Nursing scholarships and grants help aspiring and current nurses fund their education without taking on significant student loan debt. From full-ride awards to need-based federal grants, there are dozens of programs available to support students at every level — whether you’re pursuing an associate degree, a BSN, or an advanced practice degree like a DNP or MSN. These opportunities come from federal and state governments, nursing associations, hospitals, and universities, ensuring that qualified students can enter or advance in the nursing profession.
This guide highlights the most popular scholarships and grants for nursing students, including awards for minorities, non-traditional students, and those committed to serving in underserved communities. Whether you’re a first-time college student, a working nurse returning to school, or someone making a career change, these programs can make your nursing education more affordable and accessible.
Yes, full ride scholarships are available for nursing students and cover tuition, fees, and sometimes additional expenses like housing. Examples include the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program and institutional scholarships offered by top nursing schools like Johns Hopkins University and the University of Pennsylvania.
Government grants such as the Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) provide financial assistance for nursing students. Additionally, programs like the HRSA Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program offer funding in exchange for service commitments in underserved areas.
Free money for nursing school can come from scholarships, grants, and employer tuition reimbursement programs. Scholarships like the Tylenol Future Care Scholarship and grants from nursing organizations are excellent options for funding your education without repayment obligations.
Nursing scholarships for older students include awards like the Return 2 College Scholarship and programs specifically designed for non-traditional students. Many organizations and schools recognize the unique challenges faced by older students returning to education and provide tailored financial assistance.
Minority nursing scholarships include programs like the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Scholarship Program and the Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship. These awards aim to increase diversity in the nursing profession by supporting underrepresented groups.
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Nursing Scholarship provides financial assistance to nursing students in exchange for a service commitment in a critical shortage facility. The program covers tuition, fees, and living expenses, making it an excellent option for students with financial need.
Undergraduate nursing students can apply for scholarships like the Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association (FNSNA) Scholarships and university-specific awards. These scholarships often focus on academic achievement and commitment to the nursing profession.
Reviewed by CollegeWhale Editorial Team on November, 2025. Content is updated regularly to reflect current scholarship deadlines and verified data from official sources.
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Below you’ll find a comprehensive collection of Nursing scholarships and grants for the 2025–2026 school years, curated from our regularly updated databases. To explore all available scholarship matches, visit our Scholarship Database and Grant Database, which both offer easy-to-use filters, current deadlines, and detailed eligibility information to help you discover the best Nursing scholarship opportunities. You can also download or export our latest Nursing Scholarship & Grant listings below.
Name: Healthcare Leaders Scholarship Award Amount: $1,000 (awarded once per year) Information and Eligibility: The Healthcare Leaders Scholarship,...
Deadline: October
Name: Coursey Enterprises Nursing Student Scholarships Award Amount: $250 per semester (Spring and Fall awards available) Information and...
Deadline: August
Name: DAR Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship Award Amount: $2,500 (one-time award; three scholarships granted annually) Information and...
Deadline: January
Name: Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association (FNSNA) – General Scholarship Award Amount: Typically $1,000–$7,500 per academic...
Deadline: January
Name: Brave of Heart Nursing Scholarship Award Amount: Up to $10,000 per year for BSN (full-time); up to $5,000 per year for ADN...
Deadline: May
Name: National Hispanic Health Foundation (NHHF) Health Professional Student Scholarship Award Amount: - $5,000 annually (renewable for up to four...
Deadline: Rolling
Name: Uniform Advantage - AACN Scholarship Award Amount: $5,000 $2,500 awarded in the fall and $2,500 awarded in the spring to eligible...
Deadline: January
Name: Scrubin Uniforms - AACN Scholarship Award Amount: $2,500 Scholarship awarded three times per year to eligible nursing...
Deadline: December
Name: QGenda - AACN Scholarship Award Amount: $5,000 Scholarship awarded three times per year to eligible nursing students. Information and...
Deadline: February
Name: NurseThink® - AACN Scholarship Award Amount: $5,000 Scholarship awarded twice per year. Information and Eligibility: The NurseThink® -...
Deadline: January
Name: Deborah E. Trautman Future Nurse Leader Scholarship Award Amount: $3,500 $2,000 for educational expenses, sent directly to the student. ...
Deadline: September
Name: Hurst Review - AACN Nursing Scholarship Award Amount: $2,500 (distributed twice yearly) Information and Eligibility: The Hurst Review and...
Deadline: SeptemberQuickly 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.