A nursing career can be both fulfilling and difficult to pursue. In the healthcare industry, nurses are vital because they support medical teams and give patients the care they need. But for many prospective nurses, the expense of nursing school can be a major deterrent. Thankfully, there are plenty of nursing scholarships available to lessen the financial strain. Read more and you will get to know the various types of nursing scholarships and how to apply for nursing scholarships, and advice on how to pay for your school.
Why Nursing Scholarships Matter
Nursing scholarships are monetary grants intended to assist students who are pursuing nursing degrees. Scholarships are a great way to pay for your education because they don’t need repayment like loans do. Because tuition, books, and other educational costs are on the rise, scholarships can significantly lower student debt and free up time for studying.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the average cost of a nursing program can range from 40,000 to over 40,000 to over100,000, depending on the degree level and institution. Scholarships can help close this gap and guarantee that gifted people can pursue careers in nursing despite financial limitations.
Types of Nursing Scholarships
- Merit-Based Scholarships
These scholarships are given out according to extracurricular activities, leadership abilities, or academic success. Strong academic records combined with a history of leadership or community involvement make them perfect for students.
- Need-Based Scholarships
Students who exhibit financial need are eligible for need-based scholarships. To be eligible, applicants might need to provide financial records, including tax returns or FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) results.
- Diversity Scholarships
Minorities, men, and LGBTQ+ people are among the underrepresented categories in nursing that many organizations provide scholarships to. The goal of these scholarships is to encourage inclusion and diversity in the nursing profession.
- Specialty Scholarships
You might qualify for scholarships pertaining to your chosen profession of nursing if you intend to specialize in pediatrics, oncology, or geriatrics. Healthcare facilities or professional associations frequently fund these awards.
- Institutional Scholarships
Numerous colleges and nursing schools provide their own scholarships in an effort to draw and assist students. These awards may be based on merit, need, or a combination of factors.
- Military Scholarships
Military-specific nursing scholarships may be available to you if you are a dependent of a service member or a current or former member of the armed forces. Programs such as the Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program or the Army Nurse Corps are great choices.
How to Find Nursing Scholarships
- Research Online Databases
Great places to look for nursing scholarships are Fastweb, labclinic56.com, and the AACN scholarship database. You can use these sites to sort scholarships according to your eligibility requirements.
- Check with Professional Organizations
Scholarships are provided to members of numerous nursing associations, including the National League for Nursing (NLN) and the American Nurses Association (ANA). Access to special financing opportunities may be possible by joining these organizations.
- Contact Your School’s Financial Aid Office
Information regarding institutional scholarships and outside funding sources can be obtained from the financial aid office at your nursing school. They might also provide advice regarding the application procedure.
- Explore Local Opportunities
Don’t pass up local scholarships provided by businesses, hospitals, or community organizations. These prizes can be a terrific method to get more money and might not face as much competition.
Lists of Nursing Scholarships
Here are available Nursing scholarships inviting application from across the globe for applicants to apply.
Top Nursing Scholarships to Consider
- The Tylenol Future Care Scholarship
This scholarship awards up to $10,000 to students pursuing healthcare-related degrees, including nursing. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to community service.
- The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this program covers tuition, fees, and other educational costs in exchange for a service commitment at a critical shortage facility after graduation.
- The A Nurse I Am Scholarship
This scholarship, offered by Cherokee Uniforms, awards $2,000 to nursing students who demonstrate compassion and dedication to the profession. Applicants must submit an essay or video explaining why they chose nursing.
- The Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association (FNSNA) Scholarships
Numerous scholarships are available from the FNSNA to nursing students at different educational levels. The range of awards is 1,000 to 10,000.
- The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Nursing Scholarships
The Madeline Pickett (Halbert) Cogswell Nursing Scholarship and the Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship are two of the DAR’s nursing student scholarships available.
The Scrubin Uniforms/AACN Scholarship | The Scrubin Uniforms/AACN Scholarship is one of Nursing Scholarships designed to assist nursing students pursuing baccalaureate, master’s, or doctoral degrees at AACN member schools that have a formal affiliation agreement with Scrubin Uniforms. A list of eligible schools can be found in the blue column on the right side of the page.
Application Process To be considered, students must complete an online application, share demographic information, provide details about their academic achievements, and submit a brief essay. Scholarship Details
Application Deadlines
Application opens: January 6 Application closes: March 1
Application opens: July 1 Application closes: September 1 Note: The September 1 deadline is specifically for students interested in pursuing a faculty role after graduation.
Application opens: October 1 Application closes: December 1 |
QGenda – AACN Nursing Scholarships | QGenda, a leader in healthcare workforce management solutions, has joined with AACN on a new Nursing Scholarships program for students in undergraduate and graduate nursing programs.
Eligibility Requirements for Nursing Scholarships
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Bio-Oil Labor of Love Scholarship | Scholarship Details
Total Amount: A one-time $5,000 award to 10 nursing students during the 2024-2025 academic year. Applications Contact: please contact Foundation Coordinator, Alexa Betances at [email protected]. |
Hurst Review – AACN Nursing Scholarship
The Hurst Review-AACN Nursing Scholarships, is a merit-based award that provides financial assistance to entry-level nursing students enrolled in AACN member institutions. The scholarship aims to support students who have shown a strong commitment to their studies and have maintained a high level of academic achievement.
One scholarship in the amount of $2,500 is awarded twice a year, providing a significant boost to recipients’ educational finances. Whether you’re covering tuition, books, or other expenses, this scholarship can help ease the financial burden of nursing school.
Deborah E. Trautman Future Nurse Leader Scholarship
For graduate nursing students with a vision to lead and transform academic nursing, the AACN Graduate Nursing Scholarships offers a unique opportunity to advance your education and career. This prestigious scholarship, offered by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), is designed to recognize and support graduate nursing students who aspire to leadership positions in academic nursing. With a total award of $3,500, this scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also offers invaluable professional development opportunities.
Tips for Applying for Nursing Scholarships
- Start Early
As soon as you can, start looking into and applying for scholarships. You can meet application deadlines and collect all required paperwork if you start your preparations early.
- Tailor Your Application
Make your application unique for every scholarship. Emphasize accomplishments and experiences that are pertinent to the scholarship requirements.
- Obtain Strong Letters of Recommendation
Ask mentors, employers, or instructors who can attest to your credentials and dedication to nursing for letters of recommendation. Make sure they include concrete instances of your accomplishments and strong points.
- Proofread Your Application
Ensure that your application is free of errors and clearly communicates your qualifications. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.