Nursing is one of the most in demand medical professions. In preparation to support the large aging population, the medical industry is scrambling to bring qualified nursing professionals into the business at all levels, from registered nurses to nursing academics. Students considering a career in nursing should look into available nursing scholarships, as there is a wealth of funds available from both federal and private funding sources.

Eligibility Requirements

Nursing scholarships can come with a unique set of requirements. Some scholarships focus on financial need, single parents, and returning and adult students. However, many scholarships for nurses focus on expanding a particular field within nursing, such as oncology or gerontology care. Others exchange scholarship funds for a commitment to work in a particular facility or region where nurses are in high demand. Nursing scholarships are available at almost every level, from pre-licensure to doctoral studies. Common eligibility requirements may include:

  • Pursuing a Nursing degree at the level relevant to the scholarship
  • Meet specific undergraduate GPA or other academic requirements
  • Are enrolled in an accredited or member-affiliated program
  • Committed to employment with the scholarship's provider
  • Are a member of the professional organization or agency
  • Be a legal U.S. resident
  • Affiliated with a minority culture
  • Applying for financial aid
  • Be a Registered Nurse

The list of requirements above is not all-inclusive and meeting the eligibility requirements for any given scholarship does not guarantee success. However, even if you do not meet the eligibility requirements for one scholarship, there are plenty of nursing scholarships to choose from. Below is a list of example nursing scholarships:

Types of Nursing Scholarships

  • Nurse Corps Scholarship Program (NCSP): This program funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is a selective program that provides tuition, fees, and even stipends to nursing students at all levels who commit to working for two years at a Critical Shortage Facility (CSF) upon graduation.
  • Hurst Review Services/AACN Scholarship: This scholarship program awards scholarships in the amount of $2500 to pre-licensure students enrolled at AACN-member schools.
  • Aftercollege/AACN $20,000 Scholarship: This scholarships awards significant scholarship money to nursing students seeking bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
  • ONS Foundation Doctoral Scholarships: The Oncology Nursing Society Foundation awards scholarships of $3000-5000 annually to registered nurses pursuing research or clinical doctoral degrees in oncology nursing.
  • Mary Marshall Nursing Scholarship: The Mary Marshal Nursing Scholarship is available to individuals who have been residents of the Virginia for at least one year, have been accepted to a practical nursing program, and who have requested financial aid.
  • Ann Nees Memorial Scholarship: The Ann Nees Memorial Scholarship is available to former or current students of the Career Enrichment Center in Albuquerque who are enrolled in a nursing education program and meet the specified GPA requirements.
  • Nursing Education Scholarship: Illinois' Center for Rural Health offers scholarship support to qualified Illinois residents who need financial aid to pursue a nursing degree at almost any level.
  • 2013 Nursing Student Scholarship: This $1000 scholarship is available from the Michigan Center for Nursing for qualified students who are pursuing a licensed practical nursing program.
  • John and Geraldine Hobble Licensed Practical Nursing Scholarship: Students enrolled in accredited licensed practical nursing diploma programs in Kansas are eligible to apply for this $250 scholarship.