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40+ Nursing Scholarships and Grants (2024)

Jan 03 2024

Personal Finance / Nursing Scholarships

Getting into nursing school is one thing. Paying for it is an entirely different thing. 

You’ll likely use multiple funding sources to pay for your nursing school tuition,  including savings,  loans , tuition reimbursement from your employer, grants, or scholarships. 

The last two offer you the chance to get  financial help  without adding depleting your savings or going into debt. 

We’ve put together a list of 40+ scholarships and grants to help you pay those school bills.

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Nursing scholarships

General nursing scholarships, nursing scholarships for women, nursing scholarships for men, nursing scholarships for students with disabilities.

• Nursing scholarships for LGBTQ+ students

Nursing scholarships for veterans

Minority nursing scholarships, grants for nurses.

• 300+ more nursing scholarships

Advanced Practice Healthcare Scholarship Program

Amount : Up to $25,000/per year (can be awarded up to three times)

Available to : The APHSP is available to potential nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives who attend a California Board or committee-approved program.

Requirements:

• Be enrolled in a minimum of six units, or its equivalent until program completion;
• Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or greater until program completion;
• Not have any other existing service obligations with other entities, including other HCAI programs;
• Not be in breach of any other health professional service obligation;
• Commit to providing a twelve-month service obligation in a medically under-served area upon graduating;
• Provide 32 hours or more per week of direct patient care upon graduating.

How to apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing Scholarship

Amount: Varying amounts offered by multiple AACN-affiliated scholarships

Available to: The American Association of Colleges of Nursing provides a comprehensive list of scholarships available  for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in nursing. Each scholarship is offered by a different funding source.

Requirements: All applicants must be enrolled (not just accepted) at an AACN member institution . To check if your school is a member, see the link to AACN Members .

How to Apply: Complete the individual scholarship’s online application and provide additional information as requested.

American Nephrology Nurses Association – Career Mobility Scholarships

Amount: Multiple career mobility scholarships are offered by ANNA-affiliated funders.

Career Mobility Scholarships will be awarded annually to support qualified ANNA members in the pursuit of either a BSN or advanced degree in nursing.

• ANNA Career Mobility Scholarships (5 at $2,000)
• Janel Parker Career Mobility Scholarship (1 at $2,500) –  Sponsored by Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc.
• NNCC Career Mobility Scholarships (3 at $3,000)
• Dare to Soar Career Mobility Scholarship (1at $1,000) –  Sponsored by Rowena W. Elliott, 2011-2012 ANNA President and ANNA San Francisco Bay Chapter #504
• Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA) Career Mobility Scholarships (2 at $4,000)
• Marilyn Eilert Memorial Career Mobility Scholarship ($1,000) –  Sponsored by ANNA Jersey North Chapter #126
• Nephrology Nursing Certification Scholarship (1 CNN-NP at $425, 1 CNN at $400, & 1 CDN at $400)

Applications can be filled out at this link .

Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses Foundation (AORN) Scholarship

Amount: Varies by student

Available to: The AORN Scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a career in perioperative nursing. The student has to be enrolled in an accredited bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree program.

Requirements: Applicants need to be interested in perioperative nursing and plan on continuing their education in the field. They must have a 3.0 GPA or higher. Applicants with financial needs are given more of a priority.

How to Apply : Complete the online application for this nursing school scholarship and provide additional information as requested.

AvaCare Medical Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

Available to: Students who are pursuing a degree in the medical field.

• Citizen of the United States or in possession of an Alien Registration Card;
• High school senior or enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university;
• Achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0;
• Pursuing a degree in a medical field such as therapy, nursing, medicine, nutrition, laboratory science, dentistry, health law, etc.

Although all students with the above criteria are welcome to apply for this nursing school scholarship, preference will be given to students with a physical disability .

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Barbara Rhomberg Nursing Scholarship

Amount:  $1,000

Available to:  This nursing school scholarship  is awarded to non-traditional, full-time students pursuing undergraduate degrees in nursing.

Requirements:  Students must have started their undergraduate studies three years or more after graduating from high school.

How to Apply:  Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

California Emergency Nurses Association

Amount : Varies

Available to : The California ENA awards two scholarships each year.

The Terri Sturgill Scholarship is awarded to a non-nurse enrolled in a nursing program and pursuing an initial RN license.

The Daniel Kelleher Scholarship is awarded to someone who has an RN license, is enrolled in a nursing program, and has shown commitment to the ENA.

Requirements: Applicants must be a member of the California ENA and match the criteria for each scholarship.

How to Apply : Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Coursey Enterprises Student Scholarships

Amount : $250 each semester

Available to : The Coursey Enterprises Student Scholarship is for first-year nursing students enrolled in an RN or LPN program.

Requirements: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

DAR Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship

Amount : $2,500

Available to: The DAR Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship is for students who have been accepted or are currently enrolled in an accredited school of nursing and are in financial need.

Requirements: Students need to prove financial need and provide a letter of acceptance to a nursing program or current transcript.

ENA Foundation Scholarships

Amount: Between $1,000 and $10,000

Available to: The ENA Foundation Scholarships are available to members and nonmembers seeking to further their education with degrees ranging from associates to doctoral degrees, as well as conference scholarships for members interested in attending ENA’s annual education and networking event.

Requirements: Applicants who are Emergency Nurses Association members in good academic standing qualify for all scholarships, along with additional criteria ; nonmembers may apply to non-RN scholarships and one undergraduate one.

The Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association General Scholarship

Amount : Up to $10,000

Available to : This nursing school scholarship is available to current U.S. students. These scholarships typically reflect a specific area of specialization within the nursing profession such as oncology, critical care, emergency nursing, or a certain population of the nursing profession that is often underrepresented who plan on focusing on a specialty area.

• Students currently enrollment and matriculated in a state-approved nursing program leading to an associate degree, baccalaureate, diploma, direct-entry master’s degree; or enrolled in an RN to BSN completion, RN to MSN completion, or LPN/LVN to RN program;

(Matriculation means the student has applied to and has been admitted into a state-approved nursing program.)

• Pre-nursing students taking courses to prepare for matriculation into a nursing program;
• Attending classes and taking no less than six (6) credits per semester;
• Involvement in student nursing organizations and/or community health activities;
• Document academic achievement;
• Establish financial need;
• U.S. Citizen or Alien with U.S. Permanent Resident Status/Alien Registration Number;
• High school students are not eligible to apply;
• Funds are not available for graduate study unless it is for a first degree in nursing

How to Apply: The link to the online application can be found on the scholarship page . Complete and provide additional information as requested.

HealthGrad.com Leadership Scholarship

Available to: Any undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a healthcare-related field of study.

Requirements: Applications will be reviewed by scholarship staff. Candidates are judged on academic history, extracurricular activities, employment history & essay. Here is a quick breakdown of all criteria involved in picking winning candidates:

• Completed Registration
• Completed Essay
• Work History and Activities
• GPA (min 3.2 on a 4.0 scale)

Health Resources & Services Administration Nurse Corps Scholarship Program

Amount: Full-ride scholarship

Available to: These two nursing school scholarships are available to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in nursing.

Requirements: Applicants must agree to work in a critical shortage facility after graduation. Students must also be U.S. citizens and enrolled full-time. Additionally, applicants must have a goal of being a physician, dentist, nurse, nurse practitioner , nurse-midwife, or physician assistant.

Josh Gottheil Bone Marrow Transplant Development Award

Amount: Multiple scholarships up to $2,000

Available to: Non-advanced practice level registered nurses working in bone marrow transplantation by providing financial assistance to attend nursing continuing professional development that will further the nurses’ professional goals as they relate to transplant nursing.

• Currently employed as a registered nurse working in bone marrow transplantation with a minimum of 75% devoted to direct patient care. Preference will be given to non-advanced practice (bedside) nurses; 
• One or more years in BMT nursing practice prior to application due date.

Nurses Make a Difference Scholarship

Available to: This nursing school scholarship is available for current students in an undergraduate nursing degree program at an accredited college or university, or high school students who have been accepted into a college and plan to study nursing.

Requirements: All applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and be a legal resident of the USA or hold a valid student visa.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested. Submit an application online along with an essay. This is an essay contest with a different topic each year.

Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship

Amount: $1,250 for undergraduates and $1,750 for graduates

Available to: This nursing school scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students who are members of SHAPE America. Applicants must be majoring in the field of health, physical education, recreation, or dance.

• Applicant must be a current member of SHAPE America. Students may join at the time of application;
• Applicant must be majoring in the field of health, physical education, recreation or dance;
• Graduate applicant must be enrolled in a matriculated full-time master’s or doctoral program (Doctoral candidates working on their dissertation must be no more than one year beyond coursework completion);
• Undergraduate applicant must have college junior or senior class standing;
• Applicant must have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 overall on a 4.0-grade point scale.

How to Apply: Complete the graduate or undergraduate online application and provide additional information as requested.

Stephanie Carroll Scholarship

Amount: Varies

Available to: This nursing school scholarship is available to nursing students enrolled in an accredited nursing program who are pursuing Long Term Care or Geriatrics.

• Applicants must practice in long-term care/post-acute care for at least two years after graduation;
• Applicant must show proof of acceptance for the upcoming school year and accreditation;
• Applicant must include a list of school-related expenses with final total;
• Applicants must submit with their application, a double-spaced typed/word-processed essay of no less than 100 words that addresses why the candidate wants to become a nurse and their commitment to the nursing profession, including goals for nursing career after graduation.

Tylenol Future Care Scholarship

Amount: $5,000 – $10,000

Available to : This nursing school scholarship will be awarded to students and practitioners who are seeking a degree to actively treat patients.

Requirements :

• Must be a resident of the United States, Puerto Rico or the District of Columbia;
• A graduate student or college senior enrolling in graduate school in the upcoming academic year;
• Provide proof of enrollment in a graduate program for nursing, medical and/or pharmacy;
• Must have one or more years of school remaining.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested. More information can be found here .

S. Evelyn Lewis Memorial Scholarship in Medical Health Sciences

Amount: Between $500 and $1,000.

Available to : This nursing school scholarship is one of several offered by the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.’s National Educational Foundation. It is available to women enrolled in a program leading to a degree in medicine or health sciences.

• Submit three letters of recommendation;
• Official transcripts from all universities/colleges attended;
• Essay of 150 words or more addressing information about themselves, community service activities, educational goals and aspirations;
• Copy of W-2 form;
• Must prove community service hours.

Past National President’s Scholarship; National Scholarship in Memory of Beloved Member, Sheri Parrack; Nancy Griffin Legacy Endowment; National Scholarship in Honor of First Responders

Amount: Between $2,000 to $5,000

Available to: These four scholarships are part of THE STEPHEN BUFTON MEMORIAL EDUCATIONAL FUND for women who are pursuing post-secondary educational goals as well as ongoing professional development in order to support their career advancement and to help them become role models, mentors, and leaders of the future. The National Scholarship in Honor of First Responders is available to those pursuing a medical (nursing, technology) degree.

• Female, U.S. citizen;
• At least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale;
• At least a college Freshman in August 2023;
• Attending an accredited U.S. college or university that offers at least a baccalaureate degree in August 2023;
• For the National Scholarship in Honor of First Responders – must be going into the medical field (nursing, technology, etc.).

How to Apply: Find the link to the online application on the THE STEPHEN BUFTON MEMORIAL EDUCATIONAL FUND page and provide information as requested.

American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN) Scholarships

The applications will be evaluated on a weighted scale using the following categories, listed with the areas of highest emphasis first: Personal statement, financial need, volunteer/community service history, professional associations, reference letter, academic status, honors/awards, resume, certifications, and workload. Each application should include information related to as many of these categories as possible.

How to Apply: Send an email with your individual contact information, current school enrollment and include attachments with information related to the various categories listed above, to  [email protected] . Be sure to include “AAMN Scholarship Application” in the subject line.

AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship on Health and Disability

Available to: Awarded annually to deserving students who have a disability and who are enrolled in undergraduate or graduate studies in an accredited American college or university.

• Applicant must have graduated high school and be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student. Applicant must have completed a minimum of one full year of undergraduate college or more. In other words, the applicant must have sophomore or greater status in a program at a college or university pursuing an undergraduate degree; or enrolled part time or full time in a graduate school, pursuing a post graduate degree;
• Applicant must have a disability as defined by the American with Disabilities Act and provide documentation to verify this;
• Applicant must be a US citizen or legal resident living in the United States and enrolled in an accredited United States college or university;
• Must provide a Personal Statement (maximum 2 pages, double spaced), including a brief personal history, educational/career goals, extra-curricular activities, and reasons why they should be selected by the AAHD Scholarship Committee;
• Applicant must provide two (2) Letters of Recommendation (One must be from a faculty member or academic advisor);
• Applicant must provide a copy of their most recent college transcript;
• For more specific details on criteria, please visit the scholarship program page.

ExceptionalNurse.com Scholarships

Exceptional nurse offers the scholarships listed below to nursing students with a documented disability who have applied to, or already been admitted to, a college or university program on a full-time basis.

Peter Gili Scholarship Award : A $500.00 scholarship will be awarded to a nursing student with a disability.

Caroline Simpson Maheady Scholarship Award : A $250.00 scholarship will be awarded to a nursing student with a disability. Preference will be given to an undergraduate student, of Scottish descent, who has demonstrated a commitment to working with people with disabilities.

ExceptionalNurse.com : A $250.00 scholarship will be awarded to a qualified student with a disability to continue their education in a nursing education program. Preference is given to undergraduate students. Applicants must demonstrate a serious commitment to the academic study of nursing and career excellence. This nursing school scholarship will only be awarded once.

Jill Laura Creedom Scholarship Award :

A $500 scholarship will be awarded to a nursing student with a disability or medical challenge. Applicants are encouraged to read Jill Creedon’s essay submitted with her application to the College of Nursing at Villanova University.

Anna May Rolando Scholarship Award : A $500.00 scholarship will be awarded to a nursing student with a disability. Preference will be given to a graduate student who has demonstrated a commitment to working with people with disabilities.

Bruno Rolando Scholarship Award : A $250.00 scholarship will be awarded to a nursing student with a disability. Preference will be given to a nursing student employed at a Veteran’s Hospital.

Mary Serra Gili Scholarship Award : A $250.00 scholarship will be awarded to a nursing student with a disability.

Genevieve Saran Richmond Award : A $500.00 scholarship will be awarded to a nursing student with a disability.

General Requirements for all awards:

• Completed and signed application form;
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can personally attest to your academic abilities and personal character (non-relatives);
• Essay (approximately 1-2 pages);
• Official transcripts from high school and/or college;
• Medical Verification of Disability Form .

Amount: Varies by award

How to Apply: To apply, request an application form at [email protected] .

DisABLEDperson Inc. Scholarship

Amount: $2,000

Available to : In order to qualify for this nursing school scholarship, students must be enrolled full-time in a two- or four-year accredited college or university in the United States. They must be U.S. citizens. Part-time students can apply as long as attendance is due to their disability and not their financial situation (minimum of 6 credits for undergraduate, 6 credits for graduate).

Requirements: Applicants have to register on disABLEDperson.com and join as a community member before starting an application. Awardees must prove disability.

Nursing scholarships for LGBTQ+ people

The pride foundation.

Amount: Varies by scholarship

Available to: The Pride Foundation offers multiple school  scholarships  in support of LGBTQ+ students who are leaders—in their own lives, in their families, in their home communities, in their fields of study, in their workplaces, or in movements for justice. The awards all provide essential financial resources and community support to inspirational LGBTQ+ student leaders across the Northwest. 

• currently live within that state and have done so for at least three months prior to the application deadline;  OR
• have lived within that state for at least one year at any time within the five years prior to the application deadline.
• Pursuing Post-Secondary Education:  Applicants must be pursuing post-secondary education in the coming school year. This includes community college, four-year public or private college or university, certificate programs, vocational/technical/trade programs, law school, medical/dental/veterinary school, or graduate education. 

eQuality Scholarships

Available to: Three scholarships are awarded to students who are:

• Graduating high school seniors and recent high school graduates;
• Community college transfer students;
• Medical students;
• Residents of or attending a community college in northern or central California, but may study elsewhere.

Requirements: Students must be in good academic standing and have never received an eQuality graduate student scholarship. Candidates must have served the LGBT+ community and experienced hardship or special circumstances. Specific requirements vary by award.

Army Nurse Corps Association (ANCA) Scholarship

Amount: $3,000

Available to: This nursing school scholarship is open to students who are enrolled in a bachelor, advanced nursing, or nurse anesthesia program who are serving or have served in any branch of the U..S. Army. This scholarship is also available to their parents, spouses, and children.

• Are serving or have previously served in any branch, at any rank, of a component of the US Army (Active Army, Army National Guard, or Army Reserve);
• Are not currently receiving funding by a component of the US Army (e.g., ROTC scholarship students and students receiving full GI Bill benefits are not eligible); and
• As applicable, have received an Honorable Discharge.
• Nursing or anesthesia students whose parent(s), spouse, or child(ren) have current or previous service in a component of the US Army.

VFW’s Sport Clips Help a Hero Scholarship

Amount: up to $5,000

Available to: This scholarship helps active duty, honorably discharged, retired, National Guard, or Reserve members who are enrolled or admitted into a VA-approved program or school at an accredited institution are eligible.

• Be a citizen of the United States;
• Be retired, honorably discharged, active duty, or a member of the National Guard or Reserve;
• Have completed Basic Training and follow-on training (Advanced Individual Training, technical school, etc.);
• Separated with or currently hold a military rank of E-5 or below;
• Demonstrate a need for financial assistance;
• Participate in, be accepted to or currently enrolled in a VA-approved program or school at an accredited post-secondary institution.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested. Candidates must also submit a FAFSA report.

The National Black Nurses Association Scholarships

Amount: Scholarships range from $1,000 to $15,000

The scholarship is offered in partnership between the Abbot Scholarship Fund and the National Black Nurses Association. Selection criteria include interest in clinical trials and primary care, volunteerism and the student’s background, financial need and academic performance. More information can be found about the individual scholarships here .

Available to: The National Black Nurses Association provides scholarships to students at all levels (LPN to Doctorate). Undergraduate and graduate nursing students can apply for up to 8 scholarships, depending on their education path. 5 $10,000 scholarships are available for nursing students, 2 for seeking to be a nurse practitioner and 1 for PhDs.

Requirements: Students must be graduate or postgraduate students attending a university. Applicants must also be affiliated with the National Black Nurses Association.

American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES) A.T. Anderson Scholarship

Amount: $1,000 for undergraduate students, $2,000 for graduate students

Available to: AISES members pursuing any STEM-related degree such as Architecture, Mathematics, Medical Sciences, Physical Science, Technology, Nursing, Engineering, or Natural Resources.

• Applicants must be: an enrolled citizen or a descendant of an enrolled citizen of a federal or state-recognized American Indian Tribe or Alaska Native Village; or Native Hawaiian or descendant from a Native Hawaiian; or Pacific Islander or descendant from Pacific Islander; or Indigenous person of Canada. Enrollment documents and/or a copy of birth certificate(s) showing descendancy from an enrolled citizen, Indigenous group of Canada, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander are acceptable. Applicant may also, instead, provide a copy of their Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood or Certificate of Degree of Alaska Native Blood (CDIB) card. Please note, AISES may not always have scholarships available for non-citizens of the United States.
• All scholarships require applicants be current AISES members at the time of application. All applicants will be required to enter a valid AISES membership number. To get a membership number join AISES or retrieve your membership number through AISES Membership Portal . AISES membership is free for all pre-college and college students.

Requirements: Students must be full-time undergraduate or graduate students at an accredited two-year or four-year college/university and have a 3.0 or higher GPA.

BAND-AID® BRAND Champions for Health Equity Scholarships​

Amount: $10,000

Available to: Black nursing students pursuing a BSN or higher can apply for $10,000 grants. The BAND-AID® Brand Black Healthcare Heroes in Nursing Scholarship will be awarded to 5 students.

Requirements: Students must be studying for an undergraduate degree or higher at an accredited university.

NSCDA American Indian Nurse Scholarship (AINS) Program

Amount: Recipients receive $1,500 per semester. Students can receive the award every semester as long as they remain in good standing.

Available to: This nursing school scholarship gives 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. Some students work on reservations, and others find employment in hospitals in areas largely populated by American Indians. The career goals now include not only nursing careers, but jobs in health care and health education, as well.

Requirements: Students must be enrolled in a pre-nursing, healthcare, or a health education program. Students enrolled in an associate’s degree program must graduate in two years. Students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program must graduate in four years. Applicants must prove financial need and plan on working in a field that helps Native American people directly.

William K. Schubert Minority Nursing Scholarship

Amount: $2,750

Available to: This nursing school scholarship is available to those students who wish to increase the diversity of registered nurses at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center . The program grants awards annually to assist with tuition and fees for persons who are preparing to be pediatric registered nurses that provide patient care. The student should be a member of one of the underrepresented groups in the registered nursing profession. Underrepresented groups include male nurses/nursing students and nurses/nursing students who are American Indian or Alaskan Native, Black or African American, Hawaiian Native or other Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latino, and/or Asian including Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Asian Indian, Thai, or Vietnamese/Southeast Asian.

Requirements: Student must be enrolled or accepted in a prelicensure registered nurse program (bachelor’s or master’s degree) at an accredited school of nursing on a full-time or part-time basis, earning a 2.75 GPA or better.

How to Apply: Complete the online application found on the scholarship page and provide additional information as requested.

Nursing grants offer another excellent way for you to fund your nursing education. There are many state and federal government nursing grants available: you just need to know where to look for them. When exploring federal nursing grants, you’ll find all the information you need on the  U.S. Department of Education website . There are different terms and conditions for each type of grant offered, so be sure to read all the fine print before applying. Lending Tree has published an excellent list that breaks down  financial aid grants by state . You can use this handy guide to explore the options available for nursing students in your state.

Additional scholarship and grants

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