Top 10 Scholarships for Aspiring Nurses
Learn about eligibility requirements, award amounts, and deadlines to identify the best opportunities to fund your nursing education.
The rising cost of nursing education has become a significant concern for aspiring nurses as tuition fees, textbooks, and clinical supplies continue to increase. This financial burden often discourages individuals from pursuing their nursing degrees or forces them to take on substantial student loans. At the same time, the healthcare industry is experiencing a growing demand for qualified nurses, making it essential to support students in achieving their educational goals.
In response to these challenges, financial assistance in the form of scholarships has become crucial for many students. Scholarships help to alleviate the financial stress associated with nursing school, allowing students to focus on their studies and clinical training. They provide a valuable resource for both undergraduate and graduate nursing students, helping to ensure that financial constraints do not stand in the way of becoming a healthcare professional.
Various nursing scholarships are available, ranging from merit-based and need-based awards to scholarships specifically aimed at underrepresented groups in the field. These scholarships come from multiple sources, including government programs, private organizations, professional associations, and educational institutions. By taking advantage of these opportunities, students can significantly reduce their financial burden while pursuing their nursing degrees.
Types of Nursing Scholarships
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships may be awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements, leadership skills, or other outstanding talents. These scholarships often require a high GPA, strong letters of recommendation, and involvement in extracurricular activities. The primary benefit of merit-based scholarships is that they reward hard work and academic excellence, helping students cover tuition and other expenses without consideration of their financial need.
Need-Based Scholarships
Need-based scholarships are designed for students who may need financial assistance to pursue their nursing education. These scholarships consider the student’s financial situation, including family income and other resources, when determining eligibility. The value of need-based scholarships lies in providing support to those who might otherwise be unable to afford the high cost of nursing education, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented individuals from entering the profession.
Diversity Scholarships
Diversity scholarships aim to support students from underrepresented or minority backgrounds within the nursing field. These scholarships encourage a more diverse nursing workforce by providing financial assistance to students from various ethnic, racial, or gender groups. The benefit of diversity scholarships is that they promote inclusivity in nursing, helping to reduce healthcare disparities and enhance cultural competence within the profession.
Location-Based Scholarships
Location-based scholarships may be awarded to students based on their geographic location or willingness to work in specific areas. These scholarships may be offered to students from rural or underserved regions or to those who commit to practicing in high-need areas after graduation. The value of these scholarships is in their ability to address regional nursing shortages by encouraging students to study or work in locations where healthcare services are most needed.
Service-Commitment Scholarships
Service-commitment scholarships may provide funding to students in exchange for a commitment to work in certain healthcare settings or communities after graduation. For example, the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) offers scholarships to students who agree to work in underserved areas for a specified period. The primary benefit of these scholarships is that they offer financial support while also helping to fill critical nursing shortages in high-need communities.
Employer-Sponsored Scholarships
Employer-sponsored scholarships may be offered by healthcare organizations, hospitals, or other employers to support the education of future or current employees. These scholarships may come with conditions such as committing to work for the sponsoring employer after graduation. The advantage of employer-sponsored scholarships is that they not only help cover educational costs but also offer students job security by offering a direct path to employment after completing their nursing degree.
Program-Specific Scholarships
Program-specific scholarships may be offered by individual nursing schools or programs to students enrolled in their courses. These scholarships may be based on academic achievement, financial need, or other criteria set by the institution. The value of program-specific scholarships is that they are often tailored to the needs of students within that program, making them a valuable resource for those pursuing specialized nursing degrees.
Top 10 Scholarships for Aspiring Nurses
1. Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
Overview: The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program, offered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides financial support to nursing students in exchange for a commitment to work in underserved areas after graduation. The goal is to alleviate the nursing shortage in regions with limited healthcare access.
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), a national, or lawful permanent residents, accepted or enrolled in a nursing degree program at a United States accredited school of nursing, begin classes no later than September 30, no federal judgment liens, no existing service commitment, and not overdue on federal debt. Preference for those who need the most help financially.
Award Amount: Tuition, eligible fees, and reasonable costs (includes books, clinical supplies/instruments, and uniforms), along with a monthly stipend. In return, scholarship awardees must work at an eligible health care facility with a critical shortage of nurses (critical shortage facility) after graduation.
Application Deadline: Usually in May (specific date varies annually).
How to Apply: Submit an online application, including required supporting documentation, and other supporting documentation. Please visit the website for more information.
2. Tylenol Future Care Scholarship
Overview: The Tylenol Future Care Scholarship supports students pursuing healthcare-related degrees, including nursing, with the aim of helping future healthcare leaders succeed.
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be a resident of the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia; be a graduate student or be a college senior who will be enrolling in graduate school during the applicable academic year; provide proof of enrollment to a graduate program in medical school, nursing, and/or pharmacy located in the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia, and have one or more years of school remaining. Scholarships are awarded to students and practitioners who are seeking a degree to actively treat patients.
Award Amount: Ten $10,000 scholarships awarded annually and are not renewable; Twenty-five $5,000 scholarships awarded annually and are not renewable. Scholarships will be applied to tuition, fees, and books, supplies & equipment required for a full-time course load. Institutions must be accredited, nonprofit colleges/universities in the United States.
Application Deadline: Typically, in the summer with winners announced in the fall.
How to Apply: Submit an online application along with transcripts, a personal essay, and proof of enrollment.
3. Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association (FNSNA) Scholarships
Overview: The FNSNA provides scholarships to undergraduate nursing students based on academic achievement, financial need, and involvement in student nursing organizations.
Eligibility Requirements: Undergraduate scholarships are open to students enrolled in a state-approved program for ADN, BSN, Diploma in Nursing (hospital-based nursing program), Direct-Entry Master’s Degree, LPN/LVN-RN Degree, RN-BSN/MSN Degree, or Accelerated BSN (12-18 Month Program). Funds are not available for graduate study unless it is for a first degree in nursing. Applicants must graduate after July 1, 2025, and be a U.S. citizen, or Alien with U.S. Permanent Resident Status, or hold an Alien Registration Number.
Award Amount: Varies, typically up to $10,000 per award.
Application Deadline: Mid-January each year.
How to Apply: Complete the online application, including unofficial academic transcripts, financial need documentation, letters of recommendation, and acceptance letter and nursing license (if applicable). Also, faculty member and financial aid certification forms and submission fee. There is a $10 non-refundable submission fee that must be paid via Stripe.
4. American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) QGenda Scholarship Program
Overview: In association with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), QGenda offers scholarships for students enrolled in AACN member nursing schools, particularly those pursuing baccalaureate, master’s, or doctoral degrees.
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be enrolled in an AACN member school and pursuing a BSN, MSN, or doctoral nursing degree. Academic excellence and leadership potential are required.
Award Amount: $5,000 awarded to multiple recipients throughout the year.
Application Deadline: Varies based on funding cycle: July 1, October 1, February 1.
How to Apply: Submit an online application, including transcripts, proof of enrollment, and a personal statement.
5. UNCF Kaiser Permanente Health Equity Scholarship
Overview: The UNCF Kaiser Permanente Health Equity Scholarship supports young leaders who have a demonstrated interest in pursuing a clinical (e.g., pharmacist, physician, practitioner, nurse) or non-clinical (e.g., accounting, business administration, human resources, marketing, public policy) career in the healthcare industry.
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be graduating high school seniors with a minimum 2.5 GPA and planning full-time enrollment during the fall semester at a four-year accredited, not-for-profit U.S. college or university; or a two-year accredited, not-for-profit community college. Applicants must reside in one of the following 8 designated areas: California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, Oregon, Virginia, or Washington State.
Award Amount: Selected students receive up to $5,000.
Application Deadline: July 17, 2025
How to Apply: Submit an online application, including transcripts, a FAFSA Summary Report, a personal essay, and a letter of recommendation.
6. The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship
Overview: This scholarship funds African American students who are working toward a bachelor’s degree program. The award is not degree-specific for African American nursing scholarships. However, nursing scholarships are one of their most popular chosen by students looking for funding.
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be graduating, minority high school seniors who demonstrate a record of academic excellence, leadership potential and a dedication to community service; plans to attend an accredited and JRF approved four-year college/university within the U.S. or affiliated with a U.S. based college or university; and have not accrued more than 25% of credits needed to graduate from college. U.S. citizenship and demonstrated financial need also are required to be eligible.
Award Amount: Up to $35,000 over four years.
Application Deadline: January 9, 2025.
How to Apply: Apply online with one recommendation, demographics, high school information including an unofficial high school transcript, college plans, four essays, activities and distinctions, household information, completion of CSS profile, and test scores (AP, IB, PSAT, ACT, or SAT) optional.
7. Breanna Coleman Memorial Nursing Scholarship
Overview: This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Breanna Coleman by supporting students who share her passion for nursing and helping others.
Eligibility Requirements: Any high school senior who will be a first-generation college student pursuing a four-year degree in nursing may apply for this scholarship if they have volunteering and extracurricular involvement.
Award Amount: $5,000
Application Deadline: Jan 24, 2025
How to Apply: Write an essay on the following topic: What inspired you to pursue a career in nursing? How do you currently give back to your community and/or how you will give back in the future?
8. Future Nurse Scholarship Award
Overview: The Future Nurse Scholarship, provided by HospitalCareers.com, is designed to help nursing students offset the costs of their education while preparing to enter the workforce.
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled full-time in a regionally or nationally recognized accredited institution and presently pursing a nursing degree, cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and minimum of 30 credits at time of application.
Award Amount: $1,500 awarded annually to one student.
Application Deadline: Please visit the website for the most up-to-date deadline.
How to Apply: Complete the application form and all sections. Include recent transcripts, a one-page essay on your interests, motivations, situation, and future goals, and an updated resume. Submit all documents in one email to [email protected].
9. Hurst Review Nursing AACN Scholarship
Overview: This scholarship, a partnership between Hurst Review Services and the AACN, recognizes and rewards entry-level nursing students for outstanding academic performance.
Eligibility Requirements: Open to students enrolled in AACN member institutions and who maintain at least a 3.2 GPA average in their current program or last school attended.
Award Amount: $2,500 awarded twice a year.
Application Deadline: September 1 and February 1.
How to Apply: Please visit the website for the application.
10. The Oncology Nursing Foundation Scholarship
Overview: The Oncology Nursing Foundation offers scholarships to students interested in specializing in oncology nursing, aiming to support the development of future leaders in cancer care. They award academic scholarships, leadership and career development awards, research grants, and conference scholarships.
Eligibility Requirements: Open to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a career in oncology nursing. Requirements vary based on the scholarship – please visit the website for each educational level for details.
Award Amount: Varies: BSN, $3,000; MSN, $5,000; PhD/DNP, $7,500.
Application Deadline: Applications open September, due February, notified by end of April
How to Apply: Submit an application along with a $5.00 non-refundable application processing fee a letter of recommendation, essay responses, and professional, membership, and volunteer experience.
How to Find Nursing Scholarships
Finding nursing scholarships requires a proactive approach. Here are some actionable tips to help you discover more opportunities:
- Search National Scholarship Databases: Websites like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and College Board offer comprehensive lists of scholarships for students. Use filters to narrow down nursing-specific scholarships and apply to those for which you qualify.
- Contact Financial Aid Offices: Reach out to the financial aid offices at nursing schools or universities for information on program-specific scholarships. Many institutions offer exclusive scholarships to enrolled students.
- Join Nursing Organizations: Becoming a member of organizations like the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) or the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) can provide access to member-only scholarships and grants.
- Explore Local or State-Based Scholarships: Contact local hospitals, healthcare organizations, and foundations for scholarships specific to your state or region. Many local entities provide financial aid to students who commit to working in their communities post-graduation.
- Utilize Professional Nursing Associations: Professional organizations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) and Minority Nurse Association (see above) regularly post scholarship opportunities on their websites. Stay informed by checking their scholarship announcements.
By using these resources, you can find scholarships that match your qualifications and reduce the financial burden of nursing education.
Top 10 Tips for Winning Nursing Scholarships
- Start Early and Stay Organized: Begin your scholarship search and application process early to avoid last-minute stress. Create a calendar to track deadlines, requirements, and submission dates.
- Follow All Instructions Carefully: Pay attention to each scholarship’s specific requirements and instructions. Complete all sections, and don’t skip any required materials; incomplete applications are often disqualified.
- Proofread and Edit Carefully: Submit error-free applications by thoroughly proofreading each one. Small errors can detract from your professionalism and attention to detail.
- Secure Strong Recommendations: Request letters from mentors, teachers, or supervisors who can vouch for your character, academic ability, and dedication to nursing. Choose people who know you well and can provide specific examples.
- Highlight Academic and Professional Achievements: Include academic honors, certifications, or relevant work experience in healthcare. These credentials demonstrate your commitment to and potential in nursing.
- Tailor Each Application: Customize your application to align with each scholarship’s specific criteria. Highlight experiences and goals that match the scholarship’s focus, whether it’s leadership, academic achievement, or community service.
- Demonstrate Your Leadership and Community Involvement: Highlight any volunteer work, leadership roles, or community involvement, especially if they relate to healthcare. Showing a history of service and leadership can strengthen your application.
- Showcase Your Passion for Nursing: Share personal stories or motivations that led you to pursue nursing. Authentic passion can make a compelling impression on scholarship committees.
- Express Clear Career Goals: Articulate your long-term goals in nursing, especially if they align with the scholarship’s mission. Scholarship committees often prioritize candidates who have a vision for their future in the field.
- Be Genuine and Confident: Authenticity can help your application stand out. Write confidently about your strengths and why you’re a great fit for the scholarship.
Explore Your Options to Kickstart a Fulfilling Journey in Nursing!
In conclusion, researching and applying for nursing scholarships early is essential for students aiming to fund their nursing education with minimal debt. Scholarships can significantly alleviate the financial burden, allowing students to focus on achieving their career goals without the weight of excessive expenses. By starting early and preparing strong applications, students can take full advantage of financial aid opportunities and access resources that support their journey into nursing.
For those considering nursing as a career, Brookline College offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Nursing program designed to prepare students for rewarding and impactful roles in healthcare. If you’re curious about the highest paying nursing jobs, tips on how to prepare for Nursing School, or steps on how to become a Registered Nurse, Brookline College provides resources and guidance to help you succeed in your nursing career.
