Montana Nursing Students Get $2.5M in Scholarships

Montana State University's nursing students just got a massive boost that will change hundreds of lives and strengthen healthcare across Big Sky Country.

The Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing received a $2.5 million grant from the Bedford Falls Foundation to fund scholarships and student success programs. Starting this fall, the money will support around 380 nursing scholarships over five years, nearly doubling the college's current financial aid capacity.

The numbers tell a powerful story. Last year, the college awarded $450,000 to about 175 students. Now they'll have an additional $400,000 annually to distribute, with individual awards of $5,000 that students in good standing can renew for a second year.

"This gift allows us to fundamentally change our scholarship awarding process in ways that will significantly reduce the financial challenges and debt burden of our Montana students with the most need," said Paul Swift, the college's assistant dean for academic programs.

The scholarships target Montana residents admitted to the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, prioritizing students with the greatest financial need. For many aspiring nurses, the difference between pursuing their dream career and abandoning it comes down to dollars and cents.

Dean Sarah Shannon emphasized that Montana State students often come from rural, frontier, and tribal communities facing severe nursing shortages. Many want to earn their degrees and return home to serve the places that need them most, but financial barriers stand in the way.

The grant also sets aside $100,000 annually for student success initiatives like tutoring, exam preparation for national licensure tests, and potentially hiring a dedicated student success specialist.

The Ripple Effect

This investment reaches far beyond individual students. The Bedford Falls Foundation, established by Carlyle Group co-founder Bill Conway and his late wife Joanne, is addressing America's critical nursing shortage by removing financial barriers to education.

Montana State is the westernmost of 41 university nursing programs the foundation supported in 2025. The foundation specifically chose schools that serve communities desperately needing healthcare workers.

"By supporting students pursuing nursing careers, our investment in MSU helps strengthen the health systems across the state of Montana and all 56 counties," Conway said. Remote communities will gain access to skilled, compassionate nurses who understand their unique challenges because they grew up there.

Combined with Montana State's Direct Entry Program, which guarantees admission to qualified Montana high school graduates, the college has systematically dismantled traditional barriers to nursing careers. Students who once might have skipped nursing school due to cost or uncertainty now have clear pathways forward.

Each scholarship represents a future nurse who will care for patients, support families through health crises, and strengthen communities across Montana for decades to come.