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Top Nursing Scholarships Due Soon in April 2024

Written by Will Geiger

Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut. Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.

Full Bio

Learn about our editorial policies

Updated: April 24th, 2024

It is not surprising that nursing is a population profession for students to consider. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average nurse will earn over $77,000 per year.

If you are considering nursing school, cost is probably one of your top considerations. Lucky for you, there are some great nursing scholarships so you don’t have to break the bank when paying for your education! Keep on reading to learn more about these scholarships for nursing students, as well as some frequently asked questions about paying for nursing school.

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Scholarship Review Process

The Scholarships360 Research Team reviews all scholarships individually and strives to exclude any scholarship where any of the below applies:

  • The scholarship requires a fee to apply
  • The scholarship provider’s privacy policy allows for the misuse of student data
  • The scholarship requires paid membership in an organization (with certain exceptions for reputable trade organizations and others)
  • Student are required to sign up for a site or service to apply*
  • The scholarship seems primarily used for lead generation** or idea harvesting purposes***
  • The scholarship website has many grammatical errors and/or advertisements
  • The scholarship or scholarship providing organization seem untrustworthy
  • There is no evidence the scholarship was previously awarded
  • The scholarship has not been awarded in the past 12 months
  • There is no available contact information

If you believe a scholarship has been published in error, please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll take a look!


* There are certain exceptions to this, for example if the sponsoring organization is a major corporation or nonprofit with its own scholarship application system.
** Lead generation scholarships will require students to sign up for an app or website and require minimal (if any) application requirements.
***Idea harvesting scholarships will require students to submit blog posts or other materials that companies may use for marketing purposes.

Learn about our editorial policies
158 scholarships
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NHSC Scholarship Program

Offered by National Health Service Corps

Multiple awards worth Varies
Deadline Apr 25, 2024
Grade Level Graduate Students

Offered by National Health Service Corps

Are you pursuing a graduate degree in medicine or dentistry, or a postgraduate degree or certificate in nurse-midwifery education, physician assistant education, or nurse practitioner…Show More

Are you pursuing a graduate degree in medicine or dentistry, or a postgraduate degree or certificate in nurse-midwifery education, physician assistant education, or nurse practitioner…Show More

Are you pursuing a graduate degree in medicine or dentistry, or a postgraduate degree or certificate in nurse-midwifery education, physician assistant education, or nurse practitioner education? Further, are you willing to commit to providing primary health care services to underserved communities? If so, the NHSC Scholarship Program may be a great opportunity for you! Each year, the scholarship covers the tuition costs of multiple recipients who are willing to commit to two years of service in exchange for one year of funding, in addition to providing them a monthly stipend and an annual payment to cover "other reasonable costs." If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Multiple awards worth Varies
Deadline Apr 25, 2024
Grade Level Graduate Students
Get Started

“Caretakers on the Climb” Scholarship for Nursing Students

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive
1 award worth $500
Deadline Jan 31, 2025
Grade Level College & Graduate Students

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive

In recognition of the invaluable service that nurses provide to our communities, we’re offering a $500 scholarship to one outstanding student pursuing a career in…Show More

In recognition of the invaluable service that nurses provide to our communities, we’re offering a $500 scholarship to one outstanding student pursuing a career in…Show More

In recognition of the invaluable service that nurses provide to our communities, we’re offering a $500 scholarship to one outstanding student pursuing a career in nursing. Nurses are the heart and soul of our medical system. They treat the sick and injured, look after our elderly, and provide much-needed support during public health crises. They are true caretakers. If you’re a “caretaker on the climb” who could use some help paying for school, we encourage you to apply for this scholarship! See the “Application Information” section below for details regarding the essay prompt. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application!Show Less

1 award worth $500
Deadline Jan 31, 2025
Grade Level College & Graduate Students
Apply

Tylenol Future Care Scholarship

Offered by Tylenol

35 awards worth $5,000 - $10,000
Expected deadline August 2024
Grade Level College Seniors & Graduate Students

Offered by Tylenol

The Tylenol Future Care Scholarship is funded by Tylenol, a pharmaceutical company dedicated to providing its customers with care. Each year, their Tylenol Future Care…Show More

The Tylenol Future Care Scholarship is funded by Tylenol, a pharmaceutical company dedicated to providing its customers with care. Each year, their Tylenol Future Care…Show More

The Tylenol Future Care Scholarship is funded by Tylenol, a pharmaceutical company dedicated to providing its customers with care. Each year, their Tylenol Future Care Scholarship awards up to $10,000 to thirty-five (35) incoming and current students enrolled in medical, pharmacy, or nursing school. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details.Show Less

35 awards worth $5,000 - $10,000
Expected deadline August 2024
Grade Level College Seniors & Graduate Students
Get Started

$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…Show More

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…Show More

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to go to college, a graduate student who’s in a master’s program, or an adult learner who wants to return to school, you are eligible for our no essay scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to students who get the most out of Scholarships360 scholarships and content. You will be a strong applicant if you apply to scholarships with the Scholarships360 platform. Finalists for this scholarship will be interviewed about their process for funding their education.Show Less

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Sallie Mae

Easy Application
1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Apr 30, 2024
Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

Offered by Sallie Mae

Easy Application

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school.

1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Apr 30, 2024
Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students
Apply

New York State ENA September 11 Scholarship Fund

Offered by New York State Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)

2 awards worth $2,500
Deadline Apr 26, 2024
Grade Level College Students

Offered by New York State Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)

The New York State ENA September 11 Scholarship Fund is open to all rescue workers, including pre-hospital care providers, firefighters, and police officers. To apply,…Show More

The New York State ENA September 11 Scholarship Fund is open to all rescue workers, including pre-hospital care providers, firefighters, and police officers. To apply,…Show More

The New York State ENA September 11 Scholarship Fund is open to all rescue workers, including pre-hospital care providers, firefighters, and police officers. To apply, students must provide proof of acceptance into an accredited nursing program and of at least one year of pre-hospital work experience. Applicants do not need to be members of ENA but must provide a letter of reference from a current ENA member. Don't miss out on this opportunity to further your education and advance your career in the field of nursing. Keep on reading to learn more!Show Less

2 awards worth $2,500
Deadline Apr 26, 2024
Grade Level College Students
Get Started

$40,000 Build a College List Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by The College Board

Easy Application
Multiple awards worth up to $40,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024
Grade Level High School Junior

Offered by The College Board

Easy Application

Create a college list with six schools you're considering - no minimum GPA or essay required!

Create a college list with six schools you're considering - no minimum GPA or essay required!

Create a college list with six schools you're considering - no minimum GPA or essay required!

Multiple awards worth up to $40,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024
Grade Level High School Junior
Apply

ALU LIKE, Inc. Hana Lima Scholarship

Offered by ALU Like, Inc.

Multiple awards worth $1,500
Deadline Apr 30, 2024
Grade Level College Underclassmen

Offered by ALU Like, Inc.

Are you a Hawaii resident of Native Hawiian descent enrolled full-time (12 credits min.) in a 2-year vocational degree or vocational certification program in Hawaii?…Show More

Are you a Hawaii resident of Native Hawiian descent enrolled full-time (12 credits min.) in a 2-year vocational degree or vocational certification program in Hawaii?…Show More

Are you a Hawaii resident of Native Hawiian descent enrolled full-time (12 credits min.) in a 2-year vocational degree or vocational certification program in Hawaii? If so, you may be eligible for the ALU LIKE, Inc. Hana Lima Scholarship! Each year, their scholarship awards $1,500 each to multiple such students who are enrolled in a 2-year vocational program at an eligible institution of higher education in Hawaii (a full list of eligible institutions can be found on the ALU Like, Inc. website). Applicants must also hold a minimum 2.0 GPA to be considered. If you're a Native Hawaiian student and resident of Hawaii who will be attending a 2-year vocational program in your home state, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Multiple awards worth $1,500
Deadline Apr 30, 2024
Grade Level College Underclassmen
Get Started

Niche $25,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Niche

Easy Application
1 award worth $25,000
Deadline May 31, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Niche

Easy Application

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year!

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year!

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year!

1 award worth $25,000
Deadline May 31, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

American Legion Auxiliary Department of Idaho Traditional Nurses Scholarship

Offered by American Legion Auxiliary Department of Idaho

1 award worth $1,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior

Offered by American Legion Auxiliary Department of Idaho

Are you a college-bound high school senior from Idaho who is a direct descendent of a veteran who served in the United States Armed Forces…Show More

Are you a college-bound high school senior from Idaho who is a direct descendent of a veteran who served in the United States Armed Forces…Show More

Are you a college-bound high school senior from Idaho who is a direct descendent of a veteran who served in the United States Armed Forces during (a) April 6, 1917 – Nov. 11, 1918 or (b) December 7, 1941 – present day? If so, consider applying for the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Idaho Traditional Nurses Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards $1,000 to multiple Idaho high school seniors who are aspiring nurses and descend from U.S. Army Veterans who served during the eligible dates. To apply, interested students must submit a letter of application, three letters of recommendation, their high school transcript, their veteran’s certificate of honorable discharge (Form DD-214), and a current financial statement (by completing the FAFSA). If you’re an aspiring nurse from Idaho who is the direct descendant of an honorably discharged veteran, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

1 award worth $1,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior
Get Started

New Mexico Health Professional Loan Repayment Program

Offered by New Mexico Commission on Higher Education

Multiple awards worth Varies
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level Graduate Students

Offered by New Mexico Commission on Higher Education

Are you a healthcare professional who is residing, working full-time in, and licensed or certified in the state of New Mexico? Further, are you currently…Show More

Are you a healthcare professional who is residing, working full-time in, and licensed or certified in the state of New Mexico? Further, are you currently…Show More

Are you a healthcare professional who is residing, working full-time in, and licensed or certified in the state of New Mexico? Further, are you currently providing clinical care to patients? If so, the New Mexico Health Professional Loan Repayment Program may be a great opportunity for you! Each year, the program provides repayment for outstanding student loans of practicing New Mexico health professionals. As a condition of the program, a health professional must make a three-year service commitment to practice full-time in a designated medical shortage area in New Mexico. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Multiple awards worth Varies
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level Graduate Students
Get Started

$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Bold.org

Easy Application
1 award worth $25,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Bold.org

Easy Application

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

1 award worth $25,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

CPON/CPHON of the Year Award

Offered by Oncology Nursing Foundation

1 award worth $1,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level Graduate Students

Offered by Oncology Nursing Foundation

The CPON/CPHON of the Year Award celebrates a pediatric oncology or hematology nurse who has made noteworthy contributions to pediatric oncology or hematology nursing or…Show More

The CPON/CPHON of the Year Award celebrates a pediatric oncology or hematology nurse who has made noteworthy contributions to pediatric oncology or hematology nursing or…Show More

The CPON/CPHON of the Year Award celebrates a pediatric oncology or hematology nurse who has made noteworthy contributions to pediatric oncology or hematology nursing or the oncology nursing service, and who has supported and promoted oncology nursing certification. Nominees must showcase accomplishments in the promotion of oncology nursing certification and in one of three areas: clinical practice, education, or research. To be considered, each nomination must include completed Nomination Information, Biographical information, and two Recommendations/Letters of Reference. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

1 award worth $1,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level Graduate Students
Get Started

Thelma Orr Memorial Scholarship

Offered by MyMichigan Health

2 awards worth $1,500
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level College Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors

Offered by MyMichigan Health

The Thelma Orr Memorial Scholarship annually awards $1,500 to two (2) college students (excluding freshmen) majoring in human medicine-related fields at accredited Michigan colleges or…Show More

The Thelma Orr Memorial Scholarship annually awards $1,500 to two (2) college students (excluding freshmen) majoring in human medicine-related fields at accredited Michigan colleges or…Show More

The Thelma Orr Memorial Scholarship annually awards $1,500 to two (2) college students (excluding freshmen) majoring in human medicine-related fields at accredited Michigan colleges or universities. Applicants must also reside in the following Michigan counties: Alpena, Alcona, Iosco, Montmorency, Oscoda, or Presque Isle. To apply, students must submit two letters of recommendation and an official, current transcript. Don't miss out on this opportunity to further your education and career in the medical field. Keep on reading to learn more!Show Less

2 awards worth $1,500
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level College Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors
Get Started

$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by CollegeXpress

Easy Application
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by CollegeXpress

Easy Application

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
Apply

Pennsylvania Targeted Industry Program (PA-TIP)

Offered by Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency

Multiple awards worth $6,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level College Students

Offered by Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency

Are you a Pennsylvania resident pursuing a career in Energy, Health, Advanced Materials and Diversified Manufacturing, or Agriculture and Food Production? If so, the Pennsylvania…Show More

Are you a Pennsylvania resident pursuing a career in Energy, Health, Advanced Materials and Diversified Manufacturing, or Agriculture and Food Production? If so, the Pennsylvania…Show More

Are you a Pennsylvania resident pursuing a career in Energy, Health, Advanced Materials and Diversified Manufacturing, or Agriculture and Food Production? If so, the Pennsylvania Targeted Industry Program (PA-TIP) may be a great opportunity for you! Each year, the program awards up to $6,000 to Pennsylvania residents to cover educational costs and living expenses. To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. Citizens or eligible noncitizens, residing in Pennsylvania, and enrolled in an approved program of study that is at least 10 weeks but less than two academic years in length. Check out the scholarship's website for a complete list of eligible schools and majors. If you're eligible, don't miss out on this incredible opportunity! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Multiple awards worth $6,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level College Students
Get Started

Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship

Offered by The Kansas Board of Regents

Multiple awards worth $3,500 - $4,500
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level College & Graduate Students

Offered by The Kansas Board of Regents

Are you a Kansas resident who has received acceptance to a Kansas nursing program? If so, you may be eligible for the Kansas Nursing Service…Show More

Are you a Kansas resident who has received acceptance to a Kansas nursing program? If so, you may be eligible for the Kansas Nursing Service…Show More

Are you a Kansas resident who has received acceptance to a Kansas nursing program? If so, you may be eligible for the Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship! Scholarship applicants accepted to an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) program or a RN (Registered Nurse) program can receive up to $3,500 and $4,500 each school year, respectively. To be considered for the scholarship, students must receive "commitment by an eligible sponsor licensed by the state of Kansas to fund up to half of the scholarship (unless they are a mental health treatment facility) and provide full-time employment to the recipient after licensure." This sponsor must pay from $1,000 up to one-half of the scholarship (the State of Kansas pays the remaining amount), and recipients must commit to one year of working full-time for the sponsor for each year of scholarship support. If you're an aspiring nurse from Kansas and this sounds like a good opportunity to you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Multiple awards worth $3,500 - $4,500
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level College & Graduate Students
Get Started

$1,000 Appily Easy College Money Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Appily

Easy Application
Monthly awards worth $1,000
Deadline Apr 30, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshman, High School Sophomore, High School Junior, College Freshman & College Sophomore

Offered by Appily

Easy Application

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be…Show More

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be…Show More

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be awarded each month.Show Less

Monthly awards worth $1,000
Deadline Apr 30, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshman, High School Sophomore, High School Junior, College Freshman & College Sophomore
Apply

Kansas Career Technical Workforce Grant

Offered by The Kansas Board of Regents

Multiple awards worth up to $1,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level College Students

Offered by The Kansas Board of Regents

Are you a Kansas high school (or home school) graduate (or GED holder) who is enrolled in or has been accepted for admission to a…Show More

Are you a Kansas high school (or home school) graduate (or GED holder) who is enrolled in or has been accepted for admission to a…Show More

Are you a Kansas high school (or home school) graduate (or GED holder) who is enrolled in or has been accepted for admission to a career technical education program? If so, you may be eligible for the Kansas Career Technical Workforce Grant! Each year, the grant awards up to $1,000 per year to multiple Kansas residents enrolled in technical certificate or associate of applied science degree programs in a high cost, high demand and critical industry field. To be considered, applicants must submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), the State of Kansas Student Aid Application, and have an official at their higher educational institution complete the Career Technical Workforce Grant Verification Form. If you're a Kansas resident in an eligible technical certificate or associate of applied science program, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Multiple awards worth up to $1,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level College Students
Get Started

$5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Christian Connector

Easy Application
1 award worth $5,000
Deadline May 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by Christian Connector

Easy Application

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian…

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian…

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian university or college.

1 award worth $5,000
Deadline May 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
Apply
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How to win nursing scholarships

Like any scholarship, nursing scholarships are highly competitive. If you want to earn funding for your BSN, MSN, DNP, or other nursing degree it’s important to stand out from the pack. One of the best ways to do this is by writing stellar essays. Researching the mission and values of the organization and considering what their prompts are asking for carefully can take you a long way.

Once you get an idea of the values and principles you want to emphasize in your application, it’s time to get to writing. We can help you fine-tune your writing to produce some concise and powerful essays. Our guides on writing about yourself, writing a winning scholarship essay, and tailoring your writing to 250 or 500 word limits are a great way to start. Be sure also to check out our guides to answering the most common scholarship essay prompts, and how to start and end a scholarship essay.

Full ride nursing scholarships

Nursing school seems like a much more attractive prospect if you don’t have to pay to attend. Many schools offer full ride nursing scholarships to students. NYU’s HRSA Nursing Scholarship covers all expenses for students. The Nurse Corps Scholarship is another great option for full-ride nursing scholarships. In this program, your education will be paid for, but you will commit to working as a nurse in a critical need area for a certain amount of time upon graduation.

Some states also have their own full-tuition nursing scholarship programs, some of which come with their own commitments to serve in high-need areas. New York State’s Nurses for Our Future program is a great example. Although students do have to cover associated fees and room and board, this nearly-full-ride program is a huge step to offset the costs of a nursing education.

Resources for nursing students

Nursing students can receive a host of benefits from joining nursing associations. Whether you are hoping to become a nurse practitioner, a registered nurse, or any other type of nursing professional, these organizations can help jump-start your career. They can include networking, conferences, scholarships, and even job placements. Here are a few associations to consider. Be sure also to check out organizations that are regional or local to you!

National Student Nurses’ Association

The biggest national organization for students studying nursing, this organization offers networking opportunities, subscriptions to nursing literature, scholarships, and more. They also offer student discounts on study tools and other resources you may need to use for your education.

Health Occupations Students Association

HOSA is a national organization that offers similar benefits to the National Student Nurses’ Association. The main difference is that HOSA includes members from all parts of the healthcare field. That means you’ll be plugged into a more diverse network of students. Both have their own benefits; while NSNA is more specialized, HOSA can plug you into larger networks.

Related: Guide to student loan forgiveness for nurses

Frequently asked questions about nursing scholarships

How do I pay for my nursing degree?

The above scholarships are a great start for prospective and current nursing students! However, there are other ways that you can pay for your nursing degree. These include need-based financial aid from your program, state government, or the federal government. All students should submit the FAFSA to be considered for need-based aid. Another option is college or institution-specific scholarships. Chances are your college offers scholarships that are specifically for nursing students (or more generally for high-achieving students). Check in with the admissions and financial aid office to see what opportunities you might be eligible for. You might also find some great local opportunities.

Can I get a full ride to pay for nursing school?

Yes, you can win a full ride scholarship to pay for nursing school. There are a few ways that you can do this, including applying for merit scholarships from colleges that offer full rides, creating your “full ride” by combining scholarships and need-based financial aid, and, if you have significant financial need, attending a college that meets 100% of demonstrated financial aid.  

How can I increase my chances of winning a nursing scholarship?



Generally, nursing scholarships are going to be assessing your academic profile and your “fit” for the nursing profession.

As far as academics, grades, challenging classes, and test scores will help make your academic case for nursing scholarships. Bonus points if you have strong grades in your science classes, as nursing degrees will require an extensive science curriculum.

You will be able to show your “fit” for nursing through your interviews and essays. The scholarship committee will be interested in why you want to become a nurse and how you are suited to succeed in nursing school, as well as the profession.

Remember, nursing is a profession that requires strong interpersonal skills as you work extensively in patients. You can try to show your high social intelligence, empathy, and caring nature through specific examples from school, sports, clubs, or volunteering. Strong candidates for nursing scholarships may also have specific volunteering experience in a hospital, doctor’s office, or other medical setting.

When to apply for nursing scholarships?



It’s never too early or too late to apply for nursing scholarships! There are many opportunities available, and each has its own deadline. As a result, it’s a good idea to keep your finger on the pulse of what scholarships are available. To maximize your additional money, you can apply throughout the year.

A great way to go about this is via our free scholarship search tool. This tool custom-matches you to vetted scholarships based on your demographic information and interests. It automatically updates with new opportunities and eliminates ones whose deadlines have passed. On top of that, you can earmark opportunities that interest you to help plan your application schedule.

Do nursing students qualify for Pell Grants?

 

All undergraduate students with demonstrated need who fill out the FAFSA are eligible for Pell Grants. So, if you are completing your undergraduate degree on a nursing track, you are eligible for Pell Grants. However, if you are in a nursing program after getting your bachelor’s, you are not eligible for Pell Grants.

That being said, you should reach out to your schools of interest to see if other grants may be available. There could be state-level grants to incentivize nurse education in your state of residence or in the state you want to attend school.

Does FAFSA pay for nursing school?

Although you should fill out the FAFSA for nursing school, you won’t be eligible for grants such as the Pell Grant. However, you can use the FAFSA to take out federal loans and to qualify for institutional and possibly state aid. The FAFSA is free and relatively easy, so even if you don’t think you’ll take advantage of these programs, it’s a good idea to fill it out just in case.

What colleges offer scholarships for nursing students?



Many colleges offer scholarships for nursing students! Most colleges with nursing programs will have a page of scholarships and financial aid on their website. This example from Rush University in Chicago is a great example. Some colleges consider students for their scholarships immediately upon applying. Other times, you’ll have to apply separately.

Remember, there are other sources of scholarships besides a college. Try investigating local scholarships and using our free scholarship search tool to maximize your opportunities.

Are there nursing scholarships for American Indians?

Yes! There are various nursing scholarships for American Indians across the country. Some are on a national level while others are state-by-state. The most popular opportunity out there is the NSCDA American Indian Nurse Scholarship Award Program, which started in the 1920s and is available to American Indian nursing students across the country

Are there scholarships for oncology nurses?

Yes! The Oncology Nursing Society offers a wide variety of scholarships to aspiring oncology nurses, with over $1,000,000 in funding per year. They offer academic scholarships, research grants, and certification and leadership scholarships. Check out their website for further details on the opportunities that may suit you.

Related: How many years is nursing school?

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Also see: Nursing major overview

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