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Financial Aid for Underserved Students

NurseJournal Staff
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Updated November 18, 2022
If you're worried about the cost of nursing school, organizations offer many grants for marginalized nursing students. Here's a list of nursing scholarships.
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Members of underserved groups make up a disproportionately small number of nurses in the profession. While members of underserved groups made up about 40% of the U.S. population in 2019, a 2017 National Nursing Workforce survey indicates that these individuals represent only about 19.2% of registered nurses (RNs).

Many aspiring nurses hesitate to attend school for a variety of reasons, including cost. RNs need either an associate or bachelor’s degree to earn licensure, and both degrees can cost tens of thousands of dollars in tuition.

Luckily, a variety of financial aid options cover costs and increase access to potential nurses of color. Many schools and independent organizations sponsor scholarships, including scholarships specifically for students from underserved groups. Professional associations for underserved groups like the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) can also serve as great sources for scholarships for Black nursing students, for example.

Nursing students from underrepresented groups may also enjoy other financial aid options. If they qualify, they can receive federal student loans after filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), apply for grants, and participate in loan forgiveness programs if they choose to work in low-income or high-need communities after graduation.

The following list outlines some scholarships and grants for underserved nursing students.

Scholarships for Black and African American Nursing Students

Amount: $5,000

Deadline: April 15

Who Can Apply: Applicants must be members of the NBNA. They must be enrolled in a nursing program at any degree level with at least one full year of school remaining. Candidates must also demonstrate scholarship achievement and financial need. Students may apply here.


Scholarships for Hispanic and Latino Nursing Students

Deadline: April 15

Who Can Apply: Applicants should hold membership with the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN). They should be enrolled full-time in a nursing program with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The foundation gives preference to applicants who are at least rising sophomores.


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Scholarships for Native American Nursing Students

Amount: Varies

Deadline: Typically around April

Who Can Apply: Applicants must possess at least a 2.0 GPA and study a healthcare-related major. They should also be a member of a federally recognized American Indian tribe or Alaska Native village planning to work with Native American communities upon graduation.


Scholarships for Asian and Pacific Islander Nursing Students

Amount: Varies; $2,500 one year to $20,000 over multiple years

Deadline: January 11

Who Can Apply: Applicants should be Asian and/or Pacific Islander, enrolled in an undergraduate program and maintain a minimum 2.7 GPA. This scholarship is for Asian and/or Pacific Islander students pursuing any major, including nursing.


Scholarships for Undocumented Nursing Students

Deadline: November 14

Who Can Apply: Applicants must be high school graduates with a 3.5 GPA or higher and standardized test scores in the top 15%. Applicants do not have to be U.S. citizens, but they should demonstrate financial need.


Types of Funding Available for Nursing Students

In addition to scholarships and grants for marginalized nursing students, candidates may also apply for general scholarships. These awards usually require students to possess a high GPA, participate in extracurricular activities, show their dedication to promoting health and the nursing profession, and demonstrate financial need.

If you want to find even more nursing scholarships, check out this guide. This resource lists financial awards for everyone, from graduating high school seniors to Ph.D. candidates.



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