39 Nursing Scholarships for
All Kinds of Students

Choosing a career in nursing means you may be entering a meaningful field that has what the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) considers a steady outlook for job growth and, with the right education, may present opportunities for advancement. However, it can take years of costly education to qualify as a nursing professional and figuring out how you’ll pay for school can be an overwhelming task.

While there are requirements for securing any scholarship, don’t underestimate your chance of receiving an award. There are scholarships open to all kinds of nursing students, with many designed for applicants with specific specialties, cultural identities, histories in the military, and other demographic characteristics.

Whether you’re a high school senior planning for freshman year or a working professional seeking new direction in your career, scholarships can be a valuable tool for helping you pay for the education you need to succeed.

Nursing-Specific Scholarships

According to the BLS, job opportunities for registered nurses are expected to grow by up to 5.6% through 2032, creating more than 195,400 new jobs. The outlook is similarly encouraging for licensed practical nurses, also with an anticipated job growth of up to 5.3%.

However, with many states reporting a nursing shortage, patient care and treatment outcomes may be an issue.

Thankfully, both public and private organizations offer scholarships to nursing students. These awards are intended to help students meet their financial obligations so they can graduate and make important contributions to the field.

American Red Cross Jane Delano Student Nurse Scholarship

Open to: Undergraduate or graduate nursing students who are employees of or have contributed volunteer service to an American Red Cross unit.

Application Requirements: Applicants must be in good academic standing in a U.S. nursing program, with the equivalent of 1 year of college credits completed. It’s also required to have served as a Red Cross volunteer or employee at least once within the past 5 years.

Deadline: May; visit the Red Cross website for details.

Award Amount and Terms: A limited number of $3,000 scholarships are awarded. Scholarship funds may be applied toward tuition, books, and academic fees only.

How to Apply: Complete the on-site application, including the 2-part essay. Part 1 is a description of relevant Red Cross experience; part 2 relates to the applicant’s plans in the nursing field.

Association of periOperative Registered Nurses Foundation (AORN) Scholarship

Open to: Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a career in perioperative nursing with enrollment in an accredited bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree program.

Application Requirements: Applicants must be interested in perioperative nursing and be continuing their education in the field. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Consideration is also given to financial need.

Deadline: Mid-June; visit the AORN website for details.

Award Amount and Terms: Award amounts vary by individual and can cover the cost of allowable expenses, including tuition and books. Awards are paid as reimbursements for expenses after the recipient provides proof of payment to the scholarship administrator.

How to Apply: Complete the application on the website. An essay and personal statement expressing interest and experience in the field of perioperative/surgical nursing are required.

DAR Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship

Open to: Students who have been accepted or are currently enrolled in an accredited school of nursing and are in financial need.

Application Requirements: In addition to proving financial need, applicants must provide a letter of acceptance into a nursing program or current transcript.

Deadline: February 15

Award Amount and Terms: A one-time scholarship of $2,500 is awarded to 3 students per year.

How to Apply: Complete the application on the website. A financial need form must accompany the application.

Coursey Enterprises Student Scholarships

Open to: First year nursing students enrolled in an RN or LPN program.

Application Requirements: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Deadline: December 1 for the spring scholarship and May 1 for the fall scholarship.

Award Amount and Terms: A $250 scholarship is awarded to 1 student each semester.

How to Apply: Application instructions are on the website. A 200-word essay titled “Why I Want to Be a Nurse” is required. The application, essay, and personal photo must be submitted via mail.

Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association (FNSNA) General Scholarship

Open to: All U.S. nursing students currently enrolled in a state-approved undergraduate or graduate nursing program.

Application Requirements: Criteria vary depending on guidelines established by the annual scholarship sponsor. The scholarship typically emphasizes an area of nursing specialization. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or aliens with U.S. permanent resident status/alien registration numbers.

Deadline: Mid-January; visit the FNSNA website for details.

Award Amount and Terms: Awards range from $1,000 to $7,500 per academic year. Payment is made to the recipient’s school and is used to offset the cost of tuition, academic fees, and books only. Unused funds must be returned to FNSNA at the end of the year.

How to Apply: Complete the online application. An enrollment certification form, financial aid certification form, and transcript must accompany the application.

Hurst Review Services Nursing AACN Scholarship

Open to: Eligible students must be enrolled in a school that’s a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

Application Requirements: Applicants must be pursuing professional nursing degrees at an AACN school.

Deadline: January 15 and July 15

Award Amount and Terms: 2 scholarships for $2,500 each are awarded twice a year.

How to Apply: Complete the application on the website.

HRSA NURSE Corps Scholarship Program

Open to: All nursing students accepted to or enrolled in an accredited diploma, associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degree nursing program.

Application Requirements: All applicants must be U.S citizens or a lawful permanent resident, free from any federal judgment liens or existing service commitment, and not overdue on a federal debt. Applicants must also be willing to work at an eligible organization with a critical shortage of nurses when they graduate.

Deadline: Deadlines vary each year. Applicants can sign up on the website to receive email notifications when the next scholarship cycle opens.

Award Amount and Terms: Awards vary to cover full tuition and related fees, a monthly stipend, and payment for costs such as books, uniforms, and supplies. Acceptance of the award initiates a contract with the federal government to fulfill the service obligation after graduation.

How to Apply: Read the Application and Program Guidance document and apply online. Funding preference is given to applicants with financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applicants must have a current FAFSA on file.

Cascade Healthcare Nurses Make A Difference Scholarship

Open to: Current students in an undergraduate nursing degree program at an accredited college or university, as well as high school students who have been accepted into college and plan to study nursing.

Application Requirements: Applicants must be a legal U.S. resident or hold a student visa, be at least 18 years of age, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Deadline: Beginning of August; visit the website for details.

Award Amount and Terms: A one-time payment of $1,000 is paid to the recipient’s student account.

How to Apply: Complete the application on the website. Applicants must also submit an essay based on the current scholarship writing prompt.

TravelNurseSource Future U.S. Nurse Scholarship

Open to: First-time undergraduate students with at least 1 semester completed in a U.S. nursing school.

Application Requirements: The applicant must be a legal U.S. resident, be at least 18 years of age, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Deadline: October; visit the TravelNurseSource website for details.

Award Amount and Terms: A 1-time award of $2,000 is paid directly to the educational institution and is applied to the recipient’s current tuition.

How to Apply: In addition to an application, applicants must submit a 30-second to 1-minute self-made video. The video must address why the applicant wants to become a nurse and the impact the scholarship award would have on their educational goals.

TYLENOL Future Care Scholarship

Open to: Undergraduate and graduate students attending an accredited nonprofit 2- or 4-year college, university, or vocational-technical school, where they are seeking a degree to actively treat patients.

Application Requirements: All applicants must be residents of the United States or Puerto Rico and have at least 1 year of school remaining. Eligible undergrad students must have completed at least 1 year of study by the application deadline. Graduate students only need to provide proof of enrollment. Recipients are chosen based on the evaluation of an applicant’s college GPA, academic records, community involvement or volunteer service, and a required essay.

Deadline: End of June; visit the Tylenol website for details.

Award Amount and Terms: 10 one-time awards of $10,000 and 30 one-time awards of $5,000 are awarded each year. Funds must be applied to tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for the recipient’s education.

How to Apply: Upload the registration form and required documents on the Tylenol website. An essay is also required.

Scholarships for Adult Students

Many students start the pursuit of a career with the intention of earning a college degree and progressing to a rewarding position. However, unexpected events can cause students to interrupt their plans and end their education before completing their degrees. These scholarships help adults return to school and realize their educational and professional goals.

B4 Brands Barbara Rhomberg Nursing Scholarship

Open to: Nontraditional, full-time students pursuing undergraduate, associate, or bachelor’s degrees in nursing are eligible.

Application Requirements: Nontraditional students are those who postponed the pursuit of a college degree after high school or had their college careers interrupted, and instead entered the workforce or military, or fulfilled a family or non-profit obligation. Applicants must have at least a 3-year gap between high school and enrollment in a college or university to qualify. Past winners and applicants can reapply each year.

Deadline: End of March; visit the B4 Brands website for details.

Award Amount and Terms: A one-time award of $1,000 are made payable to the recipient’s educational institution for the upcoming fall semester.

How to Apply: Download the application on the website and return the completed form together with all additional documentation. Applicants are also required to submit 2 letters of recommendation and an essay.

Unigo $10K Scholarship

Open to: Anyone 13 years of age or older at the time of application.

Application Requirements: Applicants must be legal residents of the United States and be currently enrolled (or enroll no later than the fall of 2024) in an accredited postsecondary institution.

Deadline: December 31^st

Award Amount and Terms: A one-time award of $10,000 is paid to the institution attended by the recipient.

How to Apply: Complete the application on the website. Applicants must also write an essay of 250 words or less on the current writing prompt.

Scholarships for First-Gen College Students

Students who are the first people in their families to attend college establish a new path for others to follow in their footsteps. These scholarships help students establish a new norm for students and their families by easing the financial burdens associated with higher education.

The Kim and Harold Louie Family Foundation Scholarship Program

Open to: High school students and current college students who will be attending a college or university in the United States as a freshman in the upcoming academic year.

Application Requirements: Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher, a minimum SAT score of 1200 (out of 1600) or 1800 (out of 2400), or a minimum ACT score of 25. Special consideration is given to applicants whose parents did not attend college, are current U.S. military service members, or U.S. veterans. Applicants with a demonstrated financial need or a documented significant disability will also be favored.

Deadline: End of March; visit the Louie Family website for details.

Award Amount and Terms: A total of approximately $100,000 is distributed among recipients. Individual award amounts vary each year.

How to Apply: Complete the application on the website. Applicants are also required to submit a 300-500-word essay based on the current writing prompt.

The McKelvey Foundation Scholarship

Open to: High school seniors who will be the first in their families to attend college.

Application Requirements: Students pursuing careers in all fields can apply. Preference is given to students who have proven to dedicated and involved in their communities and have limited financial resources.

Deadline: Deadlines vary each year. Visit the McKelvey website for details.

Award Amount and Terms: A total of 125 scholarships valued at $12,000 each are awarded. The awards must be applied toward attendance at a 4-year college in the recipients’ home states.

How to Apply: Complete the application on the website.

Scholarships for Single Parents

Scholarships for single parents typically target women who are trying to improve their living situations by earning an education. Financial support often can cover educational costs as well as other expenses, since personal responsibilities can prevent single parents from having the time and money to return to school.

Soroptomist Live Your Dream Award

Open to: Undergraduate female students of all majors who are the sole providers for their families.

Application Requirements: Applicants must be able to prove financial need and that they’re the primary provider for themselves and their dependents. They must be enrolled in or accepted to a vocational/skills training program or undergraduate degree program. Applicants must reside in the U.S. or one of Soroptomist’s member countries or territories.

Deadline: November 15

Award Amount and Terms: Local club awards are $1,000, regional-level awards are either $3,000 or $5,000, and 3 national awards of $10,000 also are given. Recipients have the potential to receive up to $16,000 total. Funds can be used to pay for tuition, student loans, reliable childcare, or any expenses that may be interfering with the recipient’s ability to attend school.

How to Apply: Complete the application on the website. Applicants must also submit an essay of 750 words or less related to the challenges they’ve faced and how the award will help them live their dreams.

Women’s Independence Scholarship Program, Inc.

Open to: Single mothers with young children who have survived domestic violence and want to return to school to become self-sufficient.

Application Requirements: Applicants must be separated from an abusive partner for at least 1 year, but not more than 7 years. They must maintain a grade point average of 2.75 or higher to apply. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need.

Deadline: Online applications are accepted on a continuous basis. New submissions are reviewed in about 2 months.

Award Amount and Terms: Awards vary between $250 and $5,000. Funds are paid directly to the recipient and can be used for tuition, books, and other college fees.

How to Apply: Complete the application on the website.

Scholarships for Women

Women occupy more than 86% of nursing positions in the United States in 2021, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Nursing offers women a wide range of opportunities for long-term employment, specialization, and advancement. These scholarships support women who are dedicated to making a difference in the field of healthcare.

Steven Bufton Memorial Educational Fund Legacy Scholarship

Open to: Female students in their freshman or sophomore year of a nursing degree program.

Application Requirements: Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. A minimum of 3 qualified applicants must complete the application process for the scholarship to be awarded.

Deadline: Deadlines vary each year. Visit the Stephen Bufton website for details.

Award Amount and Terms: National scholarships are awarded each year in the amounts of $5,000–$10,000.

How to Apply: Complete the application on the website.

Scholarships for Men

As the demand for qualified nurses increases and career opportunities expand, more men are considering a career in this predominantly female field. Men account for about 14% of all RNs, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. These scholarships support men as they develop the skills that will allow them to make an impact as nurses.

Nursing.org Breaking Barriers Scholarship for Men in Nursing

Open to: Male students actively enrolled in an accredited nursing program.

Application Requirements: All applicants must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years old at the time of application. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Recipients must demonstrate outstanding character, ability, and confidence in nursing.

Deadline: Early August; visit the Unigo website for details.

Award Amount and Terms: A one-time award of $500 is paid to the recipient’s school. The recipient must participate in 2 brief interviews with a representative from Nursing.org. The first interview occurs at the time of the award and the second occurs 6 months later.

How to Apply: Complete the application on the website. Applicants must also complete an essay in response to a writing prompt.

American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN)

Open to: Undergraduate and graduate male students currently enrolled in an accredited nursing program who are AAMN members.

Application Requirements: Applicants must be attending an accredited university and have completed at least 1 academic term. Graduate nursing students include RN students pursuing a master’s, doctor of nursing practice, or PhD.

Deadline: Deadlines vary each year. Visit the AAMN website for details.

Award Amounts and Terms: 2 undergraduate scholarships of $1,000 each and 1 graduate scholarship of $1,5000 are awarded. The recipient of the graduate scholarship must present a 15-minute presentation at the AAMN annual conference or a 60-minute webinar to the AAMN membership on “Improving Men’s Health.”

How to Apply: Complete the application on the website. Applicants must also submit an essay on the current writing prompt.

Scholarships for 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. These financial rewards can be key to helping veterans re-enter the workforce. Some veterans’ scholarships extend eligibility to veterans’ parents, spouses and children.

Army Nurse Corps Association (ANCA) Scholarship

Open to: Students currently enrolled in a baccalaureate or advanced nursing or nurse anesthesia program who are serving or have served in any branch of the U.S. Army, along with their parents, spouses and children.

Application Requirements: Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Since the Army Nurse Corps does not have a relationship with the U.S. Army, the recipient does not have a military service obligation. Individuals receiving funding from a component of the U.S. Army are not eligible to apply.

Deadline: Deadlines vary each year. Current information is posted on the ANCA website every year in the fall.

Award Amount and Terms: Award amounts are one-time payments of $3,000.

How to Apply:  Submit an application and required supporting documents online. Academic and personal letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and documentation of military service are also required.

Purple Heart Scholarship Program

Open to: Purple Heart recipients who are members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), their spouses, widow/widower or direct lineal descendants.

Application Requirements: Must be a graduate or upcoming graduate (current senior) of a high school or GED program, accepted or enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited U.S. college, university or trade school, have at least a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or greater on a 4.0 scale.

Deadline: Deadlines vary each year. Check MOPH’s website for details.

Award Amount and Terms: The MOPH awards varying amounts to multiple winners each year.

How to Apply: Complete an application on MOPH’s website, which may include a personal essay and letter(s) of recommendation.

VFW’s Sport Clips Help a Hero Scholarship

Open to: Active duty, honorably discharged, retired, National Guard, or Reserve members who are currently enrolled or accepted in a VA-approved program or school at an accredited postsecondary institution are eligible.

Application Requirements: Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have completed basic training and follow-on training. Only those military members separated with or currently holding a military rank of E-5 or below can apply. Applicants must also have a financial need.

Deadline: April 30 for the fall scholarship and November 15 for the spring scholarship.

Award Amount and Terms: Awards are valued at $5,000. Funds are paid directly to the school and must be used for school tuition and fees.
How to Apply: Complete the online application. A current FAFSA report must also be filed.

Scholarships for Minority Students

Scholarships for minority students help create a more diverse community of nursing professionals. Some scholarships are open to all minorities, while others target one specific group. These scholarships help to increase opportunities for students who are underrepresented in this field.

Asian American / Pacific Islander Nurses Association Scholarship

Open to: Any member of AAPINA pursuing an undergraduate or graduate nursing degree.

Application Requirements: Two years of AAPINA membership and a currently active member, enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate (master’s or doctoral) nursing program, and evidence of excellent academic performance (GPA > 3.5/4.0).

Deadline: Deadline varies each year. Check AAPINA’s site for details.

Award Amount and Terms: One time award of $500 to one winner.

How to Apply: Applicants must submit their CV, a personal essay and two letters of recommendation to the Chair of the Awards Committee. Refer to AAPINA’s website for their email address.

Minority Nurse Scholarship Program

Open to: Third- and fourth-year minority nursing students enrolled in an accredited BSN program in the United States or an accelerated program leading to a BSN degree, such as RN-to-BSN or BA-to-BSN. Students enrolled in the third or fourth year of an accelerated master’s entry program for nursing with bachelor’s degrees in fields other than nursing are also eligible.

Application Requirements: Applicants must be a racial or ethnic minority. They must also be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Deadline: Deadlines vary each year. Visit the Minority Nurse website for details.

Award Amount and Terms: 2 scholarships for $1,000 and 1 scholarship for $3,000 are awarded. Funds are disbursed in the summer to be applied toward the fall semester. 

How to Apply: Download and complete the application form on the website. Applicants must also submit a 250-word personal statement and a letter of recommendation. The application must be mailed.

NSCDA American Indian Nurse Scholarship Program

Open to: Undergraduate and graduate nursing students enrolled in an accredited 2- or 4-year nursing program who are at least a quarter American Indian and enrolled in a tribe. Applicants not enrolled in a tribe who can prove direct tribal ancestry will be considered.

Application Requirements: Applicants must be in good academic standing in pre-nursing or a healthcare or health education program. Students pursuing associate degrees must expect to graduate in 2 years, while those pursuing bachelor’s degrees must graduate in 4 years. Applicants must also prove financial need and a career goal directly related to the needs of the Native American people. Recipients of an Indian Health Service Scholarship are not eligible to apply.

Deadline: June 1 for the fall scholarship and December 1 for the spring scholarship.

Award Amount and Terms: Winners receive $1,500 per semester. Once accepted, students can reapply for funds each semester as long as they remain in good academic standing. Funds are paid directly to the recipient’s school to be used for tuition, books, and educational program fees.

How to Apply: Complete the application on the website and submit required documents online.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

Open to: High school seniors, undergraduate students, community college students transferring to 4-year universities, and graduate students of Hispanic heritage. All majors and graduate fields are accepted, with an emphasis on STEM majors.

Application Requirements: Applicants must be enrolled or plan to enroll in an accredited, non-profit, 4-year university or graduate school during the fall of a scholarship cycle. High school students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, while college and graduate students must have a minimum of 2.5 Applications are open to U.S. citizens, permanent legal residents, and DACA or eligible non-citizens (as defined by FAFSA). The awards are based on merit.

Deadline: Early April; visit the HSF website for details.

Award Amount and Terms: Award amounts range from $500 to $5,000.

How to Apply: Complete the online profile for application.

National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Nursing Scholarships

Open to: Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a nursing program who are NBNA members.

Application Requirements: Applicants must be in good scholastic standing at the time of application and have 1 full year of school remaining. The NBNA offers 17 individual scholarships every year. Specific eligibility criteria differ for each scholarship.

Deadline: Deadlines vary each year; visit the NBNA website for details.

Award Amount and Terms: Award amounts range between $1,000 and $6,000. Terms vary by individual scholarship.

How to Apply: Complete the application on the website. A 2-page written essay and letters of recommendation are also required.

Scholarships for Students with Disabilities

ExceptionalNurse.com Scholarships

Open to: Full-time students with a documented disability who have applied or have been admitted to a college or university program.

Application Requirements: Undergraduate students receive preference. Applicants must demonstrate their commitment to the nursing studies and career excellence. Several scholarships are awarded. Visit the website to determine individual scholarship criteria.

Deadline: June 1

Award Amount and Terms: A one-time award in an amount ranging between $250 and $500.

How to Apply: Applicants must complete a 1–2-page essay on how they plan to contribute to the nursing profession and how their disability influences their practice as nurses. Medical verification of a disability is required as part of the application. Completed applications must be submitted by mail.

DisABLEDperson Inc. Scholarship

Open to: Full-time students enrolled in a 2- or 4-year accredited college or university in the United States. Part-time students who can’t attend school full-time because of their disability can also apply.

Application Requirements: Applicants must register on disABLEDperson.com and become a community member prior to accessing an application. Award recipients must provide proof of disability.

Deadline: Deadlines vary each year; visit the DisABLEDperson website for details.

Award Amount and Terms: A $2,000 scholarship is awarded during each competition period.

How to Apply: Register and complete the application on the website. Applicants must also complete an essay of 1,000 words or less in response to the writing prompt.

Scholarships That Don’t Require U.S. Citizenship

Many scholarships are open to international students as well as U.S. residents who aren’t citizens. These awards help to expand the pool of nursing professionals to include a diverse population.

R&D Systems Scholarship

Open to: Students pursuing a baccalaureate, graduate, associate degree, or diploma in nursing or any science-related field are eligible.

Application Requirements: Applicants must have a major declared in nursing or a science-related field at the time of application. The scholarship is open to applicants worldwide.

Deadline: There are 2 deadlines each year; visit the R&D website for details.

Award Amount and Terms: A $1,500 scholarship is awarded to 1 student in the fall semester and 1 student in the spring semester.

How to Apply: Complete the application on the website. Applicants must also write a personal statement of 500 words or less and answer a writing prompt.

Gallagher Student Health Careers Scholarship Program

Open to: All full-time undergraduate students pursuing their first degrees from an accredited 4-year institution and have at least 2 full semesters leading up to graduation.

Application Requirements: The scholarship is open to non-U.S. residents and international students who are studying at a U.S.-based institution of higher education.

Deadline: Deadlines vary each year; visit the Gallagher website for details.

Award Amount and Terms: There are 6 $7,500 scholarships are awarded each year. The awards are distributed in 2 parts. The first half is awarded for the fall semester and the second for the spring semester. Funds are paid directly to the recipients.

How to Apply: Download and complete the application on the website. Applicants must also submit a financial aid form and a 500-word essay related to their choice of career in healthcare. Also required are 2 letters of recommendation. All documents must be mailed and received by the deadline.

Regional & State Scholarships

The current nursing shortage continues to create a high demand for registered nurses across the country. In response, many public and private organizations offer geographically specific scholarships to help increase the number of nursing professionals in that area. Some regional awards require that recipients work for a period of time in the specified area to help remedy nursing shortages there.

Wherever you live, there are likely to be regional and state scholarships available. Unfortunately, we can’t list them all here, but you can find options with  a quick Google search for scholarships in your state. Here are a few notable examples to give you a preview of what you might find.

California Health Professionals Education Foundation (HPEF)

Open to: Nursing students attending qualified nursing programs in California.

Application Requirements: The HPEF administers 6 scholarship programs. Eligibility criteria differ by scholarship. The awards may require a period of service to a medically underserved community upon graduation.

Deadline: The scholarship cycle opens on January 2, however deadlines varies each year. Visit the HPEF website for details.

Award Amount and Terms: Award amounts vary by individual scholarship.

How to Apply: Complete the appropriate application on the website.

Georgia Nurses Foundation and Georgia Nurses Association Nursing Scholarship Awards

Open to: Full- or part-time undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of Georgia and enrolled in an accredited nursing program.

Application Requirements: The organizations co-sponsor 3 separate scholarships: the Katherine Pope Scholarship for a non-RN student seeking a baccalaureate degree in nursing; the Annie Lou Overton Scholarship for an RN student seeking a baccalaureate degree in nursing; and the Kathryn Suggs Chance Leonard Scholarship for students pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing. Undergraduate applicants must have a GPA of at least 2.5, while graduate applicants require a GPA of 3.0 in prior nursing education. Additional requirements for each scholarship are available on the website.

Deadline: June 15. Scholarships are awarded every 2 years, on odd years only.

Award Amount and Terms: Award amounts vary by year, though a minimum of $500 is guaranteed for each recipient. Payment is made directly to recipients.

How to Apply: Each scholarship requires a separate application available on the website. A scholarship recommendation form must accompany all submissions.

Kaiser Permanente Healthcare Career Scholarship

Open to: High school seniors at each of 139 eligible high schools in the Kaiser Permanente Northwest service area, which spans north of Longview, Washington to Eugene, Oregon.

Application Requirements: Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and plan to pursue a healthcare career full-time at a non-profit U.S. accredited college or university. No proof of U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency is required. Consideration is given to diverse students and those from economically or socially disadvantaged backgrounds.

Deadline: Early December. Registration opens in September with more details.

Award Amount and Terms: A winner is chosen from each of the 139 eligible high schools. The one-time awards range from $2,000 to $10,000. Awards from $5,000 to $10,000 are for the most qualified applicants and are split between 2 payments in the fall of the first and second years of college. After their second year of college, recipients can apply for an additional one-time scholarship for their third year and or a paid summer internship at Kaiser Permanente.

How to Apply: Complete the application on the website.

Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania (NFP) Scholarships

Open to: Undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate nursing students attending a nursing school in Pennsylvania.

Application Requirements: The NFP administers several scholarships with various application criteria. Specific eligibility requirements for each scholarship are on the website. Separate applications are needed for each scholarship.

Deadline: The scholarship cycle opens on January 1, however deadlines varies each year. Visit the NFP website for details.

Award Amounts and Terms: Award amounts vary by scholarship.

How to Apply: Complete the appropriate applications available on the website. Additional requirements vary depending on the scholarship selected.

Pride Foundation Scholarship

Open to: Residents of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon or Washington who are pursuing postsecondary education in the following school year and who identify as LGBTQ+.

Application Requirements: Must submit three essays, a resume and an academic transcript (transcripts required for WA residents only).

Deadline: Exact deadline varies each year. Check the Pride Foundation’s website for details.

Award Amount and Terms: Multiple people are selected to win varying amounts. In 2021, they awarded scholarships to 108 students totaling $705,000.

How to Apply: Create an account and submit an application through their online portal.

Scholarships with No GPA Requirement

Many scholarships don’t have GPA requirements or consider academic experience. These scholarships can be valuable to students whose GPAs don’t reflect their educational commitments. They can also even the odds for older applicants, whose most recent GPA may be years or even decades old and not representative of their current scholastic abilities.

Niche Nursing Scholarship

Open to: All high school and college students interested in studying nursing.

Application Requirements: Applicants must have a current free account on the scholarship search website Niche. Applicants without an account must create one to access the application. There are no essay, recommendation, or minimum GPA requirements.

Deadline: December 31

Award Amount and Terms: A $500 scholarship is awarded each year.

How to Apply: Complete the application on the website, accessible via your Niche account.

Graduate & Doctoral Nursing Scholarships

Nursing students pursuing graduate and doctoral degrees may have drained their financial resources to earn their bachelor’s degrees. For others, the prospect of borrowing tuition money may mean adding to existing undergraduate student loans. These scholarships support nurses in taking the next step in their education so they can work in advanced roles in clinical practice or administration.

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. (NEF) Scholarships

Open to: Full- or part-time master’s or doctoral students who are pursuing a degree in nursing.

Application Requirements: The NEF Board of Directors reviews application for more than 20 scholarships for advanced degrees in nursing. Some scholarships concentrate on areas of specialization. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.6, and have a current RN license from any U.S. state. National professional nursing association membership is also required.

Deadline: Deadlines vary each year; visit the NEF website for details.

Award Amount and Terms: Award amounts vary and range up to full tuition depending on the scholarship received.

How to Apply: Complete the application on the website. A $20 application fee via PayPal is required. Applicants must also submit 3 reference forms and a personal essay of 750–850 words in length.

Uniform Advantage-GNSA Scholarship

Open to: Members of the Graduate Nursing Student Academy (GNSA) who are seeking a master’s or doctoral degree.

Application Requirements: Must currently be enrolled in a graduate nursing program, a GNSA member, have a GPA of 3.5 or greater and be a U.S. citizen.

Deadline: January 31 and September 30.

Award Amount and Terms: Two $2500 scholarships are awarded, one in spring and one in fall.

How to Apply: Submit an application online which requires providing one academic or professional reference and writing a 500 word essay.

Other Financial Resources

While scholarships can make a significant contribution toward easing your financial burden, you 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. The Federal Student Aid website offers a FAFSA4caster tool to help you determine your eligibility for federal student aid. Most colleges require that you file a FAFSA to qualify for any type of financial assistance.

If you’ve incurred debt from your nursing education, you may be eligible for reimbursement from programs that offer nursing student loan forgiveness. This option may also be available from regional or state health organizations, as well as individual employers, as an incentive to work in a specific geographic area or individual healthcare location.

Use the “Find Schools” button to find a nursing program near you, and visit our nursing financial aid guide for more resources.