SoFi 728X900
Zina Kumok Image Written By: Zina Kumok | Edited By: Kevin Ladd | Updated: June 21, 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.

The 25 Best Nursing Scholarships with Approaching Deadlines in 2025

  • 1

  • Power Life Sciences Scholarship

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineJune 30, 2025

This scholarship supports talented students who are passionate about biomedical and biopharmaceutical innovation. It aims to improve clinical trial outcomes by encouraging students to critically analyze real clinical trial data. Winners will have the opportunity to be published in the Clinical Trial Data Notes journal, contributing to the advancement of data quality and utility in the clinical

  • 2

  • SSVMS Medical Student Scholarship Fund

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJuly 1, 2025

The Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Student Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to deserving medical school students who have graduated from a high school in El Dorado, Sacramento, or Yolo counties. Scholarship Details Scholarships available for medical students who graduated from high schools in El Dorado, Sacramento, or Yolo counties Applicants must be enrolled full-time (12

  • 3

  • American Indian Nurse Scholarship Awards

  • Amount$1,500
  • DeadlineJuly 1, 2025

The American Indian Medical Scholarship Award Program (AIMS) was started by the NSCDA in 1928 to give students of American Indian descent the opportunity to pursue careers in nursing. The students are expected to return to work among their people to help improve health care. Scholarship Details Award Amount: $1,500 per semester Focus: Healthcare needs of the American Indian, Alaskan

  • 4

  • Church of the Brethren Health Care Education Scholarships

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineJuly 18, 2025

The Health Care Education Scholarship provides financial assistance to members of the Church of the Brethren who are pursuing degrees in healthcare-related fields. Funded by the Health Education and Research Endowment, this scholarship supports students in programs for Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, Physical and Occupational Therapy, and other health professions. Scholarship Details Award

  • 5

  • Arizona Nurses Foundation Academic Nursing Scholarships

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineAugust 1, 2025

To ensure that Arizona has a sustainable nursing workforce to continuously enhance and strengthen Arizona nurses’ ability to deliver safe, quality care and assure health and wellness for all, Arizona Foundation for the Future of Nursing (AzFFN) offers a variety of scholarships. The Academic Nursing Scholarship is offered to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in, or accepted for

  • 6

  • Felbry College of Nursing Scholarship

  • Amount$30,000
  • DeadlineAugust 1, 2025

This scholarship has been established by Felbry College School of Nursing benefit four lower-income high school graduates who want to pursue a Practical Nursing Diploma (PN), LPN Bridge Program or the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Program at Felbry College School of Nursing. The funds may be used for tuition, books, and fees only, and are to be applied directly towards the student’s

  • 7

  • The Mahoney Family Foundation Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineAugust 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

  • 8

  • TYLENOL Future Care Scholarship

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineAugust 1, 2025

Each year the makers of TYLENOL award annual scholarships to well deserving students pursuing careers in healthcare. Twenty-three years and over eight million dollars later, we're proud to continue a tradition that supports those dedicated to a lifetime of caring for others. The makers of TYLENOL are proud to provide support to exceptional students as they pursue careers caring for

  • 9

  • Armenian American Medical Society Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineSeptember 7, 2025

The AAMS awards scholarships annually to qualified Armenian students enrolled in a United States-accredited program in the fields of medical, pharmacy, dental, physician assistant, nursing, mental health, or other professional healthcare schools. Scholarship Details Individual $5,000 scholarships awarded annually Open to students pursuing education in healthcare-related fields

  • 10

  • Wayne Anthony Butts Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineSeptember 9, 2025

Since its inception, National Medical Fellowships’ scholarships and awards have been at the core of its programming. NMF scholarship programs recognize merit as well as financial need. Over the years, funding for scholarships has come from hundreds of foundations and from individuals. NMF actively seeks and welcomes partnerships to build and expand the types and amount of support we provide to

  • 11

  • Heartfelt Dreams Foundation Nursing Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineSeptember 30, 2025

The Heartfelt Dreams Foundation Academic Nursing Scholarship supports hospital-based cardiac care nurses and nursing students pursuing a career in cardiac care. This $5,000 scholarship is designed to further the development of nurses who are committed to delivering quality healthcare for congenital heart defect patients. The scholarship aims to support applicants’ goals to advance their nursing

  • 12

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield ND Caring Foundation Scholarship

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineOctober 1, 2025

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation Health Profession Scholarship Program is available to North Dakota residents currently attending a North Dakota university, college or technical college who are enrolled in a nursing or health care related program. They must be a full-time undergraduate or graduate student, and must have already completed their undergraduate

  • 13

  • Golden Door Scholars

  • Amount$30,000
  • DeadlineOctober 1, 2025

The Golden Door Scholarship provides undocumented students with full-ride scholarships and ongoing support as they pursue their college degrees. Preference is given to applicants interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree that is career-ready and has high earning potential, meaning applicants will not require an advanced degree to begin their careers. Software engineering, data analytics,

  • 14

  • Good Samaritan Foundation Scholarships

  • Amount$500
  • DeadlineOctober 1, 2025

Good Samaritan Foundation is honored to award an average of $30,000 annually in financial support to local scholars. With different scholarship funds available, the Foundation is able to provide much needed assistance to support graduating seniors, undergraduate or graduate students, medical students, and Good Samaritan employees as they work to attain their educational goals. Applicants should

  • 15

  • WSOS Career and Technical Scholarship

  • Amount$6,000
  • DeadlineOctober 16, 2025

WSOS provides Washington students with financial assistance, career training, and mentorship opportunities, aiming to help them succeed in high-demand, family-sustaining wage careers in the state. Most Opportunity Scholars are first-generation college students, women, or students of color, all pursuing a pathway to success in STEM and trade careers. With WSOS, students receive the resources they

  • 16

  • Albert & Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation Scholarship

  • Amount$4,000
  • DeadlineOctober 30, 2025

The Albert and Ethel Herzstein Foundation grant funds scholarships for students in the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program at San Jacinto College. Eligible students must be enrolled in the Associate's Degree Nursing program for the Fall semester and must have a minimum 2.0 GPA. This scholarship was established through a grant from the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Foundation. Scholarships for

  • 17

  • Valparaiso University Ament-Benner Scholarship

  • Amount$20,000
  • DeadlineNovember 1, 2025

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

  • 18

  • Dr. Lorraine G. Spranzo Memorial Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineNovember 4, 2025

The Dr. Lorraine G. Spranzo Memorial Scholarsh was initiated in 1996 by the New Britain General Hospital School of Nursing Alumni & Associates, Inc. in honor of Dr. Lorraine G. Spranzo (aka Lorrie Keller), a 1967 graduate of this school of nursing, which operated from 1908 until 1974. Dr. Spranzo was, at the time of her death, an Assistant Professor of Nursing at the University of Maryland and a

  • 19

  • Oracle Women In Leadership Scholarship

  • Amount$1,500
  • DeadlineNovember 30, 2025

Oracle Women in Leadership seeks to recognize one outstanding student who shows potential to excel in college STEM studies by awarding a one-time scholarship to a deserving female active-duty military college student pursuing a STEM degree. This scholarship will be applied towards the students ongoing higher-level academic education at an accredited Community College or four-year college or

  • 20

  • AFCEA War Veterans Scholarships: Undergraduate Only

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineNovember 30, 2025

At the intersection of academic support and military dedication, the AFCEA Educational Foundation stands committed to uplifting U.S. military personnel through merit-based scholarships. Thanks to the collaboration between the AFCEA NOVA chapter and the AFCEA Educational Foundation, these opportunities are extended to individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their service. Key Features

  • 21

  • Susan Lawrence Soldier For Life Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineNovember 30, 2025

The Susan Lawrence Soldier for Life Scholarship is established by our CEO LTG Susan S. Lawrence, USA (Ret.). LTG Lawrence graduated from Campbell University while enlisted at Fort Bragg. This was a huge part of LTG Lawrence’s military journey, and she is honored to give back and continue her legacy here at AFCEA through this scholarship fund. Scholarship Details One-time $5,000

  • 22

  • Nurse Practitioner Healthcare Foundation Scholarships

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineDecember 5, 2025

The Nurse Practitioner Healthcare Foundation (NPHF) Procter & Gamble Endowed Scholarship in Community Service and the Endowed Scholarship in Gastroenterology are awarded to a nurse practitioner graduate student enrolled in a Master's, DNP or PhD program who has made significant positive contributions in the community or in patient care or whose research interests are in the field of

  • 23

  • WISE (Women in STEM Excel) Scholarship

  • Amount$3,500
  • DeadlineDecember 13, 2025

The WISE (Women in STEM Excel) Scholarship was created by Dr. Alexander Sobel to support, empower, and encourage women in Washington pursuing education in science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics. Washingtonian women interested in a career in a STEM field are welcome to apply for the $3,500 scholarship. Scholarship Details Award of $3,500, to be used for tuition and related

  • 24

  • Bonnie Fang Nursing Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineDecember 31, 2025

The Bonnie Fang Nursing Scholarship is open to all full-time nursing students in a state-approved associate or baccalaureate degree nursing program in the states of California and Nevada. Applications run from September until the December deadline, and recipients will be notified by the end of March. Scholarship Details Total Scholarships: Two scholarships are awarded each academic year:

  • 25

  • George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineDecember 31, 2025

The George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship provides financial support to outstanding Oklahoma students pursuing careers in public service. Established by the Oklahoma Legislature in 1999, this scholarship encourages academic achievement and commitment to public service. Scholarship recipients also participate in public service seminars through the Nigh Institute, gaining valuable

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.