Guide to Financial Aid and Scholarships for Nurses
Find out how you can get nurse scholarships or grants to help you pay for nursing school.
Do you want to become a nurse and enjoy good salary and job growth prospects but have concerns about graduating with high levels of student debt? If so, this guide to nursing scholarships and grants, for undergraduate and graduate studies, can help you afford your education and lower your chances of graduating with student loan debt.
Please note that while these scholarships are awarded annually, the application period for the current year may be closed depending on when you read this guide.
Featured Online Programs
Grants and Scholarships for Nursing Students
Who Can Apply: Students enrolled in an AACN member institution who are seeking a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in nursing, with special consideration given to students in a graduate program with the goal of becoming a nurse educator; completing an RN-to-BSN or MSN program; and those enrolled in an accelerated nursing program.
Amount: $2,500
Who Can Apply: Graduate students pursuing doctoral studies in the field of cancer nursing research, and preparing for careers as nurse scientists.
Amount: $30,000
Who Can Apply: Nursing students of Native American descent who plan to pursue a career serving Native American healthcare needs.
Amount: $1,500
Who Can Apply: Those currently enrolled full-time in a school or medical training program and working toward a career as a EMT/paramedic or other first responder, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician, physician assistant, or respiratory therapist. Applicants must submit an essay.
Amount: $1,000
Who Can Apply: Lutheran students pursuing an undergraduate degree in any area of service to people with developmental disabilities, with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Amount: $3,000
Who Can Apply: Students with financial need who are enrolled or accepted in an accredited nursing program.
Amount: $2,500
Who Can Apply: RNs with an ADN who are seeking a BSN or higher degree.
Amount: $5,000
Who Can Apply: Undergraduate or graduate students in a healthcare field who submit an essay on the importance of CPR training.
Amount: $2,000
Who Can Apply: Graduate nursing students who aspire to hold leadership positions in academic nursing.
Amount: $3,500
Who Can Apply: Nursing students with documented disabilities attending or enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate nursing program.
Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: Full-time students of Hispanic descent enrolled in or accepted to undergraduate or graduate colleges or universities.
Amount: $500-$5,000
Who Can Apply: Nursing students enrolled at an AACN member institution with at least a 3.2 GPA.
Amount: $2,500
Who Can Apply: Nursing or other healthcare students of Native American ancestry who commit to a two-year period of service to Native American communities.
Amount: Tuition and other schooling costs
Who Can Apply: An LPN/LVN currently working in post-acute or long-term care and seeking a BSN or higher degree.
Amount: $5,000
Who Can Apply: African American high school graduates pursuing a healthcare career.
Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: Members of the NBNA who are enrolled in nursing school, with at least one year remaining in their studies. Other requirements vary, based on the program.
Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: Master's or doctoral students enrolled in accredited programs who have completed at least one full year of study.
Amount: $8,000 (maximum)
Who Can Apply: Active NAHN members in good standing, enrolled in an accredited nursing program.
Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: Full-time nursing students who commit to at least two years of service at a Critical Shortage Facility.
Amount: Full tuition and other schooling costs.
Who Can Apply: Students enrolled in or accepted to a graduate healthcare program, with at least one year of studies remaining.
Amount: Varies
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