This snapshot pulls from CollegeWhale’s scholarship database and planning tools to show how many scholarships are available for Nursing majors, the total dollars listed, and how early-career pay compares to typical college costs.
We currently list 87 active scholarships tied to Nursing programs, sourced from professional groups, nonprofits, and private sponsors. New awards are added regularly.
The scholarships currently listed total approximately $363,250 in advertised award value. Many programs offer renewable or variable awards, so available funding may be higher over time.
Early-career median pay for Nursing graduates is about $94,000 per year. We estimate a typical 4-year net college cost around $108,584.
That means first-year earnings are roughly 87% of total college cost, with an estimated payback period of 1.2 years (before taxes and living expenses).
The average cost of in-of-state college in the United States is $27,146 per student per year, including books, supplies, and daily living expenses. Out-of-state students pay $45,708 per year. Private, nonprofit university students pay $58,628.
According to data provided by educationdata.org as of 8/2025. Our ROI calculation is based on in-state average tuition. Median pay statistics are provided by bls.gov
The CollegeWhale Scholarship FastFind™ makes it easy to discover the best Nursing 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.
The Colorado Nurses Foundation (CNF) Scholarships are designed to advance the nursing profession within the state of Colorado by providing financial support to nursing students and registered nurses pursuing further education. As the philanthropic arm dedicated to supporting Colorado nurses,
Award: Varies Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Low (13 min)The Michigan Nurses Foundation (MNF) Scholarship provides financial assistance to nursing students currently enrolled in accredited nursing programs within the state of Michigan. Administered by the Michigan Nurses Foundation, this scholarship is designed to support students who are actively progressing
Award: Varies Deadline: June Est. Application Time: Low (13 min)The Kentucky Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund (NISF) is administered annually by the Kentucky Board of Nursing to support Kentucky residents enrolled in approved nursing programs. The scholarship was created to address critical nursing workforce needs across the Commonwealth while providing
Award: Varies Deadline: May Est. Application Time: Low (23 min)The AAPACN Education Foundation Academic Nursing Scholarships are designed to support nurses and nursing professionals who are committed to improving the quality of life and care for residents in post-acute and long-term care settings. Through education scholarships and research grants,
Award: $5,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Low (10 min)The Heartfelt Dreams Foundation Academic Nursing Scholarship was established to support nurses and nursing students who are dedicated to advancing cardiac care for individuals living with congenital heart defects. The scholarship reflects the Foundation’s deep appreciation for the essential role
Award: $5,000 Deadline: September Est. Application Time: Low (23 min)The NADONA/LTC Nurse Scholarship, sponsored by PharMerica, is designed to support nursing students who are committed to careers in long-term care and geriatric nursing. Formerly known as the Stephanie Carroll Scholarship, this award honors the legacy of nurse leaders within
Award: $5,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Low (13 min)The American Indian Medical Scholarship (AIMS) is a long-standing national scholarship program created to support students of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian descent who are pursuing careers in healthcare, nursing, or health education. Officially adopted as a national
Award: $1,500 Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Med (33 min)The Exceptional Nurse Scholarships are designed to support nursing students with documented disabilities who are pursuing higher education in nursing. Offered through ExceptionalNurse.com, these scholarships recognize academic ability, perseverance, and dedication to the nursing profession while helping reduce financial barriers
Award: $250 Deadline: June Est. Application Time: Med (78 min)The National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) Scholarship Programs provide financial assistance to nursing students and graduate-level nurses who demonstrate academic promise, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving health outcomes within Hispanic and Latino communities. These scholarships are awarded
Award: Varies Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Med (48 min)The Indian Health Service (IHS) Scholarship Program is a federally administered program created to support American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing careers in healthcare. The program’s primary mission is to educate, train, and retain qualified health professionals who are
Award: Varies Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Low (10 min)The DiversityNursing.com Education Award is designed to support nurses and nursing students who are actively contributing to the healthcare workforce or preparing to do so through formal nursing education. Offered annually, this award reflects DiversityNursing.com’s ongoing commitment to advancing diversity,
Award: $5,000 Deadline: May Est. Application Time: Med (33 min)The NursingColleges.com Scholarship, presented by Sechel Ventures, is designed to support nursing students who are preparing for careers in a rapidly growing and increasingly vital healthcare profession. As demand continues to rise for registered nurses and advanced practice nurses, this
Award: $2,500 Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Low (13 min)This comprehensive collection of Nursing scholarships and grants for the 2026 - 2027 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.
Nursing scholarships and grants help aspiring and current nurses fund their education without taking on significant student loan debt. With demand for qualified nurses rising across the country, countless organizations are committed to helping students enter — or advance within — the nursing profession through financial support. From federal and state programs to private foundations, hospitals, and nursing associations, these awards offer crucial assistance to students pursuing everything from entry-level certificates to doctoral degrees.
Nursing scholarships can be awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, leadership potential, professional goals, or a commitment to serving communities in need. Grants, on the other hand, are primarily need-based and do not require repayment. Together, these resources make nursing education more affordable for students at every level.
Whether you’re pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or an advanced practice degree such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), scholarships and grants can reduce your costs significantly. Many programs also support specific groups — such as military veterans, minority students, single parents, and nurses who agree to practice in underserved areas.
This guide highlights the most popular and impactful scholarships and grants for nursing students, helping you identify the right opportunities for your personal, academic, and career goals.
Yes, full-ride scholarships are available for nursing students — and they are more common than many people realize. Full-ride programs typically cover tuition, fees, textbooks, clinical supplies, and sometimes housing and living expenses. In many cases, they are funded by government agencies or institutions that need to strengthen nursing workforce pipelines.
Examples include:
Full-ride scholarships are ideal for students who want to avoid student loan debt while committing to service, research, leadership, or clinical excellence.
Government grants provide powerful financial support for nursing students, especially those with financial need. These grants do not require repayment, making them some of the most valuable funding sources.
Key programs include:
Students should complete the FAFSA early to maximize their eligibility for these federal and state grants.
Yes. “Free money” for nursing school refers to funds that do not require repayment — including scholarships, grants, workforce development awards, and employer tuition assistance.
Common sources include:
Combining multiple sources of free funding can significantly reduce — or eliminate — the need for student loans.
Yes. Nursing scholarships for older students support individuals returning to school, changing careers, or advancing professionally later in life. These awards recognize the experience, maturity, and dedication that non-traditional students bring to the nursing profession.
Examples include:
Older students often qualify for additional aid because they may have dependents, reduced income due to school enrollment, or unique financial need profiles reflected on the FAFSA.
Minority nursing scholarships support underrepresented students entering the healthcare workforce. These programs help close equity gaps, build a culturally competent nursing workforce, and strengthen healthcare access in diverse communities.
Examples include:
Many minority-focused scholarships also include mentorship, networking, and leadership development opportunities.
The HRSA Nursing Scholarship Program, also known as the NURSE Corps Scholarship Program, is one of the most impactful financial aid programs for nursing students with financial need.
The program covers:
In exchange, recipients commit to working in a Critical Shortage Facility — such as a community clinic, public hospital, or rural health center — after graduation. This service-first model helps strengthen nursing workforce capacity where it is needed most.
Yes. Undergraduate nursing students — whether ADN or BSN candidates — have access to dozens of scholarships.
Popular awards include:
Undergraduates should also apply for federal grants via the FAFSA, which can significantly reduce costs.
Graduate-level nursing students often qualify for specialized scholarships supporting advanced practice roles, research, and clinical leadership.
Examples include:
These scholarships help reduce the high cost of advanced nursing degrees.
Male nurses remain underrepresented in the profession, and several organizations offer scholarships to support their entry and advancement in nursing.
Examples include:
These programs encourage greater gender diversity and balance in nursing.
Single parents pursuing nursing degrees face unique challenges balancing school, work, and caregiving. Several tailored scholarships help reduce their financial burden.
Examples include:
These awards make nursing education more accessible for parents seeking career stability.
Students who wish to work in underserved communities can apply for specialized scholarships focused on public health and healthcare equity.
Key programs include:
These programs align with service-focused nursing careers.
Applying for nursing scholarships is easier when you stay organized and strategic.
Follow these steps:
A well-crafted scholarship application can significantly reduce or eliminate nursing school costs.
Reviewed by CollegeWhale Editorial Team on November, 2025. Content is updated regularly to reflect current scholarship deadlines and verified data from official sources.