College Scholarships for Healthcare Majors

Healthcare Scholarships, Costs & ROI Snapshot

This snapshot pulls from CollegeWhale’s scholarship database and planning tools to show how many scholarships are available for Healthcare majors, the total dollars listed, and how early-career pay compares to typical college costs.

Scholarships in Our Database

We currently list 33 active scholarships tied to Healthcare programs, sourced from professional groups, nonprofits, and private sponsors. New awards are added regularly.

Total Scholarship Dollars Listed

The scholarships currently listed total approximately $138,800 in advertised award value. Many programs offer renewable or variable awards, so available funding may be higher over time.

Early-Career Pay & ROI

Early-career median pay for Healthcare graduates is about $70,000 per year. We estimate a typical 4-year net college cost around $108,584.

That means first-year earnings are roughly 64% of total college cost, with an estimated payback period of 1.6 years (before taxes and living expenses).

Healthcare Scholarships to Apply for Now (Scholarship FastFind™)

The CollegeWhale Scholarship FastFind™ makes it easy to discover the best Healthcare scholarships — fast. Filter by award amount, deadline month, and estimated time to apply, then instantly download your personalized list. No sign-ups, no personal info, no spam — just real, verified scholarships.

1

Susan Lindahl Memorial Scholarship

The Susan Lindahl Memorial Scholarship was established in 1998 by the (PAOS) Foundation to honor the life and legacy of Susan Lindahl. Susan was the wife of PAOS founding president Joe Lindahl and played a vital behind-the-scenes role during the

Award: $5,000 Deadline: April Est. Application Time: Low (13 min)
2

APAO Physician Assistant Scholarship

The APAO Student Scholarship is a competitive academic award offered by the (APAO) to support Physician Assistant students who demonstrate a clear and sustained interest in pursuing a career in oncology. This scholarship is specifically intended for PA students who

Award: $2,500 Deadline: April Est. Application Time: Low (28 min)
3

Physician Associates for Latino Health Scholarship

The PALH Scholarship is offered by the Physician Associates for Latino Health, a professional caucus of the American Academy of PAs dedicated to improving health outcomes in Latino communities. This scholarship program supports currently enrolled Physician Assistant students who demonstrate

Award: Varies Deadline: March Est. Application Time: Med (48 min)
4

African Heritage PA Caucus Scholarship

The Prentiss L. Harrison Memorial / African Heritage PA Caucus Scholarship is a mission-driven award established to support student physician assistants who are members of the African Heritage PA Caucus and who are considered underrepresented within the PA profession and/or

Award: $500 Deadline: February Est. Application Time: Med (78 min)
5

PA Foundation Student Scholarships

The PA Foundation Student Scholarships are a suite of competitive financial awards administered by the PA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the American Academy of PAs (AAPA). These scholarships are specifically designed to support physician assistant (PA) students who demonstrate

Award: $1,000 Deadline: March Est. Application Time: Med (48 min)
6

A. D. and Peggy Hewlett and Colonel David R. Inman Medical Scholarship

The A. D. and Peggy Hewlett and Colonel David R. Inman Medical Scholarship is a targeted financial award managed by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to support students pursuing careers in medicine and related health care fields. This scholarship

Award: Varies Deadline: April Est. Application Time: Med (78 min)
7

Foot Levelers Scholarship

The Foot Levelers Scholarship for Sports Medicine Students is designed to support dedicated students who are pursuing careers in sports medicine, physical therapy, chiropractic care, athletic training, or other related health science fields. This scholarship recognizes individuals who demonstrate academic

Award: $2,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Med (86 min)
8

NHHF Health Professional Student Scholarship

The National Hispanic Health Foundation Health Professional Student Scholarship Program is a national initiative designed to support the academic and professional development of students pursuing careers in healthcare. Established to address health disparities and improve access to culturally competent care,

Award: $5,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Med (78 min)
9

The Delores B. Chandler Scholarship

The Delores B. Chandler Scholarship is an academic-based award offered by the Black Occupational Therapy Caucus to support African American students pursuing professional education in occupational therapy. Established in honor of Delores B. Chandler, a respected occupational therapy practitioner and

Award: $500 Deadline: March Est. Application Time: Med (48 min)
10

The AMBUCS Scholars Program

The AMBUCS Scholars Program is a nationally recognized scholarship initiative administered by AMBUCS, Inc., a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to improving the mobility and independence of individuals with disabilities. The program provides financial support to students enrolled in entry-level occupational

Award: $600 Deadline: May Est. Application Time: Med (48 min)
11

AOTA E.K. Wise Scholarship

The AOTA E.K. Wise Scholarship is a national, merit-based award administered by the American Occupational Therapy Association to support women pursuing advanced education in occupational therapy. Established in honor of E.K. Wise, a respected leader whose work emphasized inclusion and

Award: $5,000 Deadline: September Est. Application Time: Med (78 min)
12

Dorothy M. Catana Magee Scholarship

The Dorothy M. Catana Magee Scholarship is an annual academic award created to support students pursuing professional education in occupational therapy. Established in honor of Dorothy M. Catana Magee, the scholarship reflects a commitment to advancing the occupational therapy profession

Award: $1,000 Deadline: November Est. Application Time: Med (48 min)
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Expert Answers to the Most Asked Healthcare Scholarship Questions

Healthcare Scholarships and Financial Aid Opportunities

Healthcare careers play a critical role in patient care, public health, and the overall functioning of the medical system. From physical therapy and occupational therapy to nursing, healthcare administration, veterinary care, and allied health professions, pursuing a healthcare degree can still come with significant education costs. To help offset these expenses, a wide range of healthcare scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs are available through universities, professional associations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private foundations.

Below you’ll find a comprehensive guide to healthcare scholarships covering allied health, therapy, nursing-adjacent roles, public health, veterinary careers, and healthcare leadership programs. These opportunities support students at every stage — from high school and undergraduate study to graduate and professional healthcare training.

Types of Healthcare Scholarships

Students pursuing healthcare careers can qualify for several categories of financial aid. Understanding these options helps you target the most relevant awards:

  • Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded for academic performance, leadership, research, or professional promise in healthcare fields.
  • Need-Based Scholarships: Designed for students with demonstrated financial need, often evaluated using FAFSA or institutional criteria.
  • Diversity & Inclusion Scholarships: Support students from underrepresented backgrounds entering healthcare professions.
  • Service-Based Scholarships: Require recipients to work in underserved communities, rural areas, or public service healthcare roles after graduation.
  • Career-Specific Scholarships: Targeted awards for physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, veterinary medicine, healthcare administration, public health, and allied health careers.

What Are Healthcare Diversity Scholarships?

Healthcare diversity scholarships support students who are committed to improving access, equity, and outcomes across the healthcare system.

These awards often prioritize students from historically underrepresented communities and those planning careers serving vulnerable or underserved populations. Many programs also combine financial support with mentorship, leadership development, and professional networking opportunities.

What Are Allied Health Scholarships?

Allied health scholarships support students pursuing essential clinical and support roles outside of physician training. These careers are vital to patient diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Examples include:

  • Physical Therapy and Physical Therapist Assistant programs
  • Occupational Therapy and Occupational Therapy Assistant programs
  • Medical Assisting and Clinical Support roles
  • Radiologic Technology, Sonography, and Imaging Sciences
  • Respiratory Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences

Are There Full-Ride Healthcare Scholarships?

Yes. Some healthcare scholarships provide full tuition coverage or comprehensive funding packages. These may include tuition, fees, and living stipends in exchange for service commitments or professional placement.

Examples include:

  • National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship: Covers tuition and living costs for students entering primary care and community health roles.
  • State Workforce Healthcare Scholarships: Offered to address shortages in nursing, therapy, and allied health professions.
  • Hospital-Sponsored Healthcare Scholarships: Often include tuition assistance tied to post-graduation employment.

Healthcare Scholarships for Minorities

Many organizations offer scholarships to support underrepresented students entering healthcare careers:

  • Health Professions Diversity Scholarships: Awards for students committed to advancing equity in healthcare delivery.
  • Professional Association Scholarships: Offered by nursing, therapy, public health, and allied health organizations.
  • Corporate Healthcare Diversity Programs: Sponsored by healthcare systems, insurers, and pharmaceutical companies.

Healthcare Scholarships for High School Students

Students interested in healthcare careers can begin applying for scholarships early:

  • Health Science Career Pathway Scholarships: For students exploring allied health or clinical careers.
  • HOSA-Future Health Professionals Scholarships: For students active in healthcare-focused education programs.
  • Local Hospital Foundation Scholarships: Many health systems support students entering healthcare training programs.

Scholarships for First-Year Healthcare Students

First-year students in healthcare programs may qualify for:

  • Institutional Merit Scholarships: Automatically awarded by colleges and healthcare training programs.
  • Program-Specific Scholarships: Offered by departments such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or healthcare administration.
  • Entry-Level Allied Health Scholarships: Designed to support early-stage healthcare students.

Healthcare Scholarships for Women

Women pursuing healthcare careers can apply for scholarships focused on leadership, equity, and professional advancement:

  • Women in Healthcare Leadership Scholarships: Support future healthcare administrators and clinicians.
  • Professional Women’s Healthcare Scholarships: Offered by nursing, therapy, and public health organizations.
  • Graduate Fellowships for Women: Support advanced study in healthcare-related fields.

Healthcare Scholarships for Black Students

Numerous programs support Black students pursuing healthcare careers:

  • Healthcare Workforce Equity Scholarships: Focus on increasing representation in clinical and leadership roles.
  • Community Health Scholarships: Support students committed to serving underserved populations.
  • Professional Association Awards: Offered through national and regional healthcare organizations.

Fully Funded Healthcare Scholarships for International Students

International students pursuing healthcare education may qualify for:

  • Global Health Scholarships: Support study in public health, healthcare management, and clinical sciences.
  • University-Based Healthcare Funding: Offered through healthcare-focused academic programs.
  • International Fellowship Programs: Support research, training, and healthcare leadership development.

Which Scholarship Is Best for Healthcare Students?

The best healthcare scholarship depends on your career goals, but strong options often include:

  • Service-Based Scholarships for community-focused healthcare careers
  • Professional Association Scholarships tied to your specific field
  • Hospital and Health System Scholarships with employment pathways

Does FAFSA Apply to Healthcare Programs?

Yes. FAFSA is essential for healthcare students and provides access to:

  • Federal Direct Student Loans
  • Graduate PLUS Loans for advanced healthcare programs

Completing FAFSA is often required for:

  • Institutional scholarships
  • State healthcare workforce grants
  • Many private healthcare scholarship applications

Additional Healthcare Scholarship Opportunities

To expand your funding options, consider:

  • State Healthcare Workforce Programs: Designed to address regional shortages.
  • Public Health and Community Care Scholarships: Support careers in prevention and population health.
  • Healthcare Leadership Fellowships: For future administrators and policy professionals.

How to Improve Your Chances of Winning Healthcare Scholarships

  • Clarify your career path: Align applications with your specific healthcare role.
  • Highlight service experience: Volunteer work and community involvement matter.
  • Apply early: Many healthcare scholarships have limited funding.
  • Secure strong recommendations: From instructors, clinicians, or supervisors.

College Scholarships By Category

Quickly navigate to some of our most popular scholarships, such as state-specific scholarships, major-specific scholarships, and other popular categories. Please search our Scholarship Database to get matched with many more scholarships specific to your personal criteria.