If you want to graduate with fewer loans, your best option is to apply for as many nursing scholarships as possible. Read below to learn more about how nursing scholarships work, where to find them and how to maximize your chances of winning.
A survey conducted by the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) found that about 70% of nursing students graduated with student loans. The average total debt for a nursing student currently ranges from $19,928 for an associate degree to $47,321 for a Master’s degree.
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What is a nursing scholarship?
A nursing scholarship is an award given to an incoming or current undergraduate, graduate or professional nursing student. Scholarships may be given by professional organizations, non-profit organizations or directly through the school. Additionally, some private, for-profit organizations offer nursing scholarships.
Nursing scholarships may cover tuition, room and board and other education-related expenses. Scholarships may be given for one year or may renew for several years, and the annual amount will depend on the scholarship provider.
How to apply for a nursing scholarship
The application process for a nursing scholarship is similar to many other scholarships. First, you should start the research process as soon as possible. Note any scholarships that you might be eligible for and use a spreadsheet to organize the deadlines and any pertinent requirements. Set reminders on your calendar to note when the applications are due.
If the scholarship requires a recommendation letter, decide who to ask and give them at least a few weeks’ notice to write the Letter of Recommendation (LOR) and possibly offer them a sort of “template” to limit the amount of time they will be required to invest. Most likely they will have some experience writing such letters, but if you don't ask far enough in advance, they may not have time to accommodate you. Start working on the essay as soon as possible so you have enough time to write a draft, ask for edits from a trusted source and work on revisions.
Frequently asked questions about nursing scholarships
When can I apply for nursing scholarships?
There is no set season for nursing scholarship applications, and the exact deadline for nursing scholarships can vary. Set aside time each month to review new scholarship opportunities and figure out how to apply. You can sign up for notifications from scholarship websites to find out when new awards are posted.
How can I maximize my chances of winning a scholarship?
You can improve the odds of winning a nursing scholarship by following the scholarship guidelines carefully. Many students hurt their chances by not reviewing the requirements and submitting the application after the deadline.
Can I get a full ride to nursing school?
While a single, "full-ride" scholarship is not very common, it is certainly possible to find and apply for a number of available scholarships. Also, there are other scholarships you will qualify for that are not specifically intended for nursing school but that can be used to get your nursing degree.
For example, the March of Dimes Graduate Nursing Scholarship is available for graduate level students and they offer a Nursing Diversity Scholarship for historically underrepresented undergraduate students.
Do I need to fill out the FAFSA to qualify for a scholarship?
You should definitely complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) regardless of your major or the type of scholarships you feel you are best qualified for. For example, the Nellie Martin Carman Scholarship asks for proof that students have submitted the FAFSA. Also, internal awards directly given by the school may require that students complete the FAFSA. You can contact the school's financial aid department to see what their specific rules are.
Even if the FAFSA is not required, completing it will make you eligible for federal student loans, work-study and grants, including the Pell Grant. Also, many states mandate that you complete the FAFSA to be eligible for their own grants. In general, all students should complete the FAFSA, even if they don’t think they will qualify for need-based aid.
Can I get a nursing scholarship as a graduate or doctoral student?
While there are usually more nursing scholarships for undergraduate students, graduate and doctoral students can still find plenty of scholarship opportunities.
Are nursing scholarships based on financial need?
Like other kinds of awards, some nursing scholarships may only be given to students with demonstrated financial need. However, there are also plenty of opportunities for students who do not qualify based on their family’s financial status. Read through the scholarship description to determine if need is a factor.
The Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund (NISF) provides scholarships to Kentucky residents who will be attending approved prelicensure nursing programs (registered nurse or practical nurse) or graduate nursing programs. Students in prelicensure (LPN & RN) and BSN completion nursing programs must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours of published requirements for the nursing program per academic [...] More
Each year, the Genesis HealthCare Foundation awards scholarships to deserving youth in Muskingum, Perry, Guernsey, Coshocton, Noble and Morgan counties pursuing a degree in healthcare. Applicants will automatically be considered for all the scholarships for which they are eligible. Only one application is needed to be considered for all eligible scholarships. specific criteria will vary by [...] More
To be eligible for the SMA Native American STEM Scholarship, applicants must: be an enrolled member of federally recognized Pueblo, Nation or Tribe in the United States; be either a high school graduate or a full-time college undergrad student enrolled at an accredited college or university; major in a STEM field; must not have been placed on disciplinary or academic probation at any time; and [...] More
To be eligible for the Josh Gottheil Memorial Stem Cell Transplant Career Development Award, applicants must: be currently employed as a registered nurse working in stem cell transplantation; have one or more years in nursing practice prior to the application due date; and agree to complete a three-question report following the selected program. Besides completing the application, applicants must [...] More
Adult scholarships are available to adults with financial need who either reside within the boundaries of the Stanwood-Camano School District, or who are former graduates of Stanwood High School or Lincoln Hill High School. Individual scholarships may have additional eligibility requirements. To be eligible, applicants must: reside within the boundaries of the Stanwood-Camano School District or [...] More
As a leading custom service provider specialized in the field of antibody production and engineering, Creative Biolabs is always happy to support young and ambitious talents in our field. With an effort to further support their research and higher education in the medical and science-related fields, Creative Biolabs is proud to announce the Scholarship Program for awarding $1,000 to an [...] More
To be eligible for the American Indian Nurse Scholarship Awards, applicants must: be enrolled in a tribe or village; demonstrate financial need; be either a high school senior, or be currently enrolled in a health professional program, having achieved good scholastic standing in pre-nursing, pre-med, or, enrolled in a health care or health education program; and be focused on a career goal [...] More
The Samuel Huntington Public Service Award provides $30,000 stipends to graduating college seniors to pursue public service anywhere in the world. The Award allows recipients to engage in a meaningful public service activity for one year before proceeding on to graduate school or a career. Past award recipients have won an unsolicited, prestigious McArthur “genius” grant; been named U. S. Surgeon [...] More
The John Randolph Foundation is proud to offer a number of scholarships for a variety of academic pursuits to local students residing in Hopewell, Prince George, Enon, Chester, Petersburg, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie, Sussex, Surry, Charles City and Varina. For a complete list of scholarship programs please visit the scholarship provider's website. Students wishing to apply should begin by [...] More
The Public Education Foundation rallies our community to effectively invest in public education. Thanks to our many community partners, we provide a variety of support to public schools, focusing on students, educators, and school communities. We provide millions of dollars in college scholarships each year to help students pursue their dreams of attending college or vocational school. Together, [...] More
he Irene and Daisy MacGregor Memorial Scholarship is awarded to two students of high scholastic standing and character who have been accepted into or are pursuing an approved course of study to become a medical doctor (no pre-med, veterinarian or physician assistant) at an approved, accredited medical school. Renewal is conditional upon maintenance of a GPA of 3.25.
eQuality Scholarship Collaborative awards scholarships to honor and encourage California students for their service to the lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender community. Applicants for all scholarships must have demonstrated service to the LGBT+ community. Applicants of all sexual orientations and gender identities are eligible for most scholarships. Awards are available to graduating high school [...] More
The Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship is a one-time $2,500 award which is given to three students who are able to demonstrate financial need and who have been accepted or are currently enrolled in an accredited school of nursing. A letter of acceptance into a nursing program or a transcript stating the applicant is in a nursing program must be included with the application.
A one-time $2,000 scholarship for two students who are in financial need and who have been accepted or are currently enrolled in an accredited school of nursing. A letter of acceptance into the Nursing Program or the transcript stating that the applicant is in the Nursing Program must be enclosed with the application. Preference will be given to candidates from the Lowell, MA area. [...] More
Congratulations on achieving the coveted rank of Eagle Scout. You have just begun your life journey and with the skills and character you’ve developed in Scouting, you have a solid foundation to build upon. As a future leader, Eagle Scouts like you, are critical to preserving the fabric of our great nation. The National Eagle Scout Association is proud to offer scholarships that can help you [...] More
The DAR, founded in 1890 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America's future through better education for children. DAR members volunteer millions of service hours annually in their local communities including supporting active duty military [...] More
Trinity University is the best small college in Texas. Trinity University is a force in motion. Through hands-on education driven by perpetual discovery, rooted in the liberal arts and sciences, Trinity students answer questions and question answers. With more than 110 majors and minors, you can chart an exciting academic course—or create one for yourself. Trinity University prepares students to [...] More
The Vincent and Catherine Sansalone Scholarship recipient is selected by the College of Science and Technology and must be majoring in a math or science discipline with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to students of Italian American heritage. Students may be required to submit a paper describing the influences of their heritage and culture in their life. To be considered you [...] More
The Freemont Foundation Scholarship Program is available to graduating high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students. Selected from a nationwide pool of applicants, qualified recipients will become Freemont Scholars. The applicant must be a graduating high school senior who plans on attending an HBCU or an undergraduate student who currently attends an HBCU). Graduate students who are [...] More
Education is vital to the growth and future of every community. Because of this, the Saginaw Community Foundation administers a variety of scholarship programs for high school, community college, university and vocational students. Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded more than $8 million in scholarships. Learn more about all of our [...] More
The Saginaw Area Health Care Administrators Scholarship is offered to employees in the areas of administration, nursing, dietary, maintenance, and other health-related occupations. To be eligible, applicants must: demonstrate financial need; have at least one year of seniority and continuous employment at specific Saginaw County facilities (see website for details); and, be enrolled in an [...] More
Education is vital to the growth and future of every community. Because of this, the Saginaw Community Foundation administers a variety of scholarship programs for high school, community college, university and vocational students. Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded more than $8 million in scholarships. Learn more about all of our [...] More
Education is vital to the growth and future of every community. Because of this, the Saginaw Community Foundation administers a variety of scholarship programs for high school, community college, university and vocational students. Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded more than $8 million in scholarships. Learn more about all of our [...] More
Education is vital to the growth and future of every community. Because of this, the Saginaw Community Foundation administers a variety of scholarship programs for high school, community college, university and vocational students. Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded more than $8 million in scholarships. Learn more about all of our [...] More
Education is vital to the growth and future of every community. Because of this, the Saginaw Community Foundation administers a variety of scholarship programs for high school, community college, university and vocational students. Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded more than $8 million in scholarships. Learn more about all of our [...] More
Education is vital to the growth and future of every community. Because of this, the Saginaw Community Foundation administers a variety of scholarship programs for high school, community college, university and vocational students. Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded more than $8 million in scholarships. Learn more about all of our [...] More
Education is vital to the growth and future of every community. Because of this, the Saginaw Community Foundation administers a variety of scholarship programs for high school, community college, university and vocational students. Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded more than $8 million in scholarships. Learn more about all of our [...] More
Due to the generosity of an anonymous donor, The Vegetarian Resource Group each year will award $20,000 in college scholarship money to graduating U.S. high school students who have promoted vegetarianism in their schools and/or communities. Vegetarians do not eat meat, fish, or fowl. Vegans are vegetarians who do not use other animal products such as dairy or eggs. Three awards will be given. [...] More
Employee Resource Groups not only help bring our employees together, but provide an essential bridge of communication to our customers, regardless of culture, age, gender or other defining elements. As part of the support these groups provide to the communities we serve, ERGs offer scholarship opportunities for those pursuing higher education. PG&E and its employee groups offer a wide range of [...] More
The Indian Health Service (IHS) offers three scholarships for American Indian and Alaska Native students in order to educate and train health professionals to staff Indian health programs. Criteria will vary slightly by scholarship. Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements: be a high school graduate or the equivalent; have a minimum 2.0 GPA; be capable of completing a health [...] More
The ANSWER Scholarship Endowment provides financial support and encouragement to adult women age 25 and older who are raising school-age children (grades Pre-Kindergarten -12) and are seeking to earn a four-year undergraduate degree in the field of their choice (minimum award amount of $4,000), a two-year nursing degree (minimum award amount of $2,000), or a two-year degree in CPCC's Health [...] More
The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Armando "Frank" Quaglia Veteran's Scholarship is for students from Kent or Ionia counties who are a veteran or family member (spouse, child, or step-child) of a veteran of the United States Armed Forces attending an accredited four-year college or university full-time majoring in engineering or a medical/healthcare field. Applicants must have financial need [...] More
The Danish Sisterhood of America is very proud of its Scholarship and Grants Programs, which are available to members of the Danish Sisterhood and their children, regardless of age. Our scholarships and grants are made possible through generous endowments and memorial funds and are being supplemented by donations from individual members, lodges, and districts of the National Sisterhood. No [...] More
The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Roger and Jacquelyn Vander Laan Family Scholarship is offered to a senior at South Christian High School entering a full time program in the fall at any accredited college, university, vocational, or technical school and majoring in healthcare, education, or business. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and have at least a 3.0 GPA. Scholarship [...] More
The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Violet Wondergem Health Science Scholarship is offered to a resident of Kent or Ottawa County majoring in an undergraduate level health service related field at any accredited Michigan college or university. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and have a 3.0 GPA. Scholarship recipients are selected by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation (GRCF) and [...] More
The Robert L. Schulke Memorial Scholarship is awarded to residents of Alpena county who are cancer survivors or have been touched by someone in their life who has fought cancer. Special consideration will be given to those students enrolled in a health occupations or criminal justice program. Candidates must be enrolled at Alpena Community College (ACC) for a minimum of six credit hours per [...] More
Advocates for African Americans Carolinas Scholarship Fund is supported by Advocates for African-Americans, a Duke Energy employee resource group in Charlotte. It was founded by Duke Energy employees in 1996 to attract, nurture, develop and promote a diverse workforce. Advocates for African Americans Carolinas Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to college-bound students from North and South [...] More
The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity. To be eligible for the Gilman Program, applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that they will be [...] More
The Fontana Transport Inc Scholars Program is for first generation high school seniors who are underrepresented, need financial assistance and are passionate about furthering their education as a means to help out their family, community and themselves. We want to be able to find, sponsor, and guide leaders who are determined to succeed by all means possible regardless of their struggles, lack of [...] More
The A.B. and M.R. Noel Scholarship was established in 2008 to benefit graduates of Wood River Rural High School in Wood River, Nebraska attending Central Community College or Concordia University in Seward, NE. It is also offered to students of nursing attending Central Community College-Grand Island and Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. High school or college transcript and first page of [...] More
To apply for the Medical Professional Student Scholarship, applicants must: have completed the appropriate undergraduate education and be currently pursuing an advanced degree in a medical-related field, such as physician, physician assistant, dentist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, APRN, etc.; or be an undergraduate nursing student enrolled in nursing studies. (Undergraduate nursing [...] More
Our mission is to find and grant scholarships to dedicated individuals who aspire to go to school to train to serve their communities as nurses or emergency responders. To be considered for a TLCF Scholarship, student applicants must be a Minnesota resident and enrolled in an undergraduate program in an accredited College or University in one of these three programs: fire science, paramedics [...] More
The Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania Future Nurse Leader Scholarship exists to provide scholarships to students demonstrating leadership skills in their pursuit of a nursing degree. Funds are for full-time nursing students in an accredited BSN, MSN, or doctoral program in Pennsylvania. Eligible applicants must be full-time students and have a 3.0 GPA. Previous recipients of the Nursing [...] More
Established in the memory of Department Commander Jack E. Barger, Sr., this scholarship has benefited more than 110 students, including active duty service members and veterans. Applicants must be an active duty service member, U.S. Veteran or the child or spouse of a veteran or active duty service member. All applicants must be a resident of Pennsylvania who is an undergraduate student and must [...] More
One of the Army Nurse Corps Association’s major initiatives is the Scholarship Program. Its purpose is the support of nursing education through scholarship funding to worthy students who are US citizens in an accredited baccalaureate or graduate nursing or anesthesia program.
Students are encouraged to apply if they are currently enrolled in an accredited baccalaureate or advanced degree [...] More
The Mae & Mary Scholarship Fund's mission is to financially assist and to empower young people to experience their unlimited potential through education. They are a charitable educational organization dedicated to the advancement of African Americans pursuing careers in medical and healthcare related fields. Applicants must be African American graduating High School Seniors from anywhere in the [...] More
The Gladys Carol Scholarship Program is open to high school seniors, high school graduates, and current undergraduate level students who are United States citizens or permanent residents. They must be accepted to or enrolled in a full-time STEM (science, technology, engineering or math) program at an accredited, non-profit public or private four-year college or university in the United [...] More
The Naugatuck Valley Medical Scholarship Fund (NVMSF) is a fund dedicated to financially assisting graduating high school seniors who plan to major in a medical or biomedical field. The NVMSF extends scholarships to students in the lower Naugatuck Valley area of Connecticut, which is made up of the towns of Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, Shelton, Oxford, and Beacon Falls. Applicants must have a GPA of [...] More
The Church of the Brethren awards a limited number of scholarships each year to individuals enrolled in a nursing program. Candidates for the scholarships must be enrolled in a LPN, RN, or nursing graduate program and members of the Church of the Brethren. A preference is given to new applications. Also, a preference will be given to individuals who are in their second year of an associate’s [...] More
The Barnes W. Rose, Jr. and Eva Rose Nickol Scholarship Fund was established in 2003 in honor of Albuquerque High alum and 1957 West Point grad Barnes W. Rose and his aunt, longtime New Mexico resident, Eva Rose Nickol. This award is for an Albuquerque High School senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in one of the STEM majors - Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics.
The Nursing Scholarship Program is for students in a practical nurse program (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN) program and who are accepted or enrolled a school of nursing in the State of Virginia. Scholarship recipients must agree to engage in full-time nursing in Virginia for one month for every $100 received. Presently, the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Health Equity offers several [...] More
The mission of the Nellie Martin Carman Scholarship is to acknowledge, support, and empower exceptional graduating high school seniors of King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties by providing financial assistance for an education at their college of choice within Washington state. Over 1,000 of the most promising high school graduates from King, Pierce and Snohomish counties have attended college [...] More
The June Gill Nursing Scholarship is offered to an adult or student Grange Member who is in good standing. Selection will be based on the following: verification of enrollment in a nursing program; verification of Grange Membership; and a review of the applicant's career statement, academic records and financial need. Public and private institutions may be attended within or outside New York [...] More
The AAUW Elmhurst Area Branch NFP is offering grants to local women who need financial assistance to continue their education at the undergraduate or graduate level. An applicant may be studying full or part time and must meet the following criteria: be a resident of Elmhurst, Addison, Bensenville, Berkeley, Northlake, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, or Villa Park; be continuing education after [...] More
Our mission is to lead the fight for the health of all moms and babies. Our goals are to end the preventable maternal health risks and deaths, end preventable preterm birth and infant death, and close the health equity gap. March of Dimes believes in a world where every mom and baby is healthy regardless of wealth, race, gender or geography. Through research, programs and advocacy, our supporters [...] More
The EMPOWER Scholarship is open to culturally diverse students who have been accepted to or are enrolled in a post-high school program. Eligible applicants must: be a resident of Minnesota or Western Wisconsin or be attending school in Minnesota or Western Wisconsin; have volunteer and/or community service; demonstrate financial need; have a 2.0 GPA; and plan on pursuing a career in healthcare. [...] More
The National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program (NHSC SP) awards scholarships to students pursuing eligible primary care health professions training. In return, scholars commit to provide primary care health services in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs).
You can apply to the Scholarship Program if you are committed to primary care and accepted to or enrolled in an accredited [...] More
Because of the awareness of the growing need for wound, ostomy and continence (WOC) nurses throughout the world and a strong belief in the continued growth and success of WOC nursing, the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society™ (WOCN®) has established a program to award educational scholarships. The partial scholarships are made possible through contributions from individual members, wound, [...] More
Central California Asian Pacific Women (CCAPW) scholarships are available for the coming academic year. The scholarships provide financial assistance to Asian and Pacific Islander (API) women pursuing higher education who are from Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, or Tulare County.
Applications will be evaluated based on the following priorities but not limited to: [...] More
In order to be eligible for the Scholarship Incentive Program, applicants must: file their current FAFSA by the deadline and demonstrate financial need; and enroll full-time in an undergraduate degree program at an accredited institution in Delaware or enroll fulltime in an out of state, accredited institution in an undergraduate or graduate degree program that is not offered at the University of [...] More
Founded in 1919, Zonta International is a leading global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy. With more than 30,000 members belonging to more than 1,200 Zonta Clubs in 67 countries and geographic areas, Zontians all over the world volunteer their time, talents and support to local and international service projects, as well as scholarship programs [...] More
The Enacting Curriculum Through Engaging Discourse (EnaCTED) Project (2018-2023) is a collaboration of the Wheelock College of Education and Human Development and the College of Arts and Sciences at Boston University and school districts in the Boston area. This program focuses on preparing teachers to design and use high quality mathematics curriculum and discourse-based instruction to support [...] More
MHEC is the State of Maryland's higher education coordinating board responsible for establishing statewide policies for Maryland public and private colleges and universities and for-profit career schools. MHEC also administers state financial aid programs that affect students on a statewide basis. The State has an extensive array of financial aid programs in the form of grants, scholarships and [...] More
The Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas offers awards to single parents residing in Benton, Carroll, Madison or Washington counties. Eligible applicants must: be a legal United States resident or a resident with DACA status; have a high school diploma or GED; have low to moderate income, typically not more than 250% of federal poverty guidelines; have completed or is in the [...] More
The George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship was established by the 1999 Oklahoma Legislature to provide scholarship opportunities to outstanding students who are preparing for careers in public service. A component of the scholarship program is participation in seminars on public service offered by the Nigh Institute. Each college and university may nominate one scholarship recipient per [...] More
See the many Friends of MCC Foundation academic and merit-based scholarships available to MCC students, as well as external scholarships that can help you offset your college-related costs. The generosity of our donors allows MCC to provide numerous scholarships to students who exhibit academic, merit, financial need, strong leadership, and service to their communities. Scholarship applications [...] More
The Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) is one of the most comprehensive scholarships available in the health care field, covering your full tuition for an advanced medical degree while also providing you with a monthly stipend. Applicants are eligible to receive full tuition (up to 4 years, depending on specialty); books, equipment, other fees; $2,000+ monthly stipend; $20,000 sign-on [...] More
Valparaiso University offers numerous Lutheran scholarships to students. The Ament-Brenner Scholarship is for members of a Lutheran congregation in the greater St. Louis area. Applicants must be preparing for a career in the healthcare field (e.g., nursing, physical or occupational therapy, pre-med etc.). Applicants must complete the undergraduate admission application and file the FAFSA by the [...] More
