military transcript and in consultation with the department of expertise.
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: James Madison University
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
2481
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
55% (2023-2024)
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? JMU is a mid to large size institution that behaves more like a smaller institution. Faculty and staff hold students as the top priority. JMU has a 96% satisfaction rate. 89% of classes have less than 50 students. JMU is the #1 most recommended public University in the US by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education; JMU is the #1 Best College for Employment in Virginia according to U.S. Department of Education statistics compiled by Zippia. JMU has the highest post-graduation job levels of all Virginia colleges.
Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance.
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions Transfer applicants applying through the Guaranteed Admissions Agreement must submit a Letter of Intent prior to applying to JMU. Requirements and forms are available at: https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/transfer-GAA.shtml
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Eastern Mennonite UniversityBachelor of Science in NursingBachelorBachelor of Science in Nursing4-YearIn-Person
Averett UniversityAccelerated Bachelor of Science in NursingBachelorBachelor of Science Nursing4-YearHybrid
Averett UniversityBS in Nursing in Nursing: Entry Into PracticeBachelorBachelor of Science Nursing4-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Blue Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Blue Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing-TradAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Mountain Gateway Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Danville Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Lpn To Rn - NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies - Specialization Pre-BSNAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies -Specialization in Criminal JusticeAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) to Registered Nursing (RN) - Advanced Placement Option (APO)AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing - Hybrid Distance EducationAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearHybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing: Advanced Placement Option for Licensed Practical NursesAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Mountain Empire Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
New River Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community CollegeNursing, A.A.S.AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Patrick & Henry Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Paul D. Camp Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Nursing AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Piedmont Virginia Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Rappahannock Community CollegeAAS Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Rappahannock Community CollegeAA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Pre-BSN SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Southside Virginia Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science with a major in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Southwest Virginia Community College Associate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearHybrid
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Professional Nursing - Registered NurseAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAssociate in Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Wytheville Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in NursingAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Longwood University Nursing BSNBachelorBachelor of Science in Nursing4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBSN in NursingBachelorBachelor of Science in Nursing4-YearIn-Person, Online
University of LynchburgBS in NursingBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
The University of Virginia's College at WiseBachelor of Science in NursingBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
The University of Virginia's College at WiseBachelor of Science in NursingBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearOnline
Virginia Wesleyan UniversityBachelor of Science in NursingBachelorBachelor of Nursing4-YearIn-Person
Mary Baldwin UniversityBachelor of Science in NursingBachelorBachelor of Science in Nursing4-YearOnline
George Mason UniversityNursing, BSNBachelorBachelor of Science in Nursing4-YearIn-Person, Online
Norfolk State UniversityBachelor of Science in Nursing - Online (RN to BSN) Completion TrackBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearOnline
Norfolk State UniversityBachelor of Science in Nursing - Traditional (Pre-licensure) Baccalaureate Completion TrackBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityNursing-BSN (School of Nurs)BachelorBS in Nursing4-YearNot Specified
University of Mary WashingtonBSNBachelorBSN4-YearIn-Person
Marymount University Nursing (BSN)BachelorBachelor of Science in Nursing4-YearIn-Person
Shenandoah UniversityBachelor of Science NursingBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Bluefield UniversityBachelor of Science in NursingBachelorBachelor of Science in Nursing4-YearIn-Person
Ferrum CollegeB.S.N. in Nursing BachelorBachelor of Science in Nursing4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityNursing Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityNursing (online RN to BS only), Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearOnline
Emory & Henry UniversityMusic Vocal Teacher Preparation (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityNursing Pre Licensure (BSN)BachelorBachelor of Science Nursi4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityReligion (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityRN-BSN Nursing (BSN)BachelorBachelor of Science Nursi4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeNursing (BSN)BachelorBachelor Science Nursing4-YearIn-Person
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
29-1141.01Acute Care NursesProvide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
29-1141.02Advanced Practice Psychiatric NursesAssess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
29-1141.04Clinical Nurse SpecialistsDirect nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
29-1141.03Critical Care NursesProvide specialized nursing care for patients in critical or coronary care units.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
25-1072.00Nursing Instructors and Teachers, PostsecondaryDemonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
29-1141.00Registered NursesAssess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 120 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Major in Nursing at James Madison University
These costs are based on an estimated 8 semesters or 4 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $4,075 Per Semester $32,600 $0 $32,600
Fees
Comprehensive Fee $2,908 Per Semester $23,264 0 $23,264
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.