Nursing is a very expensive program in the US but with scholarships, the tuition can go much lower. This blog post presents a curated list of nursing scholarships in the USA that you can apply for to make it affordable for you to earn your nursing degree.
Nurses are relevant in our society and can be found in nearly if not all, medical and healthcare facilities. They are the backbone of these facilities and ensure that operations within these facilities run smoothly. From administering medication to patients and readying patients for doctors to checking patients’ vital signs to keeping records. Their responsibilities can go on for over a hundred pages, which goes to show just how much they do.
Globally, nurses are in high demand due to a shortage of nurses so if you are considering nursing as a career now would be a good time to join the train and become a professional that is in high demand. The high demand for nurses also means that they enjoy a large number of job opportunities, great pay, and other perks. Due to this high demand, as a nurse in your home country, there are many opportunities for you to work abroad.
There are many reasons why there is a global shortage of nurses but standing top among these challenges is the lack of access to nursing school due to the high cost of tuition. Nursing schools are expensive and for a place like the US where, generally, higher institution is expensive, the cost of nursing school is way over the roof and not many can afford it. This continues to hinder the growth of the population of nurses in the US.
So, while nursing may seem a fulfilling career, which it is, becoming one is not a walk in the park and I am talking about the financial aspect. Fortunately, there is a solution to counter the high cost of nursing school in the US which is applying for nursing scholarships in USA provided by state and federal government, hospitals, colleges and universities, healthcare and nursing associations, organizations, and foundations.
Government grants for nursing school can go a long way to offset nursing fees in the US and as you are applying for them you can seek other options to get free money for nursing school, the more funding you receive, the better. These nursing scholarships in the US are established to bring more individuals into the nursing field by removing financial barriers that are restricting them from pursuing their careers.
And just as there are government nursing scholarships, there are also nursing scholarships for minorities as well as for international students. So, you see, there are many funding opportunities available and you don’t even have to pay back unlike a student loan. However, you have to review their criteria carefully so that you do not apply for the wrong one.
As you already know from the topic, I have gathered over 20 nursing scholarships in USA here to help you find all of them in one place to save you the stress of searching for them on the World Wide Web, and without any further ado, let’s get into them.
Table of Contents
21 Best Nursing Scholarships in USA
The following are the best nursing scholarships in the US:
- Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA) Nursing Scholarship
- Florida Nurses Foundation Scholarships & Grants
- Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Scholarships
- Gateway to Success Minority Nursing Scholarship
- Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
- The Joseph Brandlin Memorial Scholarship Fund
- IDPH Nursing Education Scholarship Program
- William K. Schubert Minority Nursing Scholarship
- USF School of Nursing and Health Professions Scholarships
- UCI Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing Endowments & Scholarships
- The Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship
- The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP)
- HRSA Nursing Grant
- Mildred I. Martignone Nurse Scholarship
- ACNL Scholarship Opportunities
- Virginia Nursing Scholarship Programs
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Scholarships, Grants & Fellowships
- NBNA Scholarship Program
- NAHN Scholarship Programs
- National Medical Fellowships Scholarships and Awards
- Buckfire & Buckfire Medical Diversity Scholarship Program
1. Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA) Nursing Scholarship
First on our list of best nursing scholarships in the US is the nursing scholarship offered by the TNAA to those pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It is ranked among the best because it is offered annually but the downside is that they pick only one individual and award them $2,500.
To be eligible, you must be enrolled in a full-time BSN program at an accredited institution and have good academic performance with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher. The selected applicant must provide proof of active enrollment and a copy of high school or college transcripts.
2. Florida Nurses Foundation Scholarships & Grants
As a part of its mission to promote nursing and the delivery of healthcare through the advancement of research, education, and practice, the Florida Nurses Foundation Scholarships & Grants is one of the best nursing scholarships in the US. By its mission, the Foundation provides annual nursing scholarships and research grants to registered nurses and students who are qualified.
Before you can apply for the scholarships and grants, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be enrolled in an accredited nursing program leading to an associate or bachelor’s degree
- Completed at least one semester in your current nursing program
- Be in good academic standing with a minimum of 2.5 GPA
- Have resided in Florida for at least one year and must reside in Florida throughout the term of the scholarship.
Application materials for the scholarship include an official transcript, two letters of reference, proof of residency, and a personal ID form.
3. Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Scholarships
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) offers medical, nursing, and occupational/physical therapy scholarships to deserving students. Under the nursing category, there are three scholarships namely; the DAR-Lena Ferguson Scholarship, the Madeline Pickett Cogswell Nursing Scholarship, and the Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship.
While each of these scholarships may have different requirements, there are a few similarities which include financial need, good academic standing, and enrollment in an accredited nursing program. You can apply for all three if you meet the requirements but you will only receive one.
4. Gateway to Success Minority Nursing Scholarship
Gateway to Success Minority Nursing Scholarship is funded by Clarkson College, USA, a college with one of the best nursing programs in the region. The Gateway scholarship supports the cost of nursing at Clarkson College for a select number of racial minority students each year. To be eligible, you must have a high school GPA of 2.5 on a scale of 4.0, meet the eligibility requirements for employment at Nebraska Medicine, and complete the summer internship program at Nebraska Medicine.
The scholarship value is $14,000 per student for an academic year and is awarded for 4 years provided you maintain a 2.5 GPA for scholarship renewal, It is certainly one of the best on this list. Applying for this scholarship also means that you intend to pursue a full-time BSN degree at Clarkson College.
5. Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program is one of the best nursing scholarships out there in the USA. It is offered every year and covers tuition, fees, monthly stipends, and other educational costs, it is certainly one of the best. To be eligible, you must be a citizen or permanent resident of the US, enrolled in an accredited nursing program in the US, and have no federal judgment liens.
Preference is given to applicants who demonstrate financial need. Recipients of the scholarship will work at a Critical Shortage Facility when they graduate.
6. The Joseph Brandlin Memorial Scholarship Fund
This scholarship, the Joseph Brandlin Memorial Scholarship Fund, is one of the best nursing scholarships for residents of California and offers $250,000 every year to support students in healthcare programs which includes nursing. The scholarship aims to increase the number of healthcare professionals working in underserved communities. The scholarship is managed by QueensCare, a charity dedicated to providing free and low-cost healthcare to low-income residents of Los Angeles County.
The Fund awards one 4-year scholarship to undergraduate or graduate students residing in and attending colleges and universities in California for up to 4 years and up to $10,000 per year based on financial need and academic performance. To be eligible, applicants must be in good academic standing. A minimum of 2.5 GPA is required for a community college student, 3.0 GPA for undergraduates, and 3.25 for graduates.
7. IDPH Nursing Education Scholarship Program
Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) which is a sector within the Illinois State Government, USA offers scholarships to its residents who want to undertake nursing programs. The scholarship program aims to increase the number of nurses available for employment in Illinois by providing scholarships to overcome the financial burden of education. This is similar to nursing scholarships for minorities that are offered to increase minority ethnic groups in the nursing profession.
To be eligible for the IDPH Nursing Education Scholarship Program, you must be a resident of Illinois and a lawful citizen of the US, demonstrate financial need through the Student Aid Report, be enrolled or accepted into an accredited nursing program in Illinois, and agree to the nurse employment obligation. Your Illinois driver’s license or state-issued ID card, recent official transcript, and a copy of your enrollment into the nursing school will be required as part of the scholarship application.
8. William K. Schubert Minority Nursing Scholarship
The William K. Schubert Minority Nursing Scholarship is an annual financial assistance offered by the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center to increase the diversity of RNs in the hospital. If you are looking to become a pediatric nurse and you come from one of the racial-ethnic minority groups, you can qualify for this scholarship to assist with your tuition. Male nurses can also apply for the scholarship.
To be eligible, you must have enrolled or accepted into a prelicensure RN bachelor or master’s degree program at an accredited nursing school on a full-time or part-time basis. Applicants must also have and maintain a minimum of 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale. The scholarship award is $2,750 per year, the funds are sent directly to recipients’ schools to be used for tuition and fees only.
9. USF School of Nursing and Health Professions Scholarships
The nursing school at the University of San Francisco (USF) – School of Nursing and Health Professions – offers a BSN program and two different scholarships to assist students with the tuition fee. The scholarships are specifically for residents of California who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education like Hispanics, African Americans, Hawaiians, etc.
In addition to the above requirement, you must have an overall GPA of 2.9 or higher, submit an essay and unofficial transcript, and interview for the award. Current and incoming students are eligible to apply. The scholarship amount is $2,500 per semester.
10. UCI Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing Endowments & Scholarships
The University of California, Irvine (UCI) offers free funding in the form of scholarships and endowments to nursing students across all programs. The scholarships are different but you cannot apply for them rather you will be automatically considered with your application for admission into the nursing program.
However, this remains one of the best nursing scholarships in the US and can go a long way to cover the cost of your tuition.
11. The Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship
The National Hispanic Health Foundation launched the Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship as a way of providing financial assistance to Hispanics in medical programs and also promoting diversity in the healthcare field which includes nursing. Recipients are selected based on excellent academic records, leadership abilities, and commitment to serving Hispanics.
It is one of the best nursing scholarships for Hispanics in the US as it awards $5,000 annually for up to 4 years to the recipient as well as individual scholarship awards of $2,000 each. Aside from the financial awards, recipients also receive professional mentorship to help them with career growth.
12. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP)
If you are from a minority or underrepresented group with a commitment to pursue careers in social science health, biomedical science, and behavioral science-related research then you should consider applying for the NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program to receive financial funding to support your education. Recipients may receive up to $20,000 per academic year for up to 4 years, it is renewable.
To be eligible, you must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, demonstrate financial need, earn a GPA of 3.3 or higher on a scale of 4.0, and be enrolled in a full-time program at an accredited university or college within the US. There is a payback requirement for recipients of the scholarship, follow the link below to see them.
13. HRSA Nursing Grant
The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) offers a wide range of grants for allied health professionals including nursing. There are over 10 different nursing grants offered to different individuals to support their nursing education. Each of the grants has its separate eligibility criteria and requirements which you have to review carefully before applying.
14. Mildred I. Martignone Nurse Scholarship
The Mildred I. Martignone Nurse Scholarship is one of the best nursing scholarships in the USA, awarded by the Oregon Office of Student Access and Completion. It is for residents of Oregon who want to pursue a degree in nursing or enroll in a nursing degree in Oregon.
To be eligible you must be in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher, enrolled in a full-time nursing program, and demonstrate financial need. Application materials include the application form, essay, financial need analysis, and transcript.
15. ACNL Scholarship Opportunities
The Association of California Nurse Leaders (ACNL) offers a wide range of scholarships to support nursing students pursuing higher education in California to assist them in advancing their nursing knowledge and completing pre-licensure requirements. There are three scholarships namely; ACNL Scholarships, Pre-Licensure Scholarships for Student Nurses, and Nurses’ Float Scholarship.
Each of these scholarships has a separate application, different eligibility criteria, and different application requirements. Follow the link below to get more information and proceed to apply.
16. Virginia Nursing Scholarship Programs
Virginia Department of Health launched a nursing scholarship program to attract high school graduates to pursue a nursing degree and then receive finance for their education. The scholarship is provided annually, just like the others on this list, and is for LPN, RN, and CNA nursing qualify to apply.
17. Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Scholarships, Grants & Fellowships
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is a prestigious nursing school with a global reputation for teaching excellence and research. Admission into the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is a rigorous and tough process one due to the tough entry requirements.
However, if you are finally admitted, you can qualify for a wide range of scholarships, grants, and fellowships. These awards spread across Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Philosophy, and Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing.
18. NBNA Scholarship Program
The National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) launched an annual scholarship program to provide financial assistance to Black nurses at all levels (LPN to Doctorate). You must be a member of NBNA and be currently enrolled in a nursing program to be eligible. You must also be in good academic standing and have at least one full year of school remaining to qualify for the award.
Application materials include a resume or CV, an official transcript from an accredited nursing school, a 2-page personal statement or essay, two letters of recommendation, and a clear professional headshot. The scholarship value ranges from $1,000 to $15,000 and is one of the most common nursing scholarships for colored people in the US.
19. NAHN Scholarship Programs
Every year, the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) offers scholarships to increase the number of Hispanic/Latino nurses. There are different scholarship programs offered every year each with its specific criteria and application requirements. The number and types of scholarships offered each year are dependent upon the amount of money in the scholarship fund.
Recipients are selected based on various factors such as financial need, academic performance, supporting documentation, and course of study. You must be a member of NAHN to qualify for any of the scholarships. Application materials may include transcripts, recommendation letters, resumes or CVs, and essays.
20. National Medical Fellowships Scholarships and Awards
The National Medical Fellowships offers various scholarships to promote diversity within the medical field including nursing. Therefore, the scholarships are targeted to those from minority ethnic groups enrolled in any healthcare program such as nursing at an accredited institution in the U.S. Then you can be eligible to apply for the National Medical Fellowships Scholarships and Awards.
You must demonstrate leadership abilities and be committed to serving medically underserved communities to be eligible. Other requirements for the scholarship include a student aid report, an official letter of financial award offer, a current professional school transcript, and other personal documents. Application deadlines and procedures can be found in the link below.
21. Buckfire & Buckfire Medical Diversity Scholarship Program
Buckfire Law is a law firm in the US that provides law school scholarships for minorities and still provides scholarships for minorities in healthcare. As a minority student seeking extra funding for nursing school, you are welcome to apply for the Buckfire & Buckfire Medical Diversity Scholarship Program.
The Buckfire & Buckfire Medical Diversity Scholarship Program is an annual scholarship program established in 2014 by the Buckfire Law Firm as part of its initiative to recognize medical school students who do outstanding work to promote ethnic diversity in their community. Applicants for this award can either be from a minority ethnic group or any individual who demonstrates a defined commitment to issues of diversity within their community.
Conclusion
There you have the list of 21 nursing scholarships in the US, some are general and others are for a specific population. As I mentioned earlier, read the requirements carefully before applying.
Recommendations
- 15 Best Christian Nursing Scholarships
. - Full List of Schools of Nursing in Nigeria, and Their Details
. - 10 Best Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA
. - 15 Best Catholic Scholarships for Graduate Students
. - 11 Best Scholarships for Immigrants in California