Nursing Scholarships for First-Generation College Students

Who Can Apply: Students of color planning to attend college in any major can apply, including first-generation students. An applicant must demonstrate a 3.3 GPA and financial need. Some students receive full funding.

Amount: Variable, depending on college costs not covered by financial aid.

Who Can Apply: This fund supports women ages 35 and older with incomes below the poverty level, including first-generation students. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents attending accredited vocational or technical schools, colleges, or universities.

Amount: $2,500

Who Can Apply: Women with international backgrounds, including first-generation Americans, entering U.S. colleges or universities may apply. Each applicant submits two essays and two recommendation letters. Selected candidates interview by phone.

Amount: $1,000

Who Can Apply: Diverse candidates, including those belonging to underserved communities who may also be first-generation college students, can apply. Applicants must be enrolled in accredited vocational, technical, or undergraduate degree-granting schools.

Amount: Up to $10,000

Who Can Apply: Minority and underserved learners, including first-generation students in their final year of postsecondary education, can apply. Sallie Mae delivers awards based on financial challenges that threaten students’ ability to finish their degrees.

Amount: Up to $2,500

Who Can Apply: Full-time students who have completed one year of their associate or bachelor’s degree programs with 3.0 GPAs and demonstrate financial need can apply. Almost 70% of recipients are first-generation degree earners.

Amount: Average award totals $24,000

Who Can Apply: Accepted students to accredited U.S. colleges and universities with minimum GPAs of 3.5 can apply with transcripts, FAFSA applications, and resumes. The fund prioritizes first-generation applicants in specific majors, including healthcare.

Amount: $1,000

Who Can Apply: This scholarship awards funds to first-generation students with GPAs of 3.7-4.0 and minimum SAT scores of 1300 or minimum ACT scores of 27. Applicants in all areas of study may apply, including nursing students.

Amount: A total of $100,000 awarded annually; individual amounts vary

Who Can Apply: High school seniors entering college as first-generation students at select TMCF member schools may apply. Criteria include a 3.0 GPA, demonstrated leadership abilities, and financial need.

Amount: $5,000

Who Can Apply: Enrolled tribal members with 2.5 GPAs, including first-generation students, may apply for funds that support degree-seeking students in any field who want to serve their tribes after graduation.

Amount: Variable; scholarships awarded twice a year until students graduate

Who Can Apply: Tribal members, including first-generation nursing graduate students, with 2.0 GPAs and demonstrated financial need, can apply. Recipients must commit to at least two years of postgraduate service in Indian healthcare.

Amount: Variable

Who Can Apply: Graduate-level nursing students, including first-generation, can apply for funding covering tuition and costs and monthly stipends. Criteria include native Hawaiian ancestry and a two-year commitment to work in underserved Hawaiian areas.

Amount: Variable

Who Can Apply: NBNA awards several scholarships to its graduate student members, including first-generation learners. Each applicant must have at least one more year of school to complete and submit an essay for consideration.

Amount: $1,000-$5,000

Who Can Apply: Selected graduate nursing students, including first-generation applicants, receive a full year of funding. Qualifications include pursuing a primary care degree at an accredited program and a commitment to working in underserved communities.

Amount: Variable, depending on school tuition and costs

Who Can Apply: First-generation students enrolled in graduate nursing programs may apply if they commit to working in a critical shortage facility after graduation. The scholarship program prioritizes applicants with financial need.

Amount: Variable; includes tuition, fees, and costs

Who Can Apply: NEF provides scholarships to advanced nursing program enrollees who demonstrate financial need, including first-generation students. Master’s and doctoral nursing students with registered nurse (RN) licenses and 3.6 GPAs can apply for funding to support their training at accredited schools.

Amount: Variable

Who Can Apply: AACN member school attendees, including first-generation students enrolled in graduate nursing programs, may apply for funds. The fund gives special consideration to nurse educator, master’s bridge, and accelerated program enrollees.

Amount: $2,500 per quarter

Who Can Apply: Minority graduates and professional students from historically underserved communities can apply for funding, including first-generation nursing students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.

Amount: $10,000