A nursing degree is a great way to ensure job security and a strong earnings potential — and the best scholarships for nursing school are one way to help pay for the education it takes to earn that degree. Since nurses are always in demand, many organizations and institutions offer funding to encourage students to pursue a career in healthcare and ensure a constant flow of new professionals into the system. For aspiring nurses, it pays to apply for all possible scholarships and grant opportunities to cut costs and reduce debt upon graduation.
Related resource: 50 Most Affordable Online RN to BSN Programs
1. Cameron Impact Scholarship
Eligibility
– U.S. citizen
– GPA of 3.7 or higher
– Graduating senior
– Enrolling full-time at an accredited four-year university
Administered by The Bryan Cameron Education Foundation, the Cameron Impact Scholarship is given to high school students who want to make a difference in the world using their education. This award covers four years and covers all tuition costs, making it a great option for students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing. During the selection process, committee members consider academic excellence and a record of leadership, extracurriculars, and community involvement. Apply by September 11th.
2. Doctoral Degree Scholarships in Cancer Nursing
Eligibility
– Licensed registered nurse
– Enrolled at an institution with a doctoral program
For graduate students who are looking to get a doctorate in cancer nursing research, the American Cancer Society offers the Doctoral Degree Scholarships in Cancer Nursing. Each recipient receives $15,000 each year for two years. After that, it’s possible to renew the grant for an additional two years. This program is designed to train the next generation of nurse scientists. Apply by October 15th.
3. Bethesda Scholarships
Eligibility
– Active member of a Lutheran church
– College junior or senior
– Enrolled at an accredited university
– Minimum GPA of 3.0
Each year, the Bethesda Auxiliary selects 10 students to receive $3,000 each — five undergraduate students and five graduate students. The winners are students who are pursuing an education that will enable them to serve people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Applications must be postmarked by May 15th, and decisions are announced by July 1st.
4. Truman Scholar Program
Eligibility
– College junior pursuing a bachelor’s degree
– U.S. citizen
– Strong academic and community service records
The Truman Scholar Program provides $30,000 to students who are planning to get a master’s degree in a service-related field, such as public health, social work, public policy, or public administration. Successful applicants are passionate about becoming an agent for change in serving the public. To apply, students must be nominated by their university. Applications are due by February 4th.
5. Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program
Eligibility
– Planning to teach in STEM fields
– Willing to get a teaching certificate
– Willing to teach for 4 years after graduation
For nursing students with an interest in teaching future generations of nurses and medical professionals, the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program is a possible source of funding. Under the Teacher Scholarships and Stipends Track, students can get money to cover the cost of school and a subsequent teaching certification or preparatory course. Keep in mind that the university must apply for this scholarship on your behalf; proposals are due by August 29th.
6. Ora Lee Sanders Scholarship
Eligibility
– U.S citizen
– Enrolled an accredited university by August before the semester starts
– Entering the first through fourth years of school
Awarded by the PUSH Excel Scholarship Program, the Ora Lee Sanders Scholarship goes to students who take an active role in their community. This award is given to celebrate teacher Ora Lee Sanders, who worked to help students attend college regardless of their high school record. Each award is $2,500; it can be renewed each year if the student maintains a 2.5 GPA. Applications are accepted between January 20th and April 15th.
7. Samuel Huntington Public Service Award
Eligibility
– Graduating from a U.S. college or university
– Planning a public service project
The Samuel Huntington Public Service Award gives $15,000 to recipients who are looking forward to a career in public service. This award is intended to give winners the freedom to take on a low-paying or non-paying project that serves the community before they move on to a job or graduate school. The money can be used anywhere in the world, making it a good choice for nurses who want to work in the U.S. or overseas. Submit applications by January 17th.
8. Blue Heart Fund STEM Scholarship Program
Eligibility
– High school senior
– Enrolled in a qualified educational institution
– Pursuing a STEM degree
This program gives $10,000 to high school seniors who are interested in getting a degree in a STEM field. Applicants must be nominated by an alliantgroup CPA partner. The process is competitive, so the committee encourages applicants to submit a video to help reviewers get to know them. All funds are paid directly to the winners’ schools. Keep in mind that applicants’ names and videos may be published on the alliantgroup, LP website, marketing materials, and social media profiles. Applications are due by April 6th.
9. ElmSTEM Scholarship
Eligibility
– Attending Elms College full-time
– Pursuing a STEM degree
Students at Elms College in Chicopee, Massachusetts can apply for the ElmSTEM program, which is funded by grant money from the National Science Foundation. This scholarship helps cover the costs of college for students who are pursuing degrees in STEM fields. In addition, it offers opportunities for research, internships, service-learning, and networking.
10. The Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship
Eligibility
– Demonstrated record of promoting vegetarianism as a way to build a more peaceful world
– Attending a U.S. college or university
This unique scholarship is awarded by The Vegetarian Resource Group to high school seniors who have made an effort to promote any form of vegetarianism. These actions might be in the school itself or in the community; applicants can focus on vegetarian and vegan lifestyles. The program offers one scholarship for $10,000 and two for $5,000; winners agree to have their names published in the media. Applications are due by February 20th.
Related resource: 30 Great Scholarships for Pre-Med Students
11. CBCF Louis Stokes Health Scholars Program
Eligibility
– Black or African-American
– U.S. citizen or permanent resident
– Currently enrolled full-time at an accredited four-year college
– 3.0 GPA or higher
– Pursuing a health-related degree
The CBCF Louis Stokes Health Scholars Program is given in partnership with the United Health Foundation. It offers students between $5,000 and $10,000 to cover the costs of becoming a primary healthcare provider. Applicants can be going for an undergraduate or graduate degree. Apply by April 3rd.
12. Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Scholarship
Eligibility
– Jewish
– Born and raised in the Chicago metro area or employed for at least one year in the area
– Plan to stay in the Chicago metro area
– Admitted to a full-time accredited graduate program or currently in a junior or senior year of a bachelor’s program
– Pursuing a helping profession
This scholarship is designed to assist Jewish students in joining helping professions, such as healthcare, education, or law. It helps fill the financial gap between the applicant’s current financial aid and the cost of attendance. When applying, plan to submit two letters of reference and be available for an interview. Apply by February 1st.
13. Felbry College School of Nursing Scholarships
Eligibility
– Graduate of Central Ohio High School
– 18+ years old
– Starting as a first-year student
– High school GPA of 3.0 or higher
– Demonstrated financial need
For students at Central Ohio High School, this scholarship is a valuable way to cover the costs of nursing school at Felbry College. Each of four winners receives up to $7,500 per year. Submit an application and transcript by August 1st.
14. National Black Nurses Association Scholarship Program
Eligibility
– Member of NBNA
– Enrolled in a nursing program
– Good academic standing
– Have at least one year of school left
The NBNA gives out a range of scholarships to nursing students every year; you can be considered for all of them with a single application. Most awards are $1,000; the biggest scholarship is $5,000. When applying, plan to submit a nursing school transcript, an essay, headshot, and two letters of recommendation. The committee also gives preference to students who are involved in nurse activities or the African American community. Applications are due by April 15th.
15. Bonnie Fang Nursing Scholarship
Eligibility
– Full-time nursing student
– Enrolled in a state-approved program in California or Nevada
– Legal U.S. citizen or permanent resident
The Bonnie Fang Foundation gives out two nursing scholarships each year, one to a student in Nevada and one to a student in California. Each award is $5,000. The application process requires students to upload a video and provide proof of financial need; finalists are invited to an interview. Applications are accepted until March 31st.
16. FHE Health “Hope for Healing” Scholarship
Eligibility
– Enrolled or accepted at a four-year or graduate degree program
– GPA of 3.0 or higher
– Focusing on mental and behavioral health, psychiatric nursing, or addiction medicine
For students who are planning to use their education to help people with addiction and mental health, the FHE Health “Hope for Healing” Scholarship is a good option. The program offers $5,000 to one graduate student and one undergraduate student. All funds are given directly to the university. Apply by March 15th to be considered.
17. March of Dimes Dr. Margaret C. Freda Graduate Nursing Scholarship Award
Eligibility
– Registered nurse
– Enrolled in a graduate program in maternal-child nursing
Get financial support for a graduate program in maternal-child nursing with the March of Dimes Dr. Margaret C. Freda Graduate Nursing Scholarship Award. This $5,000 award is designed to help students excel in caring for mothers and their children; it’s given in honor of Dr. Margaret C. Freda. The application due date is January 24th.
18. The Rick and Sherry Murray Medical Futures Scholarship
Eligibility
– Legal resident of Florida
– Close family member diagnosed with ALS
– Enrolled or accepted in an accredited medical or social work program
Given in honor of philanthropists and survivors Rick and Sherry Murray, this scholarship provides funds for students who have dealt with a family member’s diagnosis of ALS. It’s intended to help these students pursue a degree in healthcare. All applications must be submitted by July 10th.
19. EmpowHER Scholarship
Eligibility
– Identify as a woman, female, nonbinary, or gender nonconforming
– Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program
– Completed at least 60 credit hours
– Be the equivalent of a rising junior or higher
Designed to help future female leaders get an education, the EmpowHER Scholarship is given to people who are dedicated to making a difference in the world. The award is open to students at any institution, and preference is given to women who have completed three or fewer internships in the Washington D.C. area. Apply by February 1st.
20. Trythall Family Scholarship for Excellence in Continuing Education
Eligibility
– Live or work in one of these New Mexico counties: Bernalillo, Sandoval, Valencia, Torrance, or Santa Fe
– 25 or older
– Working and attending school
– 2.8 minimum GPA
– Pursuing bachelor’s or associate degree
– Completed at least 12 credit hours
The Trythall Family Scholarship for Excellence in Continuing Education has been given since 1989 when the family established the fund. The goal is to help people with financial need to pursue a degree that will help them achieve future career success. The foundation gives $3,000 each year to one or two students. The application deadline is June 4th.
With so many great funding options, aspiring nurses have many chances to reduce their college costs. By applying for all of the best scholarships for nursing school, you can reduce costs and keep your focus on the in-class and clinical education process.
View many more great scholarships here.
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