The Best Nursing Scholarships for Men

Historically, men have not entered the nursing profession to the extent that women have. Women make up more than 85% of the registered nurse and nurse practitioner workforce. The relative dearth of male nurses may be traceable to gender stereotypes or stigmas. In fact, men were barred from attending nursing schools in the 1850s, which mirrors the struggles women experienced trying to enter male-dominated professions, such as law, or the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. While numerous initiatives have helped increase the numbers of women in traditionally male professions, men have not been encouraged to pursue caregiving careers like nursing. With a critical nationwide nursing shortage occurring in the U.S., male nurses can help fill the gap. To this end, we've compiled a list of nursing scholarships open to men. Women can also apply to many on the list, but some extend only to men.

Scholarships for Male Nurses

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Scholarships Who Can Apply: Prelicensure undergraduates pursuing professional nursing degrees and enrolled at AACN-accredited schools can apply for these awards offered in partnership with Hurst Review Services, an NCLEX test preparation company. Amount: $2,500

Army Nurse Corps Association Scholarship Who Can Apply: Nursing students working toward a baccalaureate or graduate degree with current or past military service can apply for this scholarship. Immediate family members of current or past service members can also apply. Amount: $3,000

Asian American/Pacific Islander Nurses Association (AAPINA) Scholarship Who Can Apply: AAPINA invites active, two-year members pursuing undergraduate or graduate nursing degrees to apply if they can provide evidence of a 3.5 GPA and submit an essay and recommendation letters. Amount: $1,000

Breaking Barriers: Scholarship for Men in Nursing Who Can Apply: Offered exclusively to men, these funds support those actively enrolled in an accredited nursing program who hold a 3.5 GPA and submit a 500-1,000 word essay. Amount: $500

Coursey Enterprises Student Scholarships Who Can Apply: First-year nursing students training for careers as registered nurses or licensed practical nurses can apply with a 200-word essay discussing why they want to be a nurse. Amount: $250

Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Foundation Academic Scholarships Who Can Apply: ENA members can apply for all levels of scholarships, while nonmembers can only apply for undergraduate funding. Selection criteria include educational and career goals, professional involvement, community and leadership activities, and references. Amount: Varies

Foundation of the National Student Nurses' Association (FNSNA) Scholarships Who Can Apply: FNSNA accepts applications from enrolled undergraduate nursing students across the U.S. Selection criteria depend on the funding organization and usually funds students in specific underrepresented nursing specialties. Amount: Up to $7,500 per academic year

Hector Gonzalez Past Presidents Scholarship Who Can Apply: Funded by a National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) past president and founding member Hector Hugo Gonzalez, this award assists students enrolled in two-year associate degree in nursing programs. Amount: $2,000

HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program Who Can Apply: Students willing to commit to working in a facility with a critical shortage of nurses after graduation can apply. Eligibility includes U.S. citizenship, no federal judgment liens or overdue debt, and no existing service commitment. Amount: Dependent on financial need

Men in Nursing Scholarship Award Who Can Apply: The Great Nurse Foundation supports its male members who are enrolled in nursing school and requires applicants to submit a 10-minute video addressing the importance of and barriers to men in nursing. Amount: Varies

National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Scholarships Who Can Apply: Members of the NBNA enrolled in a nursing program leading to a degree or diploma can apply with good scholastic standing and at least one full year of nursing school yet to complete. Amount: $1,000-$5,000

NurseTim Scholarships Who Can Apply: Open to current nursing students at all degree or diploma levels, these awards vary by geographic area, and selection criteria focus on academic performance and service. Amount: $500-$5,000

Promise of Nursing Scholarships Who Can Apply: Nursing students at state-approved schools in eleven states can apply for these Johnson & Johnson-sponsored funds. The program seeks to address the nursing shortage and support future registered nurses. Amount: Up to $7,500 per academic year

Tylenol Future Care Scholarship Who Can Apply: Applicants must hold U.S. citizenship, provide proof of enrollment in (or acceptance to) a graduate nursing program, have at least one year of school remaining, and submit an essay. Amount: $5,000-$10,000

United Health Foundation Diverse Scholars Initiative Who Can Apply: Offered in partnership with NAHN, this scholarship for rising sophomores and above requires NAHN membership and conference attendance, full-time student status, and a GPA of 3.0. Amount: $5,000 per year for up to three consecutive years

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