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.
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.
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?
Can I get a full ride to pay for nursing school?
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?
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?
Are there scholarships for oncology nurses?
Related: How many years is nursing school?
Explore these other scholarship categories
- Med school scholarships
- Graduate school scholarships
- Scholarships for college seniors
- Scholarships for college juniors
- Top GPA based scholarships
Also see: Nursing major overview
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