AACN Supports Significant Increases to Nursing Education Outlined in President’s FY 2024 Budget Proposal

WASHINGTON, DC – March 14, 2023 - The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is pleased to see recommended increases to programs that support nursing education and the workforce in the Administration's proposed budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. Released on March 9, the proposal outlines resources for key programs impacting academic nursing within the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Education. 

“As we look for solutions to meeting the nation’s healthcare needs, we applaud President Biden for recognizing the importance of investing in nursing education and the workforce,” said Dr. Cynthia McCurren, Chair of the AACN Board of Directors. “To ensure that pathways into nursing remain strong, greater funding is needed for schools of nursing to meet their mission to prepare the next generation of nurses to serve as clinicians, faculty, researchers, and leaders.”

Specifically, the Biden Administration recommends $349.932 million for the nursing workforce in FY 2024, nearly $50 million over FY 2023 enacted levels. Specific increases include more than $32 million for Nurse Education, Practice and Retention grants to expand, enhance, and modernize nursing education programs. This funding would be used to recruit diverse faculty members and expand nursing student enrollment into RN programs, specifically within states that have the largest shortage of nurses. In addition, the Advanced Nursing Education program would see a large boost in funding, totaling $17 million, for the maternal and perinatal workforce. For the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), the President proposes nearly $198 million to support nurse scientists and researchers in FY 2024.

In addition to proposed funding for nursing workforce and education programs, the budget also provides $90 billion for the Department of Education. This funding includes increases to the maximum Pell Grant, more support to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for graduate education in nursing and other disciplines, and additional support for student aid programs.

“Our schools, faculty, and students are leading the way as we work to advance higher education and develop a robust workforce,” said Dr. Deborah Trautman, AACN President and Chief Executive Officer. “This budget is a positive first step to ensure academic nursing remains at the forefront of Congressional funding conversations.”

Through the budgetary process, AACN will continue to work with Congress to increase funding for Title VIII programs and support innovative research at NINR in FY 2024 and beyond.

###