GA HB541

Expands the definition of "approved school" for Georgia's tuition equalization grants to include certain proprietary institutions offering baccalaureate nursing degree programs

Qualifying nursing programs must be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools or Higher Learning Commission, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, and maintain at least an 80% four-year average NCLEX passage rate

Institutions must have at least one instructional campus physically located in Georgia for at least ten years as of June 30, 2025, and be approved by the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission

Only baccalaureate nursing programs at these institutions qualify for tuition equalization grants; the institutions remain ineligible for HOPE scholarships, dual enrollment, and other state scholarship/grant programs

Legislative intent addresses Georgia's healthcare workforce shortage by expanding financial assistance options for nursing students at qualified private institutions