Everything You Need to Know About Nursing Scholarships

Whether you’re pursuing your initial nursing degree or advancing your education, scholarships can play a vital role in reducing your financial obligation. Nursing scholarships range from small local grants to five-figure national awards, each with its own eligibility criteria, purpose, and funding cycles.

This comprehensive guide explains what nursing scholarships are and who they’re for, as well as laying out standard qualification requirements. It also highlights numerous opportunities students should consider.

What Is a Nursing Scholarship?

A nursing scholarship is a form of financial assistance awarded to students pursuing nursing degrees or certifications. It is designed to cover or help cover the cost of education and doesn’t have to be repaid. Nursing scholarships can range from large amounts that cover significant student expenses to smaller sums. Students aren’t limited in the number of scholarships they can apply for — or receive. Public or private entities can fund the scholarships.

Who Applies for Nursing Scholarships?

Nursing scholarships are widely available and geared toward the following:

• Undergraduate nursing students pursuing associate or bachelor’s degree nursing programs

• Graduate-level students enrolled in master’s or doctoral programs or specialty nurse practitioner tracks

• Licensed nurses seeking continuing education, certification, or leadership training

• Individuals entering nursing through accelerated or second-degree paths

• Practicing nurses committed to serving specific communities or health care concentrations

Common Eligibility Requirements

Each nursing scholarship has unique criteria, but most nursing awards consider the following:

• Academic performance and GPA

• Field of study

• Demographics

• Career goals and interests

• State of residency

• Leadership, service, and volunteer involvement

• Financial need

• Professional affiliations and memberships

Nursing Scholarships and Financial Aid Resources

Below is a curated overview of notable nursing scholarships, organized alphabetically. Each entry includes intended recipients and eligibility highlights. Keep in mind that application windows and funding cycles vary by scholarship and the organization sponsoring it. Students may be advised to revisit at a later date.

• Advancing Nurse Leadership in Post-Acute Care Scholarship: This $5,000 scholarship from the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN) supports registered nurses pursuing leadership roles in post-acute care settings. To be eligible, candidates must be pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a graduate nursing degree. Candidates must also include a letter of recommendation from their facility administrator, director of nursing services, or direct supervisor with their application.

• Annual Senior Care Scholarship: Offered by A Place for Mom, a senior living and home care provider, this $1,000 award supports undergraduate and graduate nursing students pursuing careers in geriatric or long-term care. Candidates must submit an essay of up to 700 words with their application.

• Next Generation Healers Scholarship: Available through Banyan Treatment Centers, this $1,000 scholarship supports students in psychology, social work, health care administration, nursing, or a related field. Candidates must be working students and demonstrate a strong commitment to a career in wellness or health care to be eligible.

• Brave of Heart Nursing Scholarship: Awarded through the Brave of Heart Fund, this $2,500 to $10,000 scholarship is awarded to students who are pursuing an associate or BSN degree. Candidates must have a 2.0 GPA or higher, demonstrate financial need, and be in good standing with their university.

• CEUfast Scholarships: CEUfast offers two scholarships — a $1,000 award for undergraduate nursing students and a $5,000 award for graduate nursing students — that support continuing education for licensed nurses seeking continuing education units (CEUs). Requirements typically include active licensure and professional development goals.

• Deborah E. Trautman Future Nurse Leader Scholarship: Sponsored by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), this $3,500 award supports MSN and DNP nurses demonstrating leadership potential in academic nursing. Candidates must submit a personal essay, an up-to-date resume, up to four professional goals, two letters of recommendation, and a signed commitment statement to be considered.

• Diversity Nursing Education Award: This $5,000 award, sponsored by DiversityNursing.com, is intended for those from underrepresented racial, ethnic, or cultural backgrounds. Candidates must be a nursing student (diploma, associate degree, baccalaureate, or graduate) or an active RN, LPN, NP, or nurse administrator to be eligible.

• Elevating Post-Acute Care Nursing Scholarship: This $3,000 scholarship, also provided by the AAPACN, supports registered nurses currently working in post-acute care who seek to earn a BSN degree. Candidates must include a letter of recommendation from their direct supervisor, facility administrator, or director of nursing services with their submission.

• Frontline Heroes in Post-Acute Care Scholarship: Funded by Robin Hillier (an AAPACN board member) and RLH Consulting, this $4,000 scholarship is intended for a certified nursing assistant working in post-acute care who is pursuing a BSN or higher degree from an accredited university. Candidates must include a letter of recommendation from their direct superior to be considered.

• Hurst Review: Sponsored by Hurst Review and the AACN, this $2,500 scholarship recognizes entry-level nursing students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. Candidates must have a 3.2 GPA or higher and be enrolled in an AACN member institution to be considered.

• Lighting the Way for Post-Acute Care Nursing Scholarship: Sponsored by Reimbursement Reimagined (R2), this $5,000 scholarship is intended for current LPNs/LVNs who work in long-term or post-acute care. Applicants must include a letter of recommendation from their direct supervisor to be considered.

• National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Scholarships: The NBNA sponsors about two dozen annual scholarships, starting at $1,000, for African American nursing students across all degree levels. Applicants must be NBNA members in good standing and meet GPA requirements.

• NurseThink Scholarship: The AACN’s NurseThink Scholarship is a $5,000 award designed for nursing students pursuing an MSN or DNP degree. Candidates must provide demographic information, demonstrate academic achievement, and write an essay about their post-graduate plans to be considered.

• Oncology Nursing Foundation: Sponsored by the Oncology Nursing Foundation, this series of scholarships (ranging from $3,000-$7,500) is offered to nursing students pursuing a BSN, MSN, or DNP degree. Candidates must agree to participate in a post-graduation survey, must provide a letter of recommendation from their direct supervisor, and must be committed to the field of oncology to be considered.

• Tillman Scholars: Established by the Pat Tillman Foundation, this scholarship is intended for active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses seeking financial support in their educational pursuits.

• QGenda-AACN Scholarship: Offered by health care workforce management firm QGenda and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, this $5,000 scholarship is intended for MSN and DNP students. Candidates must have a 3.5 GPA or higher, submit an essay up to 500 words, and provide one professional or academic reference to be considered.

• Students for Healthcare Equity Scholarship: This $5,000 award, sponsored by GoodRx, supports nursing students from underrepresented groups who are committed to expanding health care access for underserved communities. Candidates must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and self-identify as a member of an underrepresented population to be considered.

• The American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN) Scholarship: This $1,000 annual scholarship supports men entering or advancing in nursing. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement and be members of AAMN to be considered.

• The Jane Delano Nursing Student Scholarship: Offered through the American Red Cross, this scholarship supports undergraduate nursing students who demonstrate academic merit and a commitment to the nursing field.

• TYLENOL Future Care Scholarship: Sponsored by TYLENOL, this national scholarship awards 25 health care students with $5,000 and 10 students with $10,000. Candidates are considered based on academic achievement, essay content, and community involvement.

• Uniform Advantage - GNSA Scholarship: Sponsored by Uniform Advantage and the Graduate Nursing Student Academy, this scholarship program awards $5,000 to students pursuing an MSN or DNP degree who are committed to making a positive impact on national health care.

Oklahoma-Based Scholarships and Resources

For various listings of scholarship opportunities and other financial aid resources, explore these sites:

• The Sue Holloway Memorial Scholarships : These annual awards, ranging from $500 to $2,000, are given by the nonprofit Clarehouse and are intended for Oklahoma-based RN, LPN, and nursing assistant students who are committed to best practices in end-of-life care. Applicants must complete three essay questions, include two letters of recommendation, and be currently active in end-of-life care.

• Nursing Student Assistance Program : This resource provides financial aid to Oklahoma-based nursing students at all levels for expenses related to nursing education, particularly for those who plan to practice in rural or underserved areas. Candidates must have a 3.0 GPA or higher to be considered.

• Nursing Scholarship Information FAQs : This resource provides coverage of frequently asked questions about applying to nursing scholarships.

What to Consider When Pursuing Nursing Scholarships

Navigating the financial side of nursing education can feel overwhelming, but nursing scholarships are powerful tools that help students pursue their goals without incurring excessive debt. Use these best practices when evaluating scholarships.

• Define the educational path: Decide on targeting undergraduate, graduate, or continuing education awards.

• Start early: Scholarship applications, essays, recommendation letters, etc., can take some time to complete and gather. Students should begin the scholarship search early.

• Know the eligibility requirements: Pay attention to GPA, enrollment status, residency, field of specialty, and deadlines.

• Stay organized: Students may be applying for multiple scholarships, so keep careful track of requirements and deadlines, where they are in each process, who they’ve reached out to for recommendations, and more.

• Explore different opportunities: Many nursing scholarships align with specific missions or demographics that students may identify with.

• Be thorough when preparing scholarship applications: Focus on strong academic records, compelling essays, letters of recommendation, and documentation that reflect students’ goals and passion.

• Reapply annually: Many awards are renewable or available each year. Persistence can pay off.

Leverage Nursing Scholarships into More Affordable Education

Financial aid, in the form of loans, grants, work-study programs, or scholarships, is often the deciding factor in attending nursing school. Scholarships can be particularly helpful in easing financial stress as you don’t have to work for the aid, and they require no repayment.

There are many nursing scholarships available, whether you’re pursuing an associate degree, an RN to BSN program, a graduate degree, or even just continuing education. So, spend time researching options, preparing thoughtful applications, and aligning your goals with scholarship missions.

By leveraging scholarships, along with other forms of financial aid, you can pursue your chosen path and remove the financial hurdles that can slow you down.