Nursing Scholarships and Grants
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Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: Drazen_ / E+ / Getty ImagesNurses have enough obstacles to overcome — financing their education shouldn’t pose another challenge. The country faces a nursing shortage, only magnified by the pandemic. Burnout, declining nursing school enrollment, and an aging nursing population contribute to the problem.
Nursing scholarships and grants provide a financial boost to incentivize students to pursue healthcare careers. Discover the various awards open to nurses at all levels in this helpful guide.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Scholarships and Grants for Nurses and Students
A Nurse I Am
Ten students receive this scholarship from Cherokee Uniforms. The award includes a bag of Careismatic Brands nursing items and Careismatic Brands Student Nurse Advisory Council membership. Applicants must submit an essay.
Who Can Apply: Any nursing student enrolled in an accredited program may apply.
Amount: $3,000
AISES A.T. Anderson Scholarship
Each applicant must submit a resume, transcripts, verification of tribal citizenship, letters of recommendation, and three essays of up to 500 words each for this scholarship. Finalists need to submit additional documents for verification.
Who Can Apply: Candidates must possess tribal citizenship and pursue STEM-related or nursing degrees to qualify.
Amount: $1,500 for undergraduate students; $2,500 for graduate students
Alice Newell Joslyn Medical Scholarship
Along with an online application, each student must provide two letters of recommendation, transcripts, a personal statement, and their estimated family financial contribution. Applicants entering healthcare professions or pursuing healthcare degrees can apply.
Who Can Apply: This award supports Latino students attending high school or college in San Diego County. Eligibility is based on financial need, scholastics, and community awareness.
Amount: $500-$2,000
American Indian Nurse Scholarship Program
Each applicant must submit proof of tribal heritage, a recommendation from a school official, official transcripts, a photograph, and a biographical statement to qualify for this program.
Who Can Apply: This scholarship is open to Indigenous Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian students pursuing nursing degrees. Recipients are expected to provide healthcare in their communities after graduation.
Amount: $1,500 per semester to recipients in good academic standing
American Legion Auxiliary Non-Traditional Nurses Scholarship
Each candidate should submit a personal statement, letters of recommendation, high school or college transcripts with ACT or SAT scores, a resume, and proof of honorable discharge to qualify for this nursing scholarship.
Who Can Apply: Residents of Idaho and members in good standing of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, or Sons of the American Legion can apply if their higher education was interrupted or they started college later in life.
Amount: $1,000
American Nephrology Nurses Association Scholarships
The organization offers multiple nursing scholarships and grants, including funding for clinical research. Most require an application, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, an essay, and documentation of eligibility.
Who Can Apply: Students must be ANNA members, pursuing BSNs or master’s degrees in nursing, and actively involved in nephrology nursing to qualify.
Amount: Varies
Arizona Foundation for the Future of Nurses Scholarships
AzFFN, part of the Arizona Nurses Association, offers multiple scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students attending nursing school in Arizona.
Who Can Apply: Applicants must live in Arizona, although guidelines vary by individual award.
Amount: Varies
Army Nurse Corps Association Scholarship Program
Each candidate must submit an application, letters of recommendation, and official college transcripts. They must also provide a personal statement, school financial information, documentation of present or prior military service, and a photograph.
Who Can Apply: Applicants may be undergraduate or graduate nurses serving at any rank in the U.S. Army, including those who have received honorable discharge. Accredited nursing or nurse anesthesia programs qualify. Current or former military spouses, children, and parents may also apply.
Amount: Varies
Association of Rehabilitation Nurses Scholarship
Each applicant should submit official transcripts documenting enrollment in a BSN or graduate nursing program, a resume, and a 1-3 page summary of their professional and educational goals and achievements. They also need to upload a headshot.
Who Can Apply: An ARN member enrolled in a BSN or a graduate program who demonstrates at least two years of rehabilitation nursing experience may apply. The award only goes to first-time conference attendees.
Amount: Varies
Barbara Rhomberg Excellence in Nursing Scholarship
Candidates must provide two recommendation letters, enrollment verification, and an essay to qualify for this award from B4 Brands.
Who Can Apply: Full-time students pursuing associate or bachelor’s degrees in nursing may apply. Eligible candidates must have a gap of at least three years between high school and college.
Amount: Nonrenewable $1,000 paid to the school
California Department of Health Care Access and Information (formerly California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development) BSN scholarship
This award is funded by the state’s RN licensing fee and aims to distribute awards across the state to increase RN employment in high-need areas. Candidates can apply online.
Who Can Apply: Students with minimum 2.0 GPAs pursuing BSNs may apply. Each recipient must be willing to work in a medically underserved area in California for 12 months.
Amount: Up to $10,000
California Department of Health Care Access and Information (formerly California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development) Advanced Practice Healthcare Scholarship
Candidates must demonstrate minimum GPAs of 2.0 and be free of other service obligations. Each recipient must spend 12 months of full-time practice in a medically underserved area.
Who Can Apply: This scholarship is open to prospective nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse midwives attending California Board- or committee-approved programs.
Amount: Up to $25,000
Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship
The Daughters of the American Revolution sponsors this need-based scholarship. Each candidate must demonstrate financial need and submit their official college transcripts or letter of acceptance into a nursing program to qualify.
Who Can Apply: This award supports three undergraduate students who are accepted into or enrolled in accredited nursing schools.
Amount: $2,500
Cascade Healthcare Solutions Nurses Make a Difference Scholarship
Cascade Healthcare Solutions hosts this essay contest for aspiring nurses. Each applicant must submit a photo and a brief biography with their manuscript for display online.
Who Can Apply: To qualify, a candidate must be an undergraduate or high school student with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Amount: $1,000
Charlotte McGuire Scholarship Program
The American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) uses this program to support nurses specializing in holistic nursing. Qualifying AHNA members must hold current registered nurse licensure and demonstrate their commitment to holistic nursing practice.
Who Can Apply: This award funds undergraduates and graduate-level nursing students who are active AHNA members. Each candidate needs a current RN license.
Amount: $1,000
Coursey Enterprises
Coursey Enterprises sponsors two scholarships every spring and fall. Each applicant must submit a 200-word personal essay and photo to qualify.
Who Can Apply: Candidates must be first-year nursing students enrolled in registered nursing or licensed practical nurse programs.
Amount: $250
District of Columbia Lena Ferguson Nursing Scholarship
This award is sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution and administered by the University of the District of Columbia. Two one-time awards go to graduates of public schools or public charter schools in Washington, D.C., in nursing programs at the University of the District of Columbia or the University of the District of Columbia-Community College.
Who Can Apply: Nursing students at the University of the District of Columbia who maintain GPAs of 3.25 or higher may apply.
Amount: $5,000
Edwina Foye Award for Outstanding Graduate Student
The Foundation for Seacoast Health sponsors this award for undergraduates and graduate students studying health-related fields. Eligible graduate students must submit GRE scores and results from the National League of Nursing (NLN) admissions test. Undergraduate applicants should submit NLN, SAT, or ACT scores. All applicants submit statements of support, personal essays, and proof of financial need.
Who Can Apply: Candidates who reside in Portsmouth, Rye, New Castle, Greenland, Newington, or North Hampton, New Hampshire; or Kittery, Elliot, or York, Maine, can apply.
Amount: Varies
Emergency Nurses Association Foundation Scholarships
ENA offers multiple scholarships for undergraduates, master’s students, and doctoral candidates. Each candidate must demonstrate a minimum GPA of 3.0, attend an accredited university, and submit two letters of recommendation — one of which must be from an ENA member.
Who Can Apply: All scholarships are open to student ENA members. Previous recipients cannot apply under the same category.
Amount: Varies
ExceptionalNurse.com
This website supports nurses with disabilities and offers multiple scholarships for its target readership. Each applicant must have a disability and submit three letters of recommendation, a 1-2 page essay, and official high school and/or college transcripts.
Who Can Apply: A candidate must have a disability and attend or plan to attend a nursing program full time.
Amount: $250-$500
The Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association General Scholarship
While the award’s annual sponsor defines eligibility criteria, guidelines typically emphasize a nursing specialty such as critical care, oncology, or emergency care. Applicants must provide financial aid certification and official transcripts.
Who Can Apply: This scholarship is open to current students in the U.S. who intend to focus on specialty nursing areas.
Amount: Up to $10,000 per academic year
Our Race to Health Equity Diversity Nursing Scholarships
Johnson and Johnson, in partnership with the Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association, sponsors this scholarship to increase racial diversity in healthcare.
Who Can Apply: BIPOC students enrolled in state-approved undergraduate programs who show financial need and strong academic achievement can qualify. Graduate students cannot apply unless they are in their first year of nursing studies.
Amount: Up to $10,000 per academic year
Frances Helen Ziegler Tunnell Scholarship
This need-based and merit-based scholarship supports Vanderbilt University nursing students pursuing MSN degrees. Six awardees receive full tuition scholarships. Applicants submit a statement of purpose, responses to essay questions, and letters of reference.
Who Can Apply: Each candidate must be enrolled full time in an MSN program at the Vanderbilt School of Nursing and maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher.
Amount: Varies
George B. Boland Nurses Training Scholarship
This scholarship is administered through a Forty and Eight Voiture Locale. Applications are available only at the Voiture Locale and must be submitted by mail.
Who Can Apply: This award is open to students seeking undergraduate or graduate degrees in nursing. Each applicant must reside in a Voiture Locale with an official nurse training program and be a U.S. citizen.
Amount: Up to $1,000
Gladys Carol Scholarship Program
Students must submit recent transcripts, a college acceptance letter, a copy of the Student Aid Report or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and a personal essay to qualify for this scholarship.
Who Can Apply: Each candidate must be an undergraduate student or high school senior enrolled full time in a STEM program. They also need to maintain a minimum 3.75 GPA and achieve a 1290 SAT score or 28 on the ACT.
Amount: Varies
GoodRx Nurses for Change Scholarship
This scholarship aims to increase diversity in healthcare. Students can use the scholarship for two-year or four-year nursing programs. Applicants must register with GoodRx to apply.
Who Can Apply: Current or recently graduated nursing students with minimum 3.0 GPAs from under-represented populations in healthcare are eligible to apply.
Amount: $5,000
Health Resources and Services Administration Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
This award covers tuition, fees, and educational costs for nurses working in critical shortage facilities after graduation. Applicants submit recommendation letters, supporting documentation, and an essay to qualify. Eligible programs include nursing, nurse-midwifery, and nurse practitioner degrees.
Who Can Apply: An eligible applicant must be enrolled in an accredited nursing degree program at the undergraduate level and not have federal judgment liens, existing service commitments, or overdue federal loan payments. The Health Resources and Services Administration prefers students with financial need.
Amount: All tuition, fees, and educational expenses
Hurst Review Services/AACN Nursing Scholarship
Hurst Review and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing co-sponsor this award. Applicants must register with Hurst Review Services before completing an online application. Hurst is a review service for nurses preparing for the National Council Licensure Examination.
Who Can Apply: This award is open to undergraduate students enrolled at AACN schools with GPAs of 3.2 GPA or higher.
Amount: $2,500
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Academic Scholarship
Qualifying students demonstrate financial need and academic promise in the helping professions, including healthcare and public health. This renewable scholarship suits students entering full-time undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Who Can Apply: Applicants must be Jewish, raised in the Chicago metropolitan area, or have worked full-time in the area for at least one year and intend to remain in the area after graduation.
Amount: Up to $4,000
Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship
Qualifying undergraduates must be enrolled full time in Kansas nursing programs to qualify for this Board of Regents scholarship. Each applicant should submit a FAFSA, commit to an eligible sponsor, and complete the State of Kansas Student Aid application.
Who Can Apply: This service-based award funds LPN or RN students who commit to practice in Kansas sponsor facilities such as psychiatric hospitals, home health agencies, and adult care homes. This award suits Kansas residents looking to work in Kansas healthcare roles.
Amount: Varies
Lambda Pi Alpha Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship
To qualify for this scholarship, each applicant must submit official transcripts demonstrating a GPA of at least 3.0, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and evidence of at least 20 hours of community service in the past year. A candidate must also have completed at least one semester of nursing coursework, complete an interview, and demonstrate financial need.
Who Can Apply: Candidates must be Lambda Pi Alpha members, Illinois residents, and undergraduate students enrolled in BSN or ADN programs to qualify.
Amount: $1,000
Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing Scholarships
Loyola University Chicago students may apply for several nursing scholarships through the school’s online portal. Recipients may study nursing at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Who Can Apply: Applicants must be Loyola nursing students to qualify.
Amount: Varies
Marion A. and Eva S. Peeples Foundation Trust Scholarship
This scholarship is administered by the Johnson County Community Foundation and uses the foundation’s common application.
Who can apply: Applicants must be graduates from Indiana high schools and attend Indiana colleges or universities to qualify.
Amount: Varies
Mitzi Harris Martin Healthcare Scholarship
Managed by the Johnson County Community Foundation, this scholarship requires each candidate to submit two letters of recommendation, a professional reference, and a personal statement detailing their interest in geriatric or long-term care.
Who can apply: Applicants must be residents of Indiana’s Johnson County, 25 years of age or older, and enrolled or pursuing an advanced degree or certification in the specialty area of geriatric healthcare or long-term healthcare. Eligible candidates must commit to work in the geriatric healthcare community.
Amount: Varies
National Association of Hispanic Nurses Scholarships
This association offers scholarship opportunities for eight undergraduate- and graduate-level nursing students. NAHN’s website provides individual criteria for each award. All scholarships require two references, a 500-word essay, a transcript, and a resume/CV.
Who Can Apply: Candidates must be NAHN members enrolled full time in accredited nursing programs to qualify.
Amount: Up to $10,000
National Black Nurses Association Scholarships
NBNA members can apply for more than 20 scholarships on the organization’s website. Application materials vary among awards. Each applicant should submit official transcripts, a 500-word essay, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and a headshot.
Who Can Apply: Candidates need to be NBNA members at the national and local levels for eligibility. They must maintain current enrollment in a nursing program with at least one full year left in their studies.
Amount: $1,000-$15,000
National CPR Association
Along with a 500-1,500 word essay, each applicant needs to submit their contact information and the name of their school. The first-place winner receives $3,000. Second- and third-place winners receive free access to the CPR certification program.
Who Can Apply: Undergraduate and graduate students seeking degrees in the medical sciences, including nursing, may qualify for this award.
Amount: $3,000
National Health Service Corps
Each candidate must demonstrate academic excellence, submit two letters of recommendation, and write three essays for consideration. A recipient is obligated to perform two years of full-time service in an underserved location for each year they receive a scholarship.
Who Can Apply: Full-time graduate students enrolled in accredited programs focusing on primary healthcare who do not have existing service applications can qualify.
Amount: Covers tuition, fees, and a monthly stipend for living expenses
Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania
This nonprofit organization provides scholarships for three residents pursuing nursing diplomas and degrees. Each applicant provides two recommendation letters, transcripts, and a letter of acceptance from their nursing program.
Who Can Apply: Scholarships are open to Pennsylvania residents with 3.0 GPAs or higher in state board-approved programs. High school students cannot apply.
Amount: Varies; $1,000 minimum
Nurses Educational Funds Scholarships
NEF offers financial assistance for graduate-level nursing students. Each applicant should provide three references, a personal essay and goals statement, unofficial transcripts, and a $20 fee.
Who Can Apply: Candidates must be licensed RNs and current graduate students who maintain membership in a professional nursing association. They must have at least two semesters of study left and possess GPAs of 3.6 or higher. Specific guidelines vary by degree.
Amount: Varies
Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania
Each of this organization’s four scholarships apply specific application guidelines.
Who Can Apply: All awards are open to nursing students who reside in Pennsylvania.
Amount: $1,000-$2,000
Scarlett Family Foundation
Students pursuing STEM or business degrees at four-year nonprofit institutions may apply online on the Foundation’s website. Applicants must demonstrate financial need through their 1040 tax returns. They should also submit information about their academic achievements, community service, and extracurricular activities, along with an essay. More than 750 scholarships are provided annually.
Who Can Apply: Any graduating high school senior or undergraduate student with at least one year left of school may apply. Each candidate must have graduated from high school in one of Middle Tennessee’s 40 counties. A student needs to possess a 2.5 GPA or higher and score a 21 on the ACT to qualify for this award.
Amount: Varies
Sigma Nursing Research Grants
Sigma administers several nursing scholarships and grants opportunities for graduate-level students. Application processes and eligibility criteria vary with each grant.
Who Can Apply: These grants support graduate-level nursing students conducting research.
Amount: Varies
Sinclair School of Nursing Scholarships
The University of Missouri Health’s Sinclair School of Nursing sponsors multiple internal, need-based awards for undergraduate and graduate students. Eligibility requirements vary among scholarships. The online portal identifies scholarship eligibility based on the applicant’s qualifications.
Who Can Apply: Candidates study at the Sinclair School of Nursing to qualify.
Amount: Varies
The Kim and Harold Louie Family Foundation
To qualify for this award, an applicant must hold a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or higher, a minimum 1300 SAT score, or a minimum 27 ACT score. If the school the student plans to attend does not require standardized test results, the foundation waves score requirements. Each candidate must also submit two reference letters and a personal statement.
Who Can Apply: Learners whose parents are or were in the military, along with students whose parents did not attend college receive special consideration. Award amounts depend on the awardees’ financial need and qualifications.
Amount: Varies
Tylenol Future Care Scholarship
Applicants must submit their official transcripts, documentation of community involvement, and two 500-word essays to qualify for this scholarship. This one-time award is administered through the International Scholarship and Tuition Services.
Who Can Apply: Graduate-level nursing students or college seniors who plan to attend nursing programs and have one or more years of school remaining can qualify.
Amount: $5,000 or $10,000
Velma Flies Anderson Scholarship
Qualifying applicants must demonstrate financial need and excellent clinical performance evaluations. Each candidate needs to provide two letters of recommendation, hold a minimum 3.0 GPA, and live in the Mosaic Life Care Foundation service area to qualify for this scholarship.
Who Can Apply: Undergraduate seniors attending accredited RN programs in the service can apply. Eligible candidates should demonstrate excellent clinical evaluation skills.
Amount: Varies
Western Governors University Scholarships
Western Governors University nursing students provide documentation of financial need and submit general institutional scholarship applications to qualify. The university offers multiple health and nursing scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing nursing.
Who Can Apply: Nursing students attending Western Governors University may apply.
Amount: Varies
