
Scholarships for nursing students
Often referred to as heroes in scrubs, nurses provide critical care to the community and are responsible for saving countless lives. Not only do nurses deliver on-the-ground medical support, they also emotionally support people through some of the most uncertain and challenging times of their lives.
Nursing is a selfless profession and many students choose this path because they want to help others. Other students become nurses due to their own experience with the healthcare system, or to find stable employment. A nursing degree can also prepare you for a career in nursing administration, nursing research, and other related fields.
Regardless of your reasons for wanting to become a nurse, this degree equips you with the skills to make decisions in high-risk situations, support and comfort patients, and provide medical aid to diverse populations. In addition to coursework, nursing programs incorporate clinical practice so that you can gain experience using your skills in a real-world setting.
When it comes to furthering your education, tuition costs can be a major obstacle. Learn about the different types of financial aid options available to students, and then complete the online FAFSA form. Your eligibility for most forms of financial aid is determined from your FAFSA form.
Scholarships are the preferred financial aid option for students. The reason being that you don’t have to pay the money back. Numerous organizations, including those listed below, offer scholarships for nursing students at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level.
General scholarships for nursing students
While most scholarships require candidates to study a specific degree level, some are available to students of any nursing program. Below are a few of the options you may be eligible for.
A Nurse I am offers scholarships to students enrolled in any accredited nursing program, either full- or part-time.
Eligibility requirements: Students need to be currently registered in a nursing program in the U.S.
Application requirements: Candidates are required to complete an online application form, providing information about their background, skills, and course of study.
Deadline: April 15
Scholarship amount: varies
Official website: A Nurse I am
ENA offers both academic and conference scholarships, with the aim of advancing the field of emergency nursing. These scholarships are awarded annually to students of all degree levels, although typically to students attending ACEN or CCNE institutions.
Eligibility requirements: Depending on the level of study, students may need to demonstrate a specified GPA, and become an ENA member.
Application requirements: Candidates complete an online application form and submit 2 letters of recommendation.
Deadline: April 29
Scholarship amount: Varies depending on the specific scholarship
Official website: ENA Foundation Scholarships
Scholarships for undergraduate nursing students
Whether you’re pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), earning an undergraduate degree is the first step towards becoming a registered nurse (RN). Registered nurses who hold an ADN are often able to enroll in accelerated RN-to-BSN programs, which allow them to use their experience in place of some courses.
Here are just a few of the money-saving scholarships for nursing majors at the undergraduate level:
Kaleidoscope offers scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 for students majoring in a science or healthcare-related field, including nursing. The first-place winner also receives quarterly academic support packages, which can include items like scrubs, lab coats, and stethoscopes.
Eligibility requirements: The scholarship is available to students pursuing a career in healthcare. They need to be enrolled or looking to enroll in a college major related to healthcare or science.
Application requirements: Applicants are required to submit an entry via video or social post, as well as details of the program they want to attend. There are also 3 questions related to their background and experience.
Deadline: April 29
Scholarship amount: $1,000 – $2,500
Official website: Amaze Yourself Scholarship
This $1,000 award is geared towards high school seniors or current undergraduate students pursuing a degree in the medical field. The winner is selected based on a personal essay about an inspiring act of kindness.
Eligibility requirements: Applicants need to be enrolled in an accredited college, study a medical-related degree, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Application requirements: Submit an essay, video, or image, about an inspiring act of kindness. GPA evidence and details of the medical program is also required.
Deadline: December 15
Scholarship amount: $1,000
Official website: AvaCare Medical Scholarship
IntelyCare provides one $10,000 scholarship and one $5,000 scholarship per year to aspiring nurses and healthcare professionals. Students should complete the online application to apply.
Eligibility requirements: Candidates need to be an aspiring nursing professional enrolled in a nursing program.
Application requirements: Candidates submit an application form, detailing what inspired them to become a nursing professional.
Deadline: December 31
Scholarship amount: $5,000
Official website: Healthcare Heroes Scholarship
Scholarships for graduate nursing students
Earning a graduate degree in nursing, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), can pave the way for increased earning potential, leadership opportunities, or further specialization. According to PayScale, nurses with an MSN earn an average of $97,000 – which is $9,000 more per year than nurses with only a BSN.
Applying for scholarships can help reduce the cost of your MSN. Check out these great scholarships for nursing majors at the graduate level:
In partnership with the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation, the Oncology Nursing Foundation awards $5,000 scholarships to graduate-level nursing students. Applicants should be committed to pursuing a career in oncology nursing.
Eligibility requirements: The scholarship is available to registered nurses who are enrolled in or applying to an accredited master’s program. Applicants need to demonstrate a commitment to a career in oncology nursing.
Application requirements: Provide a letter of reference and answer an essay question.
Deadline: January 30
Scholarship amount: $5,000
Official website: ONF Master’s scholarship
In memory of Stephanie Carroll, NADONA provides annual scholarships to both undergraduate and graduate nursing students. Winners must be committed to working in long-term care or geriatrics for at least 2 years following graduation.
Eligibility requirements: Applicants need to have been accepted into an accredited nursing program.
Application requirements: Evidence of acceptance into an accredited nursing program, the expenses the student expects to incur, and an essay related to their study choice.
Deadline: April 15
Scholarship amount: varies
Official website: Stephanie Carroll Scholarship
This $10,000 scholarship is awarded to students at the undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral level. Preference is given to graduate students who aspire to become nurse educators, students completing RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MSN programs, and students enrolled in accelerated programs.
Eligibility requirements: Eligible students need to be enrolled in a school that is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and studying a professional nursing degree at an AACN school.
Application requirements: Students are asked to complete an online application, provide demographic information and details on their academic achievement, and submit a short essay outlining their plans to teach after graduation.
Deadline: January 15 and July 15
Scholarship amount: 1 $10,000 scholarship every quarter.
Official website: AfterCollege/AACN Scholarship
Scholarships for doctoral nursing students
Pursuing a doctoral-level degree is a great option for nurses who are aiming to become nurse practitioners or conduct research in the field. The 2 doctoral-level nursing degrees available are a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing. In general, a Ph.D. is more research-focused while a DNP is geared towards clinical practice.
Regardless of your path, these scholarships for nursing majors pursuing advanced degrees can help reduce the cost of your education:
In collaboration with the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation and Pfizer, the Oncology Nursing Foundation provides $7,500 per year to students enrolled in DNP or Ph.D. programs. Applicants must have an RN license and be committed to the field of oncology nursing.
Eligibility requirements: Applicants need to be a licensed registered nurse with a strong commitment to oncology nursing, and either enrolled in or applying to a Ph.D. or DNP nursing program.
Application requirements: Submit a letter of reference and answer an essay question related to the mission of the foundation.
Deadline: January 30
Scholarship amount: $7,500
Official website: ONF Doctoral Scholarship
The Nursing Economic$ Foundation awards $5,000 per year to qualified nurses who are pursuing graduate or doctoral-level degrees. Students should complete the online application form to apply.
Eligibility requirements: This scholarship is for registered nurses who are enrolled in an accredited master’s or doctorate program – with the goal to begin a career in nursing administration, management, leadership, or education.
Application requirements: Submit an application form, which includes tuition information, resume, statement of career plans or goals, GRE scores, and official transcripts.
Deadline: May 13
Scholarship amount: $5,000
Official website: Nursing Economic$ Scholarship
Students pursuing a doctoral degree in nursing are eligible to apply for the $1,500 scholarship. The scholarship requires that students have at least a 3.0 GPA.
Eligibility requirements: To be eligible for this scholarship, students need to be studying an undergraduate degree in a medical field, with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Application requirements: Completed application form, along with transcripts, proof of enrolment, and a 650-word essay about future goals in the medical field.
Deadline: August 15
Scholarship amount: $1,500
Official website: Prosper Shaked Scholarship
Scholarships in nursing for minority students
Increasing the diversity of the healthcare field means expanding care for individuals from underrepresented groups. Bringing in diverse perspectives can improve healthcare accessibility for minorities and create a system focused on personalized care. To support these efforts, several organizations provide scholarships for minority students pursuing nursing degrees, including the ones below.
The NSCDA provides $1,500 per semester to eligible students of American Indian descent who are pursuing a degree in nursing. Applicants should be committed to supporting American Indian populations following graduation.
Eligibility requirements: The scholarship comes with the stipulation that candidates are in a tribe or village, or able to prove direct tribal ancestry. They also need to be enrolled in an accredited healthcare program with a career focus directly connected to the healthcare needs of the following communities: American Indian, Alaskan Native, or Hawaiian Native.
Application requirements: Transcripts, a biographical statement, and information about financial need/career goals.
Deadline: June 1
Scholarship amount: $1,500
Official website: American Indian Nurse Scholarship
Mauli Ola Mālamalama provides generous scholarships to students enrolled in a healthcare related program who are committed to serving the Hawaiian community following graduation. The scholarship provides funding for tuition, books, and education costs as well as a monthly stipend.
Eligibility requirements: Open to candidates training in primary healthcare disciplines needed for the delivery of first-class healthcare to Native Hawaiians. A commitment from recipients to serve in medically underserved areas of Hawaii for 2 – 4 years is essential.
Application requirements: Candidates need to provide proof that they are training in a primary healthcare discipline.
Deadline: March 15
Scholarship amount: unspecified
Official website: Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship
The aim of the AAPINA scholarship is to support APPINA members with their nursing education. It is open to candidates enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate nursing degree.
Eligibility requirements: In addition to a 2-year membership to AAPINA, applicants need to be enrolled in a nursing program and demonstrate a GPA of between 3.5 – 4.0.
Application requirements: Submit the scholarship application form, a personal essay, and 2 letters of recommendation.
Deadline: September 30
Scholarship amount: $1,000
Official website: Asian American / Pacific Islander Nurses Association (AAPINA)
Scholarships in nursing for students with disabilities
In the same spirit of expanding diversity, including individuals with disabilities into the healthcare industry can only lead to improvements in care. Acting as a voice for disabled patients and colleagues, individuals with disabilities bring diverse perspectives and experiences into the nursing field. Check out these scholarships for nursing majors with disabilities below:
ExceptionalNurse.com offers $500 per year to students with disabilities who are pursuing a degree in nursing. Students must provide 3 letters of recommendation, an online application form, an essay, and medical verification of their disability to apply.
Eligibility requirements: Applicants need to be enrolled in (or have applied to) a full-time college program, and have a documented disability.
Application requirements: Candidates provide 3 letters of recommendation, a written essay, official transcripts, medical verification of disability form.
Deadline: June 1
Scholarship amount: $500
Official website: Peter Gili Scholarship
Funded by the Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing’s Future, this $500 scholarship is provided to students with disabilities or medical challenges who are pursuing a degree in nursing.
Eligibility requirements: Applications are open to students enrolled in (or have applied to) a full-time college program, and have a documented disability.
Application requirements: Provide 3 letters of recommendation, a written essay, official transcripts, medical verification of disability form.
Deadline: June 1
Scholarship amount: $500
Official website: Jill Laura Creedon Scholarship
This $500 scholarship is awarded to nursing students with disabilities. While all nursing students can apply, preference is given to graduate students with a strong commitment to working with individuals with disabilities.
Eligibility requirements: Candidates need to be enrolled in, or have applied to, a full-time college program, and have a documented disability.
Application requirements: 3 letters of recommendation, a written essay, official transcripts, and medical verification of disability form.
Deadline: June 1
Scholarship amount: $500
Official website: Anna May Rolando Scholarship
Military nursing scholarships
Serving as a nurse with the United States Military can allow you to fund your education while gaining valuable, real-world experience. In addition to general scholarships and financial aid that the military offers, there are also a few awards just for nursing students.
The Reserve Organization of America provides one $1,000 scholarship per year to a member who has made significant contributions to one of the Uniformed Services or the National Guard. This scholarship is aimed towards military personnel who are furthering their medical education. Winners also receive up to $1,000 to attend the ROA National Convention.
Eligibility requirements: This award is aimed at drilling reserve component personnel who work in the healthcare field. Students need to be enrolled in a program that can assist them in their civilian or military career.
Application requirements: Questionnaire about the candidate’s background, 2 essays, proof of acceptance into a study program.
Deadline: July 1
Scholarship amount: $1,000
Official website: Eileen M. Bonner Scholarship for Medical Excellence
For both high school seniors and college students planning to serve as a nurse within the United States Army, Army ROTC provides 2-, 3-, and 4-year scholarships. Students must commit to 8 years of service in the Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard following graduation.
Eligibility requirements: Students are asked to commit to 8 years of service in the Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard following graduation. They are also required to have a high-school GPA of 2.5, meet the physical weight and height requirements, and pass a physical fitness test.
Application requirements: Create an account on My Go Army and complete the scholarship application form.
Deadline: Feb 4
Scholarship amount: unspecified
Official website: Army ROTC Nursing Scholarship
These 4-year scholarships are available to students enrolled in a bachelor of science in nursing. The scholarships cover costs such as tuition, fees, and living expenses. Graduates become navy officers.
Eligibility requirements: Graduates are obligated to serve for 8 years in the navy, including 4 years of active duty. There is a stipulated level of fitness, and ACT scores of 21 in math and 22 in English, or a critical reading score of 530, and 520 math SAT score. Alternatively, they need to be ranked in the top 10% of their class.
Application requirements: Complete the scholarship application form at the Naval Education and Training Command Website.
Deadline: Jan 31
Scholarship amount: Full tuition/monthly stipend
Official website: Naval Education and Training Command
These are either 3- or 4-year scholarships, covering tuition, fees, and living expenses. The 3-year scholarships start in the sophomore year. Applicants are enrolled in BSN programs, and on track to become officers upon graduation.
Eligibility requirements: Students commit to 8 years of service in the air force, including 4 years of active duty. They are required to be adequately physically fit to serve, have a minimum 3.0 GPA from high school, or a score of 24 on the ACT, or a total of 1100 in the SAT.
Application requirements: Complete the scholarship application form.
Deadline: Subject to change
Scholarship amount: Full tuition/monthly stipend
Official website: US Airforce ROTC
Government nursing scholarships
There is career specific federal funding available for nursing students. These scholarships are usually organized by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Students who receive these awards typically commit to a specified period of clinical service within a healthcare facility.
The Health Resources and Services Administration provides full scholarships for nursing students who agree to working in a Critical Shortage Facility (CSF) for at least 2 years after graduation. The scholarship covers tuition, eligible education-related fees, books, supplies, and uniforms.
Eligibility requirements: Students need to be accepted or enrolled in a nursing degree program at a U.S. accredited school of nursing, with classes beginning by 30 September.
Application requirements: Submit an online application, which includes background information, degree information, and recommendation letters. Provide supporting documentation including proof of U.S. citizenship, an official student aid report, completed essay questions and resume.
Deadline: May 5
Scholarship amount: full ride
Official website: Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
Whether you’re passionate about helping sick children, being present with individuals in the final moments of their life, or something in between, a nursing degree could be for you. A career in nursing allows you to help others and contribute to society, making it both a rewarding and extremely challenging career field. With scholarships for nursing majors and financial planning, you can achieve your dream of earning a nursing degree without the worry of student debt.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a degree in nursing cost?
The following degree costs apply to nursing programs: the cost for an ADN can range from $10,000 to $40,000, a BSN can range from $72,000 to $104,000, and a MSN can cost between $48,000 and $108,000. A doctoral-level nursing program can cost anywhere between $21,318 to $74,752.
How much do nurses earn?
The average salary for nurses in 2020 was $75,330. This pay can vary widely depending on your degree, area of specialization, and location. For example, Registered Nurses in Alabama earn an average salary of $60,230 while RNs in California earn an average of $120,560 per year.
Where can I find scholarships for nursing majors?
Scholarships for nursing majors are widely available and the best way to pay for your college education. A great place to begin your search is on the Degree Choices database. You can also find scholarships on websites like Cappex, Fastweb, and Petersons. Another option is to reach out to your high school guidance counselor, university’s financial aid office, or local healthcare organizations. If you’re a practicing healthcare professional looking to further your education, connect with your employer to discuss scholarship opportunities as well.
More nursing scholarships
U.S. Army ROTC Four-Year Nursing Scholarship
Department of the Army
Renewable
Amount: $5,000 – $50,000
Deadline: 2/4
Suburban Hospital Casey & Suburban Scholarships
Suburban Hospital Scholarship Program
Renewable
Amount: $2,500 – $10,000
Deadline: ongoing
Mississippi Nurses Foundation School of Nursing Scholarship
Mississippi Nurses’ Association (MNA)
Amount: $1,000+
Deadline: 3/11
ONS Foundation/Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation Bachelor’s Scholarships
Oncology Nursing Foundation
Amount: $3,000 – $5,000
Deadline: 1/31
Ann Olson Memorial Doctoral Scholarship
Oncology Nursing Foundation
Not Renewable
Amount: $5,000 – $7,500
Deadline: 1/31
Graduate Nursing Loan Forgiveness Program
Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation
Renewable
Amount: $3,500 – $7,000
Deadline: 3/1
NLN Foundation Scholarship Awards
NLN Foundation for Nursing Education
Not Renewable
Amount: $8,000+
Deadline: 5/21
Marion A. and Eva S. Peeples Foundation Trust Scholarship
Johnson County Community Foundation
Renewable
Amount: Varies
Deadline: 2/22
ONS Foundation Josh Gottheil Memorial Bone Marrow Transplant Career Development Awards
Oncology Nursing Foundation
Amount: $2,000+
Deadline: 6/15
Pierson Scholarship
Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation
Renewable
Amount: Varies
Deadline: 2/1
Bernice Pickens Parsons Fund
Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation
Renewable
Amount: Varies
Deadline: 2/1
Gustavus B. Capito Scholarship
Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation
Renewable
Amount: Varies
Deadline: 2/1
June Miller Nursing Education Scholarship
National Council of Jewish Women – Los Angeles (NCJW l LA)
Not Renewable
Amount: $2,000+
Deadline: 4/11
AfterCollege/AACN Nursing Scholarship Program
American Association of Colleges of Nursing
Not Renewable
Amount: $2,500+
Deadline: ongoing
Amaze Yourself Scholarship 2021
Landau Uniforms
Not Renewable
Amount: $1,000 – $2,500
Deadline: 5/7
Platinum Educational Group Scholarships Program for EMS, Nursing, and Allied Health
Platinum Educational Group
Not Renewable
Amount: $1,000+
Deadline: 6/1
Frontline Care Award
Oncology Nursing Foundation
Not Renewable
Amount: $500+
Deadline: 9/30
Team Achievement Award
Oncology Nursing Foundation
Not Renewable
Amount: $500+
Deadline: 9/30
Eleanora G. Wylie Scholarship
Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation
Renewable
Amount: Varies
Deadline: 2/1
Emerging Leader Award
Oncology Nursing Foundation
Not Renewable
Amount: $500+
Deadline: 9/30