Nursing Major Scholarships: Requirements and Opportunities
The field of nursing offers a promising career path, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 6% growth in employment for registered nurses by 2033. This translates to over 195,400 new jobs, highlighting the increasing demand for qualified nursing professionals. However, the costs associated with obtaining a nursing degree, including tuition, clinical fees, and exam expenses, can be a significant barrier for many aspiring nurses. Fortunately, numerous nursing scholarships are available to help alleviate this financial burden. These scholarships can cover some or all of these costs, allowing students to focus on their education and career goals.
Navigating the Landscape of Nursing Scholarships
Nursing scholarships are designed to support students currently enrolled in nursing school. Because each scholarship has its own eligibility requirements, it’s a good idea to review each award’s information carefully. The best nursing scholarship depends on your background, interests, career goals, and where you plan to study. For example, the Johnson & Johnson Access-Ability Lime Scholarship supports nursing students with visible or invisible disabilities. Since not every nursing student will qualify for these niche scholarships, it’s also a good idea to apply for more general awards. Be sure to look into scholarships offered directly by your college or nursing school as well. Applying to a mix of general, niche, school-specific, and local scholarships can help improve your chances of winning awards. Other awards, like the Jean Andrews Nursing Scholarship, have broader eligibility. Many scholarships are designed to support minority students pursuing careers in nursing. For instance, the UNACUHCP Alexis G. Philius Scholarship is available to students of Black or African descent pursuing healthcare degrees. These scholarships help make nursing school more affordable and accessible for underrepresented students, which creates more diversity in the field.
To apply for nursing scholarships, start by creating a free profile on Scholarships.com and completing your demographic and academic information. This will help us match you with nursing scholarships you’re eligible for based on your background, location, education level, and more. It’s also important to check whether or not the scholarship you’re applying for requires you to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many nursing scholarships-especially those with need-based components-will require this information to determine your eligibility. Make sure you read each scholarship’s application instructions carefully. Some nursing scholarships may ask for additional materials like recommendation letters, proof of clinical hours, or essays about your career goals.
Key Considerations for Scholarship Applications
- Eligibility Requirements: Carefully review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship, including GPA requirements, residency restrictions, and program of study.
- Application Materials: Pay close attention to the required application materials, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays.
- Deadlines: Be mindful of application deadlines and submit all materials on time.
- FAFSA: Determine if the scholarship requires the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Essays: Craft compelling essays that highlight your passion for nursing, your academic achievements, and your career goals.
Scholarship Opportunities
Nursing students can limit their borrowing by maximizing their scholarships and grants. Professional associations, nursing schools, and private organizations offer scholarships for nurses. Check out our list of more than 50 nursing school scholarships to pay for your nursing program.
Here are some examples of nursing scholarships and their requirements:
Read also: Your Guide to Nursing Internships
- Alice Newell Joslyn Medical Scholarship: Supports students living in or attending college in San Diego County. Eligibility is based on financial need, scholastics, and community awareness. Amount: $500-$2,000
- American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing Scholarships (AAPACN): Offers scholarships for students interested in post-acute care who hold an RN, LVN/LPN, or CNA credential and are earning a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. A supervisor must submit a recommendation form. Amount: $3,000-$5,000
- American Indian Medical Scholarship Program: Supports American Indian nursing and medical students who plan to provide healthcare in their communities after graduation. Applicants must submit proof of tribal heritage, a recommendation from a school official, official transcripts, a photograph, and a biographical statement. Amount: $1,500 per semester to recipients in good academic standing
- American Legion Auxiliary Non-Traditional Nurses Scholarship: For Idaho members of the American Legion whose higher education was interrupted or who started college later in life. Candidates submit a personal statement, letters of recommendation, high school or college transcripts with ACT or SAT scores, a resume, and proof of honorable discharge.Amount: $1,000
- American Nephrology Nurses Association Scholarships (ANNA): Offers multiple nursing scholarships and grants, including funding for clinical research. Students must be ANNA members, pursuing BSNs or master’s degrees in nursing, and actively involved in nephrology nursing. Most require an application, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, an essay, and documentation of eligibility. Amount: $1,000-$4,375
- Arizona Foundation for the Future of Nurses Scholarships (AzFFN): Offers multiple scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students attending nursing school in Arizona. Applicants must live in Arizona. Specific guidelines vary by award. Amount: Varies
- Army Nurse Corps Association Scholarship Program: Army nurses qualify for this scholarship. Candidates submit an application, letters of recommendation, and official college transcripts. Amount: Varies
- Association of Rehabilitation Nurses Scholarship (ARN): Offers undergraduate and graduate nursing scholarships. Applicants should submit official transcripts documenting enrollment in a BSN or graduate nursing program, a resume, and a 1-3 page summary of their professional and educational goals and achievements. They also need to upload a headshot. An ARN member enrolled in a BSN or a graduate program who demonstrates at least two years of rehabilitation nursing experience may apply.Amount: $1,500
- Barbara Rhomberg Excellence in Nursing Scholarship: Supports non-traditional, full-time undergraduate nursing students pursuing associate or bachelor’s degrees in nursing who have a gap of at least three years between high school and college. Candidates must provide two recommendation letters, enrollment verification, and an essay. Amount: $1,000
- California BSN Scholarship: Offered by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information, this award is funded by the state’s RN licensing fee and aims to distribute awards across the state to increase RN employment in high-need areas. Students with minimum 2.0 GPAs pursuing BSNs may apply. Each recipient must be willing to work in a medically underserved area in California for 12 months. Amount: Up to $10,000
- California Advanced Practice Healthcare Scholarship: Supports nursing students pursuing advanced practice roles and who demonstrate minimum GPAs of 2.0 and be free of other service obligations. Each recipient must spend 12 months of full-time practice in a medically underserved area. This scholarship is open to prospective nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse midwives attending California Board- or committee-approved programs. Amount: Up to $25,000
- Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship: Supports three undergraduate students who are accepted into or enrolled in accredited nursing schools. Each candidate must demonstrate financial need and submit their official college transcripts or letter of acceptance into a nursing program. Amount: $2,500
- Charlotte McGuire Scholarship: Supports nurses specializing in holistic nursing with its undergraduate and graduate scholarships. Qualifying members must demonstrate their commitment to holistic nursing practice. Undergraduate and graduate-level nursing students who are active AHNA members qualify. Graduate nursing students need a current RN license. Amount: $1,000
- Choose Ohio First STEMM Scholarship: This scholarship is available to students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine. Amount: $20,000
- Coursey Enterprises: Sponsors two scholarships every spring and fall for first-year nursing students enrolled in registered nursing or licensed practical nurse programs. Applicants must submit a 200-word personal essay and photo. Amount: $250
- District of Columbia Lena Ferguson Nursing Scholarship: Two one-time awards go to graduates of public schools or public charter schools in Washington, D.C., attending nursing programs at the University of the District of Columbia or the University of the District of Columbia-Community College who maintain GPAs of 3.0 or higher. Amount: $5,000
- Emergency Nurses Association Foundation Scholarships (ENA): Offers multiple scholarships for undergraduates, master’s students, and doctoral candidates who are student ENA members. Applicants need a minimum GPA of 3.0 and must attend an accredited university. The scholarship requires two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from an ENA member. Previous recipients cannot apply under the same category. Amount: Varies
- Exceptional Nurse Scholarships: Supports nurses with disabilities and offers multiple scholarships. Applicants must have a documented disability and submit three letters of recommendation, a 1-2 page essay, and official high school and/or college transcripts. A candidate must have a disability and attend or plan to attend a nursing program full time. Amount: $250-$500
- Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association Undergraduate Scholarship: Awards over $500,000 in scholarship funding annually to nursing students in different specializations based on the scholarship sponsor who intend to focus on specialty nursing areas. Amount: Up to $10,000 per academic year
- Foundation for Seacoast Health Scholarship: Supports candidates studying health-related fields who reside in Portsmouth, Rye, New Castle, Greenland, Newington, or North Hampton, New Hampshire; or Kittery, Elliot, or York, Maine. Applicants submit statements of support, personal essays, and proof of financial need. Amount: Varies
- Frances Helen Ziegler Tunnell Scholarship: Supports Vanderbilt University nursing students pursuing MSN degrees. Applicants submit a statement of purpose, responses to essay questions, and letters of reference. Each candidate must be enrolled full time in an MSN program at the Vanderbilt School of Nursing and maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher. Amount: Varies
- George B. Boland Nurses Training Scholarship: This scholarship is administered through a Forty and Eight Voiture Locale. citizen. Amount: Up to $1,500
- GoodRx Nurses for Change Scholarship: Aims to increase diversity in healthcare. Students can use the scholarship for two-year or four-year nursing programs. Applicants must register with GoodRx to apply. Current or recently graduated nursing students with minimum 3.0 GPAs from under-represented populations in healthcare are eligible to apply. Amount: $5,000
- Health Resources and Services Administration Nurse Corps Scholarship Program: This award covers tuition, fees, and educational costs for nurses working in critical shortage facilities after graduation. Applicants submit recommendation letters, supporting documentation, and an essay to qualify. Eligible programs include nursing, nurse-midwifery, and nurse practitioner degrees. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited nursing degree program at the undergraduate level and not have federal judgment liens, existing service commitments, or overdue federal loan payments. The Health Resources and Services Administration prefers students with financial need. Amount: Tuition, fees, and educational expenses
- Hurst Review Services/AACN Nursing Scholarship: Open to undergraduate students enrolled at AACN schools with a minimum 3.2 GPA. Applicants must register with Hurst Review Services before completing an online application. Hurst is a review service for nurses preparing for the National Council Licensure Examination. Amount: $2,500
- Jane Delano Nursing Student Scholarship: Supports undergraduate and graduate who volunteer or work for an American Red Cross Unit and encourages new nurses to become involved with the Red Cross. Amount: Varies
- Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Academic Scholarship: Supports nursing students with financial need and academic promise entering full-time undergraduate and graduate degrees. Applicants must be Jewish, raised in the Chicago metropolitan area, or have worked full-time in the area for at least one year and intend to remain in the area after graduation. Amount: Up to $4,000
- Johnson & Johnson Andrea E. Higham Memorial Nursing Scholarship: Supports undergraduate nursing students enrolled in a state-approved program who demonstrate financial need and strong academic achievement. Amount: Up to $10,000 per academic year
- Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship: Funds LPN or RN students who commit to practice in Kansas sponsor facilities such as psychiatric hospitals, home health agencies, and adult care facilities. Undergraduates enrolled full time in Kansas nursing programs qualify for this Board of Regents scholarship. Applicants submit a FAFSA, commit to an eligible sponsor, and complete the State of Kansas Student Aid application. Kansas also offers a scholarship to support graduate students in nurse educator programs.
- NURSE Corps Scholarship Program (NCSP): Helps students complete their nursing education by paying tuition, fees, other education costs, while providing a monthly living stipend.
- Tillman Military Scholars program: Supports our nation’s active and veteran service members and their spouses by removing financial barriers to completing a degree program of choice.
- The Senior Care Scholarship: Offered by A Place for Mom is available to students enrolled in a bachelor's degree or graduate level program in nursing at an accredited four-year university.
- American Cancer Society: Provides scholarships in cancer nursing. Doctoral Scholarships in cancer nursing provide support for study in a doctoral degree program in nursing or a related area that will prepare the graduate for a career as a cancer nurse scientist.
- WSOS Career and Technical Scholarship: Provides Washington students with financial assistance, career training, and mentorship opportunities. Amount: $6,000. Deadline: October 16, 2025.
- WISE (Women in STEM Excel) Scholarship: Supports, empowers, and encourages women in Washington pursuing education in science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics. Amount: $3,500. Deadline: December 13, 2025.
Scholarships for Specific Groups:
- Minority Students: Several scholarships are designed to support minority students pursuing careers in nursing, helping to create a more diverse community of nursing professionals. For example, the UNACUHCP Alexis G. Philius Scholarship is available to students of Black or African descent pursuing healthcare degrees.
- Students with Disabilities: The Johnson & Johnson Access-Ability Lime Scholarship supports nursing students with visible or invisible disabilities.
- Non-Traditional Students: The Barbara Rhomberg Excellence in Nursing Scholarship supports non-traditional students who have a gap of at least three years between high school and college.
- Veterans: Veterans seeking a career in nursing can earn scholarships intended to provide financial rewards in recognition of the contributions they made to their country.
Additional Scholarship Resources
- Scholarships.com: A free profile on Scholarships.com can help match you with nursing scholarships you’re eligible for based on your background, location, education level, and more.
- Federal Student Aid: Federal Student Aid provides grants, loans, and work-study funds for college or career school.
- EduMed Medical and Healthcare Scholarships: 50 of the top available scholarships across 7 different healthcare fields, including dental, nursing, medical assisting, and healthcare leadership.
- PhDs.me Scholarships & Resources for Black Students: If you are on the hunt for ways to fund your PhD, look no further.
- The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF): Is designed to assist students of Hispanic heritage obtain a college degree.
Financial Aid and Loan Repayment Programs
Students can supplement scholarship awards by applying for financial aid, private or school-based grants, student loans, and work-study opportunities to help bridge the gap between your available resources and outstanding bills.
Many nurses take out student loans to pay for a nursing degree. In fact, undergraduate nursing students graduate with an average of $23,000-$29,000 in student debt, while those with a master of science in nursing owe $49,000 on average, according to a report from NerdWallet.
If you’ve incurred debt from your nursing education, you may be eligible for reimbursement from programs that offer nursing student loan forgiveness. The NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program helps alleviate the shortage of nurses across the country by offering loan repayment assistance to registered nurses and advance practice nurses, such as nurse practitioners, working at Critical Shortage facilities and nurse faculty employed at accredited schools of nursing.
Read also: Getting Into Nursing School
Read also: Chamberlain University Costs
tags: #nursing #major #scholarships #requirements
