Scholarships for Nursing Students
Earning a nursing degree prepares graduates to work in many rewarding healthcare positions. Aspiring nurses can enroll in graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs on the path toward a meaningful career and a high salary.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 12% growth for registered nurses (RNs) between 2018 and 2028. These positions require a formal degree or diploma and state licensure. RNs can also pursue optional certification in a specialized field.
Most nursing students rely on financial aid to complete their degree. Many schools and programs offer nursing scholarships, especially for students who intend to work in high-need areas. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of nursing degree scholarships.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you pay for a degree in nursing?
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Most students pursue multiple forms of financial aid to pay for college. Students may apply for federal financial aid based on need, as determined by their FAFSA results, as well as grants and scholarships. Scholarships are especially popular among nursing students; these awards are typically based on merit and do not need to be repaid.
- Are there many scholarships available for nursing students?
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Yes. Many states and schools offer specific nursing scholarships, especially for nurses aspiring to practice in local or regional high-need areas. Additionally, initiatives such as the Nurse Corps Student Loan Repayment Program assist RNs with student debt who commit to two years of service in a designated nurse shortage area.
- Where can I find scholarships for nursing students?
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Many schools, private organizations, businesses, and individuals offer nursing scholarships. For a compilation of national, field-specific awards available to students, consult this list of nursing scholarships.
- Are there grants for nursing students?
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Yes. Nursing students can find grants for a variety of BSN, MSN, and nurse practitioner programs.
- How do I qualify for a nursing scholarship?
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While requirements vary, nursing scholarships may be awarded based on variables like academic merit, financial need, ethnicity, gender, and state residency. Other scholarships consider a student's nursing specialization or attendance at a particular school.
Financial Assistance for Nursing Students
In addition to nursing scholarships, individuals can pursue several other types of financial aid for nursing students, including grants, fellowships, work-study programs, and loans.
Students should start by completing the FAFSA — a requirement for many college applications — to determine their eligibility for need-based financial aid.
While specific requirements vary depending on the type of aid, most students exhaust all applicable scholarships, grants, and fellowship opportunities first, as these awards do not require repayment. Many students also explore work-study jobs, if available. Individuals can also apply for loans as a last resort, which add interest and fees to repayment terms.
Some nursing degree scholarships are-need based; however, most awards are based on merit or nursing specialization. Grants are typically based on need but may also require merit-based qualifications. Fellowships are rarely awarded on the basis of need and typically fund graduate-level research or field experience in nursing.
Work-study is another type of aid, although this is usually only offered to students earning their degree in person. To qualify, students must complete the FAFSA to determine their need and eligibility. Many schools — especially those with healthcare training facilities on campus — can offer field-specific work-study employment to nursing students, allowing them to earn a paycheck while meeting degree requirements.
Students should start by completing the FAFSA — a requirement for many college applications — to determine their eligibility for need-based financial aid.
Nursing Loan Repayment and Forgiveness Programs
Several loan forgiveness plans have been established to help graduates. Through these programs, nurses who work in certain fields or areas can have their outstanding debt partially or entirely forgiven.
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Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program
This program helps RNs pay off student loans in exchange for a two-year commitment to work in an area with a nurse shortage.
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Federal Perkins Loan Cancellation
Full-time nurses can get up to 100% of their Federal Perkins Loans forgiven.
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Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
This program forgives the remaining balance on direct loans after individuals make 120 monthly payments if the borrower works full time for a qualified employer (like a hospital).
Nursing Grants
Students can pursue several grants to help fund their nursing education. Though similar to scholarships, which are most often based on merit, grants are typically awarded to students who demonstrate significant financial need. Students do not need to repay grants.
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American Holistic Nurses Association
AHNA awards this $500 grant to graduate students conducting research in holistic nursing. Applicants must be members of ANHA for at least one year.
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National League for Nursing Grants
The NLN funds 3-5 grants each year, each awarding up to $30,000 to students performing research related to the NLN Priorities for Research in Nursing Education. Applicants must be members of the NLN.
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Sigma/American Nurses Credentialing Center Evidence-Based Practice Implementation Grant
Sigma and ANCC jointly offer this grant for graduate/doctoral nursing research to students with current licensure and at least a master's degree in nursing. Applicants must also be members of Sigma or ANCC.
Nursing Scholarships
Scholarships are available to students pursuing a variety of nursing specializations and degree levels. Below are just some of the field's many nursing scholarships.
Featured Nursing Scholarships
- Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) Foundation Scholarship
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Who's Eligible? AORN's Nursing Student Degree Scholarship provides financial assistance to students pursuing a career in perioperative nursing. Eligible applicants are nursing students in an accredited program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Award Amount: Varies
Deadline: June
View Scholarship - ANNA-American Nephrology Nurses Association Career Mobility Scholarships
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Who's Eligible? The ANNA Career Mobility Scholarships support students accepted to or enrolled in a BSN or advanced degree nursing program. Candidates must have been ANNA members for the last two years and must be actively involved in nephrology nursing related health services.
Award Amount: $1,000-$3,000
Deadline: October
View Scholarship - TYLENOL Future Care Scholarship
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Who's Eligible? The TYLENOL Future Care Scholarship awards financial support to students who have completed at least one year of undergraduate study in a health-related program, including nursing, at an accredited college. Applicants must have at least one year of school remaining.
Award Amount: $5,000-$10,000 (multiple awards available)
Deadline: June
View Scholarship - Stephanie Carroll Scholarship
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Who's Eligible? The NADONA/LTC Stephanie Carroll Scholarship is given to a nursing student enrolled in an accredited program who commits to spending two years after graduation in long-term care or geriatrics.
Award Amount: Varies
Deadline: July
View Scholarship - Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) Undergraduate Scholarships
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Who's Eligible? BCEN Undergraduate Scholarships are awarded to nurses with a BCEN credential who are currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in nursing. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be attending a NLN, AACN, or CCNE accredited school.
Award Amount: $2,000-$5,000
Deadline: May
View Scholarship - Geraldine Polly Bednash Scholarship
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Who's Eligible? The Geraldine "Polly" Bednash Scholarship provides financial support to nursing students at AACN member institutions. Applicants must have a 3.2 GPA and be admitted to or enrolled in a school affiliated with CertifiedBackground.com or have submitted an application through NursingCAS.
Award Amount: $5,000
Deadline: January, April, July, and October
View Scholarship - OSHPD Bachelor of Science in Nursing Scholarship
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Who's Eligible? The OSHPD Bachelor of Science in Nursing Scholarship provides financial aid to students pursuing a BSN in California. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and be willing to work in a medically underserved area in California for two years in exchange for receiving the scholarship.
Award Amount: Up to $10,000
Deadline: February
View Scholarship - Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) BSN Scholarship
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Who's Eligible? ARN's BSN Scholarship supports nurses working towards a BSN degree. Applicants must be involved members of ARN, enrolled in a BSN program and in good academic standing, and have at least two years of experience in rehabilitation nursing, including current practice.
Award Amount: $1,500
Deadline: July
View Scholarship - eQuality Nursing Scholarships
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Who's Eligible? eQuality Nursing Scholarships financially support nursing students who have demonstrated service to the LGBTQ community. Applicants must be in good academic standing and enrolled in an accredited nursing program in California. RN to BSN and diploma programs are not eligible.
Award Amount: $6,000
Deadline: November
View Scholarship - Nurses Make a Difference Scholarship
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Who's Eligible? The Nurses Make a Difference Scholarship from Cascade Healthcare Solutions provides financial aid to an undergraduate nursing student with a 3.0 GPA who wins their essay contest.
Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: August
View Scholarship - Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Bachelor's in Nursing Scholarship
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Who's Eligible? The ONS Bachelor's in Nursing Scholarship supports students committed to a career in oncology nursing. Applicants must be enrolled in their senior year of a BSN program at an NLN or CCNE accredited school of nursing.
Award Amount: $3,000-$5,000
Deadline: February
View Scholarship
Nursing Scholarships for Minorities
Students who belong to a historically disenfranchised group and are pursuing a nursing degree may qualify for nursing scholarships for minorities. This classification usually includes — but is not limited to — racial, ethnic, cultural, religious, and gender-based minority groups.
- Asian American/Pacific Islander Nurses Association (AAPINA) Scholarship
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Who's Eligible? The AAPINA Scholarship gives financial aid to one of its members pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree. Applicants must have been AAPINA members for two years, currently enrolled in an accredited nursing program, and have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: June
View Scholarship - American Indian Nurse Scholarship Award Program
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Who's Eligible? The American Indian Nurse Scholarship provides financial assistance to American Indian nursing students. Recipients must return to work with the American Indian community upon graduation. Students must be enrolled in an accredited nursing program, in good academic standing, and in need of financial assistance.
Award Amount: $1,500 (students can reapply each semester)
Deadline: June and December
View Scholarship - National Association for Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) Nursing Scholarships
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Who's Eligible? NAHN's Nursing Scholarships are awarded to NAHN members who are enrolled in accredited nursing programs. Applicants must be Hispanic nursing students and are selected based on need, academic standing, and for their potential as role models for other nursing students.
Award Amount: Amount Varies
Deadline: May
View Scholarship - Kaiser Permanente Health Care Career Scholarship
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Who's Eligible? Kaiser's Health Care Career Scholarship provides support for diverse and/or economically or socially disadvantaged students in Oregon and Southwest Washington to become healthcare professionals, including nurses. Scholarships are given to at least one student from each of the 133 eligible public high schools in the Kaiser Permanente Northwest area.
Award Amount: $5,000-$10,000
Deadline: December
View Scholarship - National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Scholarship Program
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Who's Eligible? The NBNA offers scholarships to students currently enrolled in a nursing program and in good academic standing. The applicant must be a member of NBNA, black, and have at least one year of school left.
Award Amount: $1,000-$5,000
Deadline: April
View Scholarship - Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) at the American Nurses Association (ANA)
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Who's Eligible? The ANA's Minority Fellowship Program provides scholarships for nurses pursuing multiple degree levels with a focus on psychiatric/mental health and substance abuse.
Award Amount: Varies
Deadline: May
View Scholarship - Philippine Nurses Association of San Diego County Scholarship
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Who's Eligible? The PNASD Scholarship provides financial aid to current undergraduate nursing students who are members of PNASD. Applicants must be a resident of Imperial County, North County, or San Diego County of California and have 20 hours of documented community involvement.
Award Amount: Varies
Deadline: July
View Scholarship - A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship
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Who's Eligible? The A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship provides funding to an undergraduate and graduate student with an American Indian, Alaskan, or Native Hawaiian background who is pursuing a degree in medical sciences, among other subjects.
Award Amount: $1,000-$2,000
Deadline: May
View Scholarship
Nursing Scholarships for Men
- American Assembly for Men in Nursing (AAMN) Undergraduate Scholarships
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Who's Eligible? Applicants must be a current AAMN member and a male student currently enrolled in an accredited nursing program for at least one academic term.
Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: November
View Scholarship - American Assembly for Men in Nursing (AAMN) Graduate Scholarship
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Who's Eligible? Applicants must be a current AAMN member and a male student currently enrolled in an accredited nursing program for at least one academic term.
Award Amount: $1,500
Deadline: November
View Scholarship
Nursing Scholarships for Master's in Nursing
Nursing scholarships for master's programs can help students earn some of the most popular degrees in the field.
- Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Scholarships
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Who's Eligible? The ENA offers scholarships to nurses pursuing nurse practitioner careers. Applicants must have been an ENA member, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be attending an NLN, AACN, or CCNE accredited school.
Award Amount: $5,000
Deadline: May
View Scholarship - After College/AACN $10,000 Scholarship Fund
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Who's Eligible? The AfterCollege/AACN award supports students pursuing a degree in nursing, with special consideration given to graduate students with the goal of becoming a nurse educator, students in an RN-to-MSN program, and those enrolled in an accelerated program.
Award Amount: $2,500
Deadline: March, June, September, December
View Scholarship - Nursing Economic$ Foundation Scholarships
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Who's Eligible? The Nursing Economic$ Foundation Scholarships are for registered nurses enrolled in an accredited master's or doctoral nursing program that has an emphasis on administration or management.
Award Amount: $5,000
Deadline: May
View Scholarship - Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) Graduate Scholarship
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Who's Eligible? The ARN Graduate Scholarship provides financial support to nurses working towards a master of science or doctorate degree in nursing. Applicants must be involved members of ARN, enrolled in a graduate level program and in good academic standing, and have at least two years experience in rehabilitation nursing, including current practice.
Award Amount: $1,500
Deadline: July
View Scholarship - Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Master's Scholarship
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Who's Eligible? The ONS Master's Scholarship supports a master's-level nursing student committed to oncology nursing. Applicants must be enrolled at an NLN or CCNE accredited school.
Award Amount: $5,000
Deadline: February
View Scholarship
Additional Financial Aid Resources
An Overview of Financial Aid
This resource includes a comprehensive overview of the process of managing financial aid. The guide covers filling out the FAFSA, sorting through aid options, and budgeting while earning a nursing degree.
Financial Aid for Online Students
As more nursing students enroll in online programs, they may require additional guidance to navigate online-specific financial aid. This inclusive resource helps online nursing students find financial aid tailored to an online nursing program. Students can also learn how to make smarter decisions about repaying loans.
Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities
Nursing students with disabilities may need assistance in finding and applying for financial aid to help them earn their degree. This resource outlines the criteria and explains the options and benefits of financial aid for students with disabilities.
Scholarships for Single Parents
Many single parents pursue nursing programs to improve their family's situation. This resource features scholarships specific to single parents and provides tips on how to maximize financial aid.
Financial Aid for Veterans and Active Military
Many schools and programs provide financial aid and feature special tuition discounts for veterans and active-duty military students in nursing programs. This resource explores the unique awards available to veteran and military students pursuing nursing degrees at all levels and in all specialties.
