Nursing Scholarships and Financial Aid Opportunities
Nursing students have access to scholarships through federal programs, professional associations, nursing schools, and healthcare employers. The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program through HRSA and awards from the National Student Nurses’ Association Foundation are two of the most widely available options. Most programs require current or upcoming enrollment in an accredited nursing program.
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The financial aid landscape for nursing is more accessible than many prospective students expect. Federal programs, state initiatives, and professional associations all offer funding at different education levels, and unlike loans, scholarships don’t need to be repaid. What you’re eligible for depends on where you are in your training and, for some programs, where you’re willing to work after graduation.
Use the links below to jump to scholarship options by education level, loan repayment programs, and application strategy.
- Starting with FAFSA
- Scholarships for undergraduate nursing students
- Scholarships for graduate and APRN students
- Employer and healthcare organization scholarships
- Nurse Corps loan repayment and scholarship programs
- Where to search for additional scholarships
- Tips for a stronger application
Starting with FAFSA
Before applying to any nursing scholarship, submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal grants, subsidized loans, and work-study programs. It’s the baseline for most institutional aid packages, and many scholarship programs also require FAFSA completion as part of the application process.
You can submit the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. Filing early in the application cycle improves your chances at need-based institutional aid, since some funds are awarded on a rolling basis.
Scholarships for Pre-Nursing and Undergraduate Students
The largest pool of nursing scholarships targets students in ADN and BSN programs. Options come from federal agencies, professional associations, individual schools, and community organizations.
National Student Nurses’ Association Foundation
The Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) awards over $500,000 in scholarships annually to undergraduate nursing students. Awards support students across various specializations and are open to currently enrolled students who can demonstrate financial need and provide official transcripts. Applications typically open in the fall, and awards are announced in the spring. Visit fnsna.org for the current application cycle.
HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) administers the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program, which covers tuition, fees, and other approved education costs. In exchange, recipients commit to a minimum of two years of full-time practice at a Critical Shortage Facility (CSF), typically a federally qualified health center or rural clinic serving an underserved community. The award includes a monthly living stipend during the scholarship period. Applications open on an annual cycle at hrsa.gov.
Professional Organization Scholarships
The American Nurses Association (ANA) and its state affiliates offer scholarships to students at various education levels. If you’re working toward a specialty credential, look into the scholarship programs of the relevant specialty organization. Organizations representing critical care, oncology, pediatrics, and other areas regularly fund students pursuing those fields. High school students entering nursing education can also access scholarship competitions through HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America).
Minority and Underrepresented Student Scholarships
The National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations (NCEMNA) is an umbrella organization for five minority nursing associations, including the National Black Nurses Association, the National Association of Hispanic Nurses, the Asian American/Pacific Islanders Nurses Association (AAPINA), the National Alaska Native American Indian Nurses Association, and the Philippine Nurses Association of America. Each organization sets its own criteria and deadlines. Start at myncemna.org to find all five member associations and their scholarship listings.
School-Based and AHEC Scholarships
Nursing schools administer scholarships funded by alumni donations and memorial endowments. These are worth checking directly on your school’s financial aid page. Because donor criteria can be highly specific, institutional scholarships sometimes have less competition than national awards.
Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) offer additional funding for rural and disadvantaged students completing nursing education. Find your regional AHEC through the National AHEC Organization at nationalahec.org.
Scholarships for Graduate and Advanced Practice Students
Graduate-level nursing has more funding opportunities, not fewer. The demand for advanced practice nurses in primary care and underserved settings has driven increased federal and organizational investment in APRN education.
HRSA Advanced Nursing Education Workforce Program
HRSA’s Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) program provides grants to nursing schools to support APRN students preparing for primary care, mental health, and maternal health roles in rural or underserved communities. The grants are awarded at the institutional level, but funding flows to students as stipends, tuition support, and clinical training resources. The program covers nurse practitioner (NP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), and certified nurse-midwife (CNM) tracks. If you’re applying to one of these programs, ask prospective schools whether they participate in ANEW.
Specialty Association Awards for Graduate Students
Organizations representing specific advanced practice designations fund graduate students in their fields. The Nurse Practitioner Healthcare Foundation (NPHF) offers scholarships for nurse practitioner students, and the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiologists (AANA) funds students in certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) programs. Award amounts and eligibility vary by year. Check directly with the relevant national organization for your specialty.
Employer and Healthcare Organization Scholarships
Healthcare employers represent a funding source that prospective students often overlook. Hospitals, long-term care facilities, and health systems may offer scholarships to employees pursuing nursing education or to students in exchange for a future work commitment.
If you’re currently working as a CNA, medical assistant, or paramedic, ask your employer’s HR department about tuition assistance or scholarship programs. Long-term care associations in many states also offer scholarships for students who plan to continue in that setting after graduation. Contact your state’s health care association for current offerings.
Nurse Corps Loan Repayment and Loan Scholarships
For nurses who have already graduated with student debt, or for students willing to commit to a specific practice setting, HRSA’s Nurse Corps programs offer significant financial incentives tied to service obligations.
| Program | Who It Serves | Benefit | Service Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Corps Scholarship | Current nursing students | Tuition, fees, and monthly stipend | 2+ years at a Critical Shortage Facility |
| Nurse Corps Loan Repayment | Practicing RNs, APRNs, and nurse faculty with qualifying debt | Up to 85% of qualifying student loans repaid | 2+ years at a Critical Shortage Facility |
Both programs are administered through HRSA. The Loan Repayment Program accepts service at a Critical Shortage Facility or at an eligible school of nursing as a nurse faculty member. If you don’t meet your service obligation, the award converts to a loan with interest. Current eligibility criteria and application windows are posted at hrsa.gov.
Some states run their own loan repayment or loan scholarship programs independent of the federal Nurse Corps. Check your state nursing workforce center or state ANA affiliate to find out what’s available where you plan to practice.
Where to Search for Additional Scholarships
The programs listed above are a starting point, not a complete list. Scholarship opportunities exist at the state, local, and organizational level in numbers that no single national list can capture. Here’s where to continue your search:
- Health Resources and Services Administration (hrsa.gov) — federal nursing scholarship and loan repayment programs
- American Nurses Association (nursingworld.org) — ANA scholarship listings and links to state affiliates
- National Student Nurses’ Association (nsna.org) — member organization; visit fnsna.org for the scholarship application
- National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations (myncemna.org) — minority nursing scholarship resources and member organization links
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing (aacnnursing.org) — financial aid resources organized by degree level
- Your school’s financial aid office — institutional scholarships and endowments not listed in national databases
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Tips for a Stronger Application
Apply early to multiple programs. No single scholarship is a sure thing, and spreading applications across national, state, and local awards gives you more chances. Local and regional scholarships often have smaller applicant pools than national awards. Don’t skip them.
Read the eligibility criteria before investing time in an application. Some awards specify education level, specialty interest, geographic region, or demographic background. Apply where you genuinely meet the criteria.
For awards with a personal statement, write specifically. Reviewers can tell the difference between a statement that could apply to any scholarship and one that connects your background and goals to the particular program’s mission. Name the organization’s purpose and explain why your plans align with it.
For loan scholarship programs with service commitments, be realistic about what you’re agreeing to. A two-year service obligation at a Critical Shortage Facility is a meaningful commitment that shapes where you practice after graduation. Make sure the setting fits your goals before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program?
The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program is a federal program administered by HRSA that covers tuition, fees, and other approved costs for nursing students. Recipients agree to work at least two years at a Critical Shortage Facility after completing their degree. Award amounts and eligibility requirements are set each application cycle and are posted at hrsa.gov.
Are there nursing scholarships for ADN students?
Yes. Many scholarships open to undergraduate nursing students cover ADN programs as well as BSN programs. The NSNA Foundation, the Nurse Corps Scholarship, and school-based endowments often do not restrict by degree type. Check individual eligibility criteria, as some awards do specify a minimum degree level.
Do I need to be enrolled to apply for nursing scholarships?
Most scholarships require current enrollment or confirmed acceptance into an accredited nursing program. A few programs allow applicants to apply during their final year of pre-nursing prerequisites. Review each program’s eligibility language carefully, as the rules vary by organization and cycle.
Can working nurses apply for financial aid to go back to school?
Yes, and several programs are designed specifically for them. Employer tuition assistance, HRSA’s ANEW program for advanced practice students, and specialty association scholarships all serve nurses pursuing additional credentials. LPNs pursuing RN licensure may also qualify for career mobility scholarships through the NSNA Foundation. The Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program is available for nurses already in practice who carry qualifying student debt.
Is there financial aid specifically for minority nursing students?
Yes. NCEMNA member associations each offer scholarships and awards for eligible students. The five member organizations are the National Black Nurses Association, the National Association of Hispanic Nurses, the Asian American/Pacific Islanders Nurses Association (AAPINA), the National Alaska Native American Indian Nurses Association, and the Philippine Nurses Association of America. Visit myncemna.org to access all five.
Key Takeaways
- FAFSA is the first step — Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid unlocks federal aid and is a prerequisite for many scholarship programs.
- Nurse Corps offers the most substantial federal funding — HRSA’s scholarship and loan repayment programs cover high costs in exchange for service at a Critical Shortage Facility.
- Graduate students have more options, not fewer — Federal investment in APRN workforce development has expanded funding for advanced practice nursing education.
- Local scholarships are worth the effort — School-based endowments, regional AHECs, and state-level programs typically have smaller applicant pools than national awards.
- Service commitments are binding — Loan scholarship programs convert to interest-bearing loans if the service obligation isn’t met. Understand the terms before applying.
Select your state to find accredited nursing programs, licensure requirements, and application information for your credential level.