Zina Kumok Image Written By: Zina Kumok | Edited By: Kevin Ladd | Updated: April 19, 2025

Nursing Scholarships

Female nursing college student in hospital

If you want to graduate with a lower debt burden, 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 one.

Continue reading the article below the scholarship list.

25 Nursing Scholarships with Approaching Deadlines

  • 1

  • The Hyacinth Scarlett Music Memorial Scholarship

  • Amount$500
  • DeadlineApril 23, 2025

The purpose of The Hyacinth Scarlett Music Memorial Scholarship is to honor Hyacinth's achievements and dedication to those around her. Classically trained as an opera singer, her love of music translated as a choir director (of her church Victory Place International Worship Center and of the Jamaica Nurses' Association of Florida Choir) and for many years as a pianist and music director for the

  • 2

  • NURSE Corps Scholarship Program

  • Amount$1,626
  • DeadlineApril 24, 2025

To be eligible for the NURSE Corps Scholarship Program, applicants must: be a U.S. citizen (born or naturalized), a national, or a lawful permanent resident; be an accepted or enrolled student in a nursing degree program at a United States accredited school of nursing; begin classes no later than September 30; not have any federal judgment liens; not have an existing service commitment; and not

  • 3

  • Cuidado Casero Foundation Nursing Scholarship

  • Amount$4,000
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

This nursing-focused scholarship supports students pursuing degrees to become Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs), including four common pathways: LVN/LPN, Associate of Nursing, RN to BSN, and Traditional BSN. One additional scholarship is available to students pursuing other healthcare professional degrees. Recipients are chosen based on academic merit, financial need,

  • 4

  • Allied Health Scholarship

  • Amount$24,000
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

The Allied Health Scholarship is available to any full-time student who is presently accepted at an accredited school of nursing or other healthcare curriculum offering a course of study leading to licensure as a Practical or Registered Nurse or other health-related classification. Funded by a generous endowment from the Calvert Arundel Medical Facilities, Inc., this scholarship supports the

  • 5

  • Central California Asian Pacific Women Scholarship

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

Central California Asian Pacific Women (CCAPW) scholarships are available for the upcoming 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. The number of awards and amounts may vary annually based on available funding and the

  • 6

  • Donald Handeland Scholarship

  • Amount$3,000
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

This is one of the most flexible scholarships you can apply for. There are very few requirements. The purpose of this is to allow you to include the things that make you a unique candidate. Not everyone fits into the same mold, so include the information that highlights what you excel at. The other purpose of making it flexible is that we don't want to waste your time. Students have a lot going

  • 7

  • Brown MAE Foundation Healthcare Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

The Brown MAE Foundation Healthcare Scholarship is designed for undergraduate and graduate students in the U.S. pursuing careers in healthcare fields such as medicine, nursing, and allied health. This scholarship aims to support students from diverse backgrounds, including Black/African American, Native American/American Indian, Hispanic/Latin American, Asian, or Pacific Islander, in achieving

  • 8

  • Andrew Budraitis Foundation Lehigh Valley Scholarships

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

The Lehigh Valley offers two distinct scholarship opportunities to support the education of deserving students: the Veterans Scholarship and the High School Graduate Scholarship. Each scholarship is dedicated to aiding students who plan to attend a two or four-year post-secondary institution within the Lehigh Valley, providing financial assistance to help them achieve their academic

  • 9

  • Michigan Nurses Foundation Scholarships

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineMay 1, 2025

The Michigan Nurses Foundation was created to advance nursing and nursing education by awarding scholarships and by providing financial aid for the treatment of recovering nurses. Applicants must be students currently enrolled in a Michigan college/school of nursing that grants a certificate for practical nursing or an associate, baccalaureate or higher degree in nursing, and be in good academic

  • 10

  • The Mahoney Family Foundation Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineMay 1, 2025

The Mahoney Family Foundation supports the ongoing education and training of nurses and teachers through its scholarship programs. Founded in 2017 by Larry and Sandy Mahoney, the Foundation is committed to recognizing the tireless efforts of these professionals and improving the quality of life in their communities. Scholarships of up to $5,000 per individual help offset the financial burden of

  • 11

  • AFCEA ROTC Scholarships

  • Amount$3,000
  • DeadlineMay 1, 2025

The AFCEA Educational Foundation offers ROTC scholarships to Army, Navy (including Marine Corps option) or Air Force ROTC full-time sophomore or junior students studying a STEM major with at least an overall 3.0 GPA or above. There is one application form for all ROTC Scholarships; applicants will be considered for all AFCEA ROTC scholarship opportunities for which they are

  • 12

  • NVFEH Scholarship for Medical Students

  • Amount$1,500
  • DeadlineMay 1, 2025

The North Valley Health Education Foundation educates people about health-related issues and financially supports students involved in the health sciences. Students enrolled in health professions at a California community college, four-year college nursing program, medical school, and paramedic program at eligible schools are eligible to apply for scholarships. Scholarship applications are

  • 13

  • James T. and Rose M. Perryman Family Foundation Scholarships

  • Amount$20,000
  • DeadlineMay 1, 2025

In 2015, James and Rose Perryman established The Perryman Foundation to provide for the education of the next generation of innovators. Since its founding, the Foundation has provided over $2 million in financial support to hard working college students. The James T. and Rose M. Perryman Family Foundation awards three different types of scholarships: Trade School applicants supporting STEM based

  • 14

  • Johnny's Hope Hayley Rayburn Nursing Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineMay 5, 2025

Johnny’s Hope provides a scholarship to the selected recipient. Applicants must be planning to attend or currently attending an accredited post-secondary institution or technical vocational/trade school to pursue a degree in nursing. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. To apply, applicants must email a completed/typed application package (email address provided

  • 15

  • NHSC Scholarship Program

  • Amount$1,631
  • DeadlineMay 8, 2025

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). The number of recipients and the dollar amounts will vary. You can apply to the Scholarship Program if you are committed to

  • 16

  • John Venhuizen Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineMay 8, 2025

The Gallatin Conservation District announces the availability of a scholarship in honor of long-time Gallatin Conservation District board member and rancher, John Venhuizen. This scholarship is available to a high school graduate of the current academic year from a Gallatin County High School or equivalent. The graduate must plan to pursue a degree related to conservation, natural resources,

  • 17

  • Hancock Health Foundation Scholarships

  • Amount$500
  • DeadlineMay 9, 2025

Hancock Health Foundation offers a number of scholarship opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in healthcare fields. If you’re interested in nursing, nutrition, healthcare technology, or one of the dozens of other healthcare professions, we may have a way to help fund your education. Since 1977, The Hancock Health Foundation has awarded a total of 265 scholarships totaling

  • 18

  • BWISE Scholarships

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineMay 9, 2025

Black Women in Science and Engineering (BWISE) proudly offers three scholarship opportunities to empower African American female students pursuing higher education in STEM and healthcare. These awards support high school seniors, current college students, and aspiring nurses in Dallas and Tarrant counties in Texas. Each scholarship is designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership, and a

  • 19

  • Kathy Pace Technology Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineMay 9, 2025

The Kathy Pace Technology Scholarship honors the legacy of Kathy Pace by supporting students who are passionate about using technology to improve lives and strengthen communities. This scholarship reflects her belief in combining compassion with innovation, helping shape a future generation of tech leaders dedicated to making a positive impact. Scholarship Details Two scholarships awarded

  • 20

  • Kathleen McVey Memorial Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineMay 13, 2025

College of the Redwoods offers the Kathleen McVey Memorial Scholarship to a continuing college student in the LVN or RN program. Additional requirements for this scholarship include being a continuing college student, demonstrate financial need, be a Humboldt County or Del Norte County high school graduate (preference given to Fortuna High School graduates), be a single parent (preference given

  • 21

  • UNACUHCP Alexis G. Philius Scholarship

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineMay 15, 2025

The UNAC/UHCP Alexis G. Philius Scholarship is a UNAC/UHCP scholarship program introduced to provide resources and support to students of Black/African descent pursuing education toward a career in health care. Lack of diversity has significant consequences on health outcomes, health equity for patients and communities of color. UNAC/UHCP has decided to address underrepresentation in health

  • 22

  • Kimberly Coffey Foundation Memorial Nursing Scholarship

  • Amount$500
  • DeadlineMay 15, 2025

The Kimberly Coffey Foundation Memorial Nursing Scholarship is awarded in honor of Kimberly’s beautiful spirit to deserving high school seniors in New York state who are pursuing a career in Nursing. To be considered for the Kimberly Coffey Foundation scholarship, candidates must be a senior at a high school located in New York with a minimum GPA of 3.5. Applicants must provide an acceptance

  • 23

  • Reason One Mentorship and Scholarship Program

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineMay 23, 2025

The Reason One Mentorship & Scholarship Program awards scholarship and mentorship opportunities to Black students who are enrolled or recently accepted in a digital-related program, pursuing or with plans to pursue a career in the tech industry. This program is explicitly focused on removing the systemic, financial, and socio-economic barriers that Black students encounter in tech career

  • 24

  • Summer Labroots Research

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2025

The Labroots Summer Research Scholarship provides $1,000 in funding to one undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a STEM degree to help offset costs associated with conducting summer research. This merit-based scholarship aims to support students working on research projects where resources such as equipment or software may not be readily available. Open to students globally, Labroots

  • 25

  • For A Bright Future Scholarship Programs

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2025

We strive to empower underserved students with the potential and passion to pursue higher education by providing them with the necessary means to address their community's social and financial challenges. Each year, we award scholarships based on financial need, academic excellence, community involvement, and the student’s chosen academic institution. Scholarship Details Scholarship

What is a nursing scholarship?

A nursing scholarship is an award given to an undergraduate, graduate or professional nursing student. Scholarships may be given by professional organizations, nonprofits or directly through the school that one is attending.

Nursing scholarships may cover tuition, room and board and other education-related expenses. Some scholarships, such as those from professional organizations, may also provide free attendance to a conference or symposium where you can learn more about the profession and network with other nurses.

Scholarships may be given for one year or may be renewed 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 the process for any other scholarship. First, start the research process as soon as possible. Note any scholarships that you might be eligible for and use a spreadsheet to organize application deadlines. Set reminders on your calendar for when the applications are due.

If the scholarship requires a recommendation letter, decide who to ask and give them at least a few weeks of notice. It may be best to find a person who can talk about your passion for nursing. However, if you’re switching careers and don’t have a medical background, then any adult who can speak to your character is also a good fit.

Most scholarships also require at least one essay, with some requiring two or more. Start working on the essay as soon as possible. You’ll need enough time to write a draft, ask for edits from a trusted source and work on revisions.

While it may be tempting to copy and paste from an existing essay, make sure what you write answers the question. The essay is the best place to show off your personality and stand out from the crowd so you don’t want to put in a half-hearted effort.

Go through all the other requirements and figure out what else you need to submit. For example, you may need to provide a headshot, an official transcript and more. Make sure you don't forget to provide anything the scholarship asks for. Once you have put all of these together, be sure to spend some time searching for, and applying for, scholarships.

The Samuel Huntington Public Service Award is an excellent opportunity offering a $30,000 stipend to graduating college seniors who want to pursue public service anywhere in the world they wish to live.

Another great scholarship opportunity is the Elevating Futures Scholarship Fund, which is offered to those studying Nursing and other STEM majors.

Nursing scholarship FAQs

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 be notified when new awards are posted.

Where can I find nursing scholarships?

The school you attend may have several scholarship opportunities. Talk to an employee in the financial aid department and ask if they know of any. Also, professional nursing organizations are another popular source of scholarships.

Our directory at Scholarships.com is also a good starting point. You can create a profile and use it to search for eligible scholarships.

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 their application after the deadline.

Another common mistake is not submitting everything that the scholarship application asks for. For example, let’s say you have to submit an official transcript. If you only submit an unofficial transcript, your application may be disqualified.

Can I get a full-ride to nursing school?

While it is certainly possible, it is unlikely. There is no way to guarantee a full-ride to nursing school. The best approach for most students is going to be to increase your odds by applying for as many scholarships as possible.

Being persistent also helps. Even if you don’t receive an award the first year you apply, you can keep applying for that same scholarship as long as you are eligible. There are plenty of scholarships available for all program years. Ask your financial aid department if there are any school-wide awards you can apply for as well.

Can I get a nursing scholarship as a community college student?

While many scholarships are geared toward traditional undergraduate students, some may also accept community college students, especially those who plan to transfer to a four-year school.

For example, the Saginaw Area Health Care Administrators Scholarship is available for community college students, as well as for students in four-year programs.

If you're applying to a community college, make sure you maximize any scholarship and grant opportunities they have. And remember, you are still eligible for federal financial aid as a community college student.

Do I need to fill out the FAFSA to qualify for a scholarship?

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may or may not be required for third-party nursing scholarships. 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, even for students who may not qualify for need-based federal aid. You can contact your 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 geared toward undergraduate students, graduate and doctoral students can still find plenty of scholarship opportunities.

For example, the March of Dimes organization provides $10,000 annual scholarships for graduate nursing students who are studying maternal-child nursing.

Another excellent scholarship for graduate nursing students is the Future Clinicians Scholarship. This particular scholarship offers a renewable $5,000 award and can be worth as much as $20,000 to any given graduate nursing or other medical student.

You should always contact your school to see if they have any internal awards, which may require a separate application. If you're also looking for funding opportunities, talk to your professors and see if you can work as a Teaching Assistant (TA) for an undergrad class.

Are nursing scholarships based on financial need?

Like with 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.

Also, some scholarships will list demonstrated financial need as an optional requirement. This means that students who do not have financial need are still welcome to apply.

Financial need is determined differently by each scholarship committee. Some may use data from the FAFSA to decide if you’re eligible, whereas others will have a household income cut-off. If you're unsure whether or not you qualify, reach out to the scholarship coordinator.

Are there scholarships for nurses from diverse backgrounds?

If you're part of a racial, ethnic or other kind of minority, you may be eligible for specific awards. There are many organizations that want to increase diversity in the nursing profession.

For example, the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) has an “Investing in Pediatric Nursing Diversity” scholarship that is given to a student who is interested in pediatric nursing and is from a diverse background.

The following organizations support minority nurses and may also provide scholarships to eligible students:

The Udall Undergraduate Scholarship is given to a student from the Native community who wants to work in healthcare. You must be a registered member of a tribe or Native community to qualify.

Also, those who identify as being part of the LGBQTIA+ community may also qualify for special scholarships. For example, the Out to Innovate Scholarships for LGBTQ+ STEM Students is given to a student who is part of the LGTBQIA+ community and is receiving a healthcare-related degree.

Because men make up a minority of all nurses, you may have a better shot at getting a scholarship as a male nurse. This can be even more true if you’re part of another marginalized community.

Are There Scholarships for Specific Nursing Specialties?

While the majority of nursing scholarships are given to nurses in any field, some awards are only for those who are working toward a specific sub-specialty.

If you are studying or want to work in a particular nursing field, you should look for scholarships from professional organizations for those types of nurses or healthcare workers.

For example, the Oncology Nursing Foundation offers a scholarship for Registered Nurses (RN) who are getting their master's degrees and want to work as an oncology nurse.

So if you are interested in a certain field of nursing, try searching Google to find more scholarship opportunities. If you're already part of a professional organization, see if they have any potential awards. Some organizations may only give out scholarships to current members, whereas others will allow anyone to apply. As always, make sure you read through the instructions to understand how the scholarship works.

Here are some popular kinds of specialities that may have specific scholarships:

Can I apply for a nursing scholarship if I applied for it before?

Just because you didn’t win a scholarship the first time you applied for it doesn't mean you shouldn't keep applying. If you're still eligible, then you can still submit your application and hope for the best. You can also contact the scholarship coordinator and clarify if previous applicants can apply again.

If the essay question is the same, try not to reuse your previous essay. Instead, you should rework the essay and improve it, if possible. Ask a professor, parent or other adult if you’re not sure about how to make it better.

How can I pay for college if I don’t get enough nursing scholarships?

While nursing scholarships can help you cover part of your tuition, they may not be enough to fully pay for everything. If you fill out the FAFSA, you can find out if you are eligible for federal student loans and grants which can cover the rest of your education-related expenses.

When you graduate, you may be eligible for several kinds of loan forgiveness or repayment programs. For example, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is available for nurses who work in a government or non-profit hospital or clinic. After making 10 years of payments on an income-driven repayment plan, the remaining balance will be forgiven. You will also not have to pay taxes on the forgiven amount.

There are also many loan repayment programs where you may qualify for loan forgiveness if you work in an underserved location for a certain number of years.

A survey from the National Student Nurses' Association found that about 70% of nursing students graduate with student loans. The average debt total for a nursing school student ranges from $19,928 for an associate nursing degree to $47,321 for a master’s degree. So, if you want to become a professional nurse, the path may be an expensive one.

Also, you may be able to find a job that offers a signing bonus or loan repayment assistance if you are employed there. You may have to work for several years to get the full benefit though. If you leave before that time, you may have to pay back all or part of the amount.

While you should still try to apply for as many scholarships as you are eligible for, be reassured that there are plenty of ways to pay back your loans after you graduate without breaking the bank.