Navigating Nursing Scholarships in Oregon: Requirements and Eligibility

Pursuing a nursing degree in Oregon can be financially demanding, but numerous scholarships are available to help aspiring nurses achieve their educational goals. This article provides a comprehensive overview of various nursing scholarships in Oregon, outlining their requirements, eligibility criteria, and application processes. It serves as a guide for students seeking financial assistance to support their nursing education.

Scholarships for Aspiring Nurses

The following 50 scholarships are designed for Oregon high school seniors aiming to become registered nurses through a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Bachelor of Nursing program. Each scholarship, provided by a unique organization, offers financial assistance to reduce the cost of higher education. Tailored for Oregon residents planning to study and work in the state, these awards range from tuition coverage to stipends. Eligibility requirements vary, focusing on academic achievement, financial need, or commitment to nursing in Oregon, particularly in rural or underserved areas.

1. Centennial Education Scholarship

Value: $1,000
Description: This scholarship supports Oregon nursing students in pre-licensure programs, including BSN. It aims to offset costs of tuition, fees, and related expenses for those entering the nursing profession.
Eligibility: Must be an Oregon resident enrolled in a pre-licensure BSN program at an accredited Oregon nursing school. Applicants must be in the clinical portion of their program and demonstrate commitment to nursing. Preference may be given to those with experience serving underserved populations. Financial need is considered.
About: The Oregon Nurses Foundation promotes nursing education and practice in Oregon. It offers scholarships to support future nurses. The foundation focuses on addressing nursing shortages and diversity. It fosters professional development in healthcare.
Deadline: Register to View

2. Scholars for a Healthy Oregon Initiative

Value: Full tuition and fees
Description: This scholarship covers tuition and fees for nursing students committed to serving rural or underserved Oregon communities. It supports students in specific clinical degree programs.
Eligibility: Must be an Oregon resident enrolled in a bachelor’s nursing program at OHSU. Applicants must agree to practice in a rural or underserved community for a set period after graduation. Academic excellence and commitment to underserved populations are required. Application typically opens in summer.
About: Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a leading health sciences institution. It administers scholarships to train healthcare professionals. The university emphasizes service to Oregon’s underserved areas. It supports nursing education through robust programs.
Deadline: Register to View

3. Health Equity Oregon Scholarship

Value: Up to $21,700
Description: This scholarship supports nurse practitioner students committed to working with rural, urban, and tribal populations in Oregon. It covers educational costs to promote health equity.
Eligibility: Must be an Oregon resident eligible for in-state tuition at OHSU. Applicants must be enrolled in a family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, or nurse-midwifery program. Commitment to serving diverse populations is required. Must maintain good academic standing.
About: OHSU’s School of Nursing focuses on advancing health equity. It provides scholarships to support diverse nursing students. The school partners with communities to address healthcare disparities. It prepares nurses for leadership roles.
Deadline: Register to View

4. Oregon Opportunity Grant

Value: $2,100
Description: This need-based grant supports Oregon residents pursuing nursing degrees at public colleges. It helps cover educational expenses for low-income students.
Eligibility: Must be an Oregon resident enrolled at least half-time in a bachelor’s nursing program at an Oregon public college. Must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, file the FAFSA, and demonstrate financial need. Must not be in default on student loans.
About: The Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) administers state-funded grants. It supports Oregon students’ access to higher education. The office oversees numerous financial aid programs. It promotes college affordability.
Deadline: Register to View

5. Ford Scholars Program

Value: Up to $40,000
Description: This renewable scholarship supports Oregon high school seniors pursuing nursing degrees. It covers a significant portion of unmet financial need.
Eligibility: Must be an Oregon resident and high school senior or recent graduate pursuing a first bachelor’s degree, including nursing, at an Oregon college. Applicants must face financial barriers, have a 3.0 GPA or 24 ACT/1160 SAT, and show community involvement. Must file the FAFSA.
About: The Ford Family Foundation is Oregon’s largest private scholarship provider. It supports students from rural and underserved areas. The foundation awards millions annually to promote college success. It emphasizes leadership and community impact.
Deadline: Register to View

6. Bertha P. Singer Scholarship

Value: $1,000
Description: This scholarship supports Oregon nursing students in their third or second year of a nursing program. It aids students with strong academic records.
Eligibility: Must be an Oregon resident enrolled in the third year of a four-year BSN program or second year of a two-year associate degree at an Oregon college. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and provide proof of enrollment. Financial need is considered.
About: The Oregon Student Assistance Commission (OSAC) administers this scholarship. It oversees hundreds of private and public scholarships. The commission supports Oregon students’ educational goals. It promotes access to higher education.
Deadline: Register to View

7. Grande Ronde Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship

Value: $1,500
Description: This scholarship supports nursing students from Union County pursuing degrees at Oregon colleges. It aids students committed to healthcare careers.
Eligibility: Must be an Oregon resident from Union County enrolled in a bachelor’s nursing program at an accredited Oregon college. Applicants must submit a complete application, including transcripts and references. Academic merit and neatness of application are considered.
About: The Grande Ronde Hospital Auxiliary supports healthcare education in Union County. It provides scholarships for local students. The auxiliary promotes quality healthcare in rural Oregon. It fosters community engagement.
Deadline: Register to View

8. Gribler Nursing Scholarship

Value: Up to $6,000
Description: This scholarship supports nursing students at Oregon Coast Community College or other accredited programs. It provides renewable aid for up to two years.
Eligibility: Must be an Oregon resident enrolled in a nursing program at an accredited college, with preference for Oregon Coast Community College students. Applicants must provide proof of enrollment and demonstrate academic commitment. Financial need is considered.
About: The Pacific Communities Health District Foundation supports healthcare education in Lincoln County. It funds scholarships to address nursing shortages. The foundation promotes rural healthcare access. It honors donors Olga and Bill Gribler.
Deadline: Register to View

9. Deschutes County Nursing Scholarship

Value: $1,500
Description: This scholarship supports nursing students from central and southern Oregon counties. It aids students pursuing undergraduate or graduate nursing degrees.
Eligibility: Must be an Oregon resident from Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson, Harney, Lake, Grant, or Klamath County enrolled full-time in a bachelor’s nursing program. Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA for high school seniors or 2.0 GPA for college students. Preference is given to Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties.
About: The Oregon Community Foundation supports education across Oregon. It administers scholarships for students in various fields. The foundation promotes community development and opportunity. It aids residents in underserved regions.
Deadline: Register to View

10. Douglas County Health Scholarship

Value: $1,500
Description: This scholarship supports Douglas County high school graduates pursuing nursing or health-related degrees. It aids students with strong academic records.
Eligibility: Must be an Oregon resident who graduated from a Douglas County high school. Applicants must be enrolled in a bachelor’s nursing program at an Oregon college with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Financial need may be considered.
About: The Oregon Community Foundation funds this scholarship for Douglas County students. It supports education in health-related fields. The foundation promotes academic opportunity in rural Oregon. It fosters community development.
Deadline: Register to View

11. Umatilla County Nursing Scholarship

Value: $1,000
Description: This scholarship supports nursing students from Umatilla County in their final year of study. It aids students committed to serving local communities.
Eligibility: Must be an Oregon resident from Umatilla County (e.g., Pendleton, Milton-Freewater) enrolled full-time in the final year of a bachelor’s nursing program. Applicants must be members of Oregon Nurses Association District 7. Academic merit is required.
About: The Oregon Nurses Association District 7 supports nursing education in Umatilla County. It provides scholarships for local students. The association promotes professional nursing practice. It fosters community healthcare.
Deadline: Register to View

12. Oregon Tribal Student Grant

Value: Up to $3,600
Description: This grant supports Native American students from Oregon’s federally recognized tribes pursuing nursing degrees. It covers tuition and living expenses.
Eligibility: Must be an Oregon resident and enrolled member of one of Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes. Applicants must be enrolled in a bachelor’s nursing program at an Oregon college. Financial need is considered via FAFSA.
About: The Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission administers this grant. It supports Native American students’ education. The commission promotes equity in higher education. It aids tribal communities in Oregon.
Deadline: Register to View

13. Oregon College Savings Plan Diversity Scholarship

Value: $2,000
Description: This scholarship supports underrepresented Oregon students pursuing nursing degrees. It aids first-year college students from diverse backgrounds.
Eligibility: Must be an Oregon resident from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group enrolled in a bachelor’s nursing program at an Oregon college. Applicants must be first-year students with a 3.0 GPA. Financial need is required.
About: The Oregon College Savings Plan supports education for diverse students. It provides scholarships to promote equity. The plan encourages college savings and access. It aids Oregon’s underrepresented communities.
Deadline: Register to View

14. St. Andrew’s Society Scholarship

Value: $1,500
Description: This scholarship supports Oregon students with Scottish heritage pursuing nursing degrees. It aids students with cultural ties to Scotland.
Eligibility: Must be an Oregon resident born in Scotland, with a Scottish parent or grandparent, or demonstrating commitment to Scottish culture. Applicants must be enrolled in a bachelor’s nursing program at an Oregon college. Academic merit is required.
About: The St. Andrew’s Society of Oregon promotes Scottish culture and education. It provides scholarships for students with Scottish ties. The society fosters cultural heritage in Oregon. It supports academic opportunity.
Deadline: Register to View

15. Klamath County Scholarship

Value: $1,500
Description: This scholarship supports Klamath County high school graduates pursuing nursing degrees. It aids students from southern Oregon.
Eligibility: Must be an Oregon resident and graduate of a Klamath County high school. Applicants must be enrolled in a bachelor’s nursing program at an Oregon college. A 3.0 GPA and financial need are required.
About: The Oregon Community Foundation funds this scholarship for Klamath County students. It supports education in rural southern Oregon. The foundation promotes academic opportunity. It fosters community development.
Deadline: Register to View

16. Dr. Ernest Hartzog Founder’s Scholarship

Value: $2,000
Description: This scholarship supports Black or African American students from Oregon pursuing nursing degrees. It promotes diversity in higher education.
Eligibility: Must be an Oregon resident of Black or African American descent. Applicants must be high school seniors or graduates enrolled in a bachelor’s nursing program at an Oregon college. A 3.0 GPA is required.
About: The Oregon Community Foundation established this scholarship to honor Dr. Ernest Hartzog. It supports Black students’ education. The foundation promotes equity and opportunity. It aids underrepresented communities in Oregon.
Deadline: Register to View

17. Oregon Military Veterans Scholarship

Value: $1,500
Description: This scholarship supports Oregon veterans pursuing nursing degrees. It aids those who served in post-9/11 conflicts.
Eligibility: Must be an Oregon resident and military veteran of post-9/11 conflicts, with preference for Oregon National Guard or Reservists. Applicants must be enrolled in a bachelor’s nursing program at an Oregon college. Academic merit is required.
About: The Oregon Community Foundation funds this scholarship for veterans. It supports education for military personnel. The foundation promotes opportunity for Oregon’s veterans. It honors service to the state and nation.
Deadline: Register to View

18. Oregon Single Parent Scholarship

Value: Up to $25,000
Description: This scholarship supports single parents pursuing nursing degrees in Oregon. It covers up to 90% of unmet financial need.
Eligibility: Must be an Oregon resident and single parent with custody of a child under 18. Applicants must be enrolled in a bachelor’s nursing program at an Oregon college with a 3.0 GPA or submit a special recommendation. Must file the FAFSA and OSAC application.
About: The Ford Family Foundation supports single parents’ education. It provides need-based scholarships for Oregon residents. The foundation promotes family and academic success. It aids underserved students.
Deadline: Register to View

19. Oregon ReStart Scholarship

Value: Up to $25,000
Description: This scholarship supports nontraditional adult students pursuing nursing degrees in Oregon. It aids those returning to college with financial need.
Eligibility: Must be an Oregon resident pursuing a bachelor’s nursing degree at an Oregon college. Applicants must be nontraditional students, file the FAFSA, and submit the ReStart Reference form. Financial need is required.
About: The Ford Family Foundation funds this scholarship for nontraditional students. It supports adult learners in Oregon. The foundation promotes lifelong education. It aids students overcoming barriers.
Deadline: Register to View

20. Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship

Value: $1,500
Description: This merit-based scholarship supports high-achieving Oregon high school seniors pursuing nursing degrees. It provides renewable aid for up to four years.
Eligibility: Must be an Oregon resident and high school senior with outstanding academic achievement. Applicants must be enrolled in a bachelor’s nursing program.

Additional Scholarship and Grant Opportunities

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Scholarships

OHSU offers several scholarships for nursing students, including:

Provost Excellence Scholarship: This scholarship is available to incoming B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. students. All applicants are automatically considered. However, students receiving full tuition and fees from other awards are not eligible.
President’s Fund Scholarship: Similar to the Provost Excellence Scholarship, this is available to incoming B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. students, with automatic consideration. Eligibility restrictions apply to students with fully funded tuition and fees.

OHSU School of Nursing Scholarships

OHSU’s School of Nursing provides specific scholarships for various programs:

B.S. in Nursing (3-year program): Students starting in 2026-27 at Ashland, Klamath Falls, La Grande, or Monmouth may receive $6,000 total toward tuition and fees, disbursed evenly over three academic years ($2,000 per year).
RN to B.S.: Students starting in the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years may receive $2,000 total toward tuition and fees.

Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)

This program provides loans to students pursuing Ph.D., D.N.P., and M.N.E. degrees. Students must complete specific nursing education courses. After graduation, the NFLP cancels part of the loan for graduates who work full-time as faculty at an accredited nursing school.

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National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program

This program requires a minimum of two years full-time commitment to work at a National Health Service Corps approved site.

Other Scholarship Programs

Evalee C. Scholarship: Available to undergraduate or graduate students with strong academic performance and high financial need.
William G. and Ruth T. Scholarship: The amount varies, and it is available to current students who need additional assistance beyond their existing financial aid package. It is only available to students who are not fully funded.

Scholarships for Specific Programs and Populations

D.N.P. Programs

OHSU Nurse Faculty D.N.P. and Ph.D. Scholarship: Be an OHSU faculty member admitted into an eligible program at the University of Arizona, University of Colorado, University of Utah or Washington State University for D.N.P. or Ph.D.

Nurse Practitioner Students

Family nurse practitioner students, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner students, pediatric nurse practitioner students and nurse-midwifery students can apply for specific scholarships.

Rural Nursing Scholarships

Nurse-midwifery students who are committed to working in rural and/or underserved communities after graduation can find specific scholarships.

Loan Repayment Programs

Students must commit to practice at an approved rural Oregon site after graduation.
Two-year commitment to work as faculty at an accredited health professions college or university.

Legacy Health Scholarships

Legacy Health offers scholarships and loan repayments through its Foundations and Volunteer Auxiliaries. These awards are for employees accepted to/enrolled in a program leading to an advanced degree, a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN), or Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Eligible coursework must first be approved for tuition reimbursement through the Legacy Educational Assistance Program (LEAP).

Specific Legacy Health Scholarships Include:

Carol J. Scholarship: Applicant must complete essay question. Must be a current employee of Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center and enrolled in/accepted to a program leading to a degree that would build his/her professional career.

Additional Oregon-Specific Scholarships

The Watson Nursing Scholarship: This scholarship is available to students pursuing a career in nursing, with preference given to graduates of Jackson or Josephine County high schools. Eligible applicants must enroll full-time at an Oregon college, with preference for those attending the Oregon Health & Science University School of Nursing located on the Southern Oregon University campus. Financial need is considered, and FAFSA filing is required. The scholarship may be received for a maximum of four years and must be applied for annually.

General Requirements and Application Tips

Residency: Most Oregon nursing scholarships require applicants to be Oregon residents.
Enrollment: Applicants must be enrolled or accepted into an accredited nursing program in Oregon.
Academic Performance: Many scholarships require a minimum GPA, often around 3.0.
Financial Need: Several scholarships consider financial need, often requiring the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Commitment to Service: Some scholarships require a commitment to work in rural or underserved communities after graduation.
Application Deadlines: Pay close attention to application deadlines. The priority deadline for all current and incoming students who are starting summer 2026 is April 1, 2026. For incoming students starting fall 2026 or later, the priority deadline is June 1, 2026. February 15 is the early bird deadline and March 1 is the final deadline for all applications and materials to be submitted to OSAC.

Key Steps for Applying

Research: Thoroughly research available scholarships and their eligibility requirements.
FAFSA: Complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for need-based aid.
Transcripts: Obtain official transcripts to demonstrate academic performance.
Essays: Prepare thoughtful essays that highlight your passion for nursing and your commitment to serving the community.
Recommendations: Request letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or healthcare professionals who can speak to your abilities and character.
Deadlines: Adhere to all application deadlines and submit all required materials on time.

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