The path to becoming a nurse is a rigorous and often expensive one, which may cause debt and deter students from completing the needed certification. Fortunately, many schools offer help to students are pursuing a nursing career and who qualify.
Below you will find 50 great scholarships that schools offer to their nursing students in order to help them with financial support. Nursing students can get the assistance they need to finish school and help meet the demand in our healthcare system. Find out if any of these can help you, or someone you know, complete nursing school.
1. DUSON Graduate Need-Based Scholarship
This scholarship provides help with tuition to students at Duke University who are pursuing their Master’s or Doctor of Nursing degree. The applicants must be able to demonstrate a significant financial need in order to apply. The scholarships cover $8,400 to $16,800 in tuition costs, which is divided over six semesters of the program. For nurses in the Anesthesia program, it covers nine semesters. For nurses who are in their Master’s or Doctoral program, it will cover 12 semesters. To be eligible, a student must be enrolled in the program and be in financial need, based on the FAFSA Expected Family Contribution.
DUSON Graduate Need-Based Scholarship
2. NC Community College Faculty Scholarship
This scholarship is for any student pursuing a Master’s in Nursing Education. He or she must be a faculty member in a community college located in North Carolina. The scholarship, which is funded by Duke University, covers 15 per cent of the cost of the program. To be eligible, students must be in an MSN-Nursing Education program.
NC Community College Facility Scholarship
3. The University Scholars Program
This scholarship has existed at Duke University since 1998, and was started with a gift by Melinda French Gates and her husband Bill Gates. Students in an undergraduate, graduate or professional school are selected based on their academic aspirations and innovation. The award covers full tuition and all fees, room and board and can be renewed after four years. It also offers $7,000 for research and educational enrichment programs.
The University Scholars Program
4. Alumni Association of the Bronson Methodist Hospital School of Nursing
This scholarship is available to anyone who is an alumni of the Bronson Methodist Hospital School of Nursing and is attending Western Michigan University. It is awarded to any part-time or full-time nursing student, and is renewable for up to four years. The award amount is determined by the available funds for the year. Everyone who applies for this scholarship must have a GPA of at least 3.0 to qualify.
Alumni Association of the Bronson Methodist Hospital School of Nursing
5. Anastasia E. Schauer Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is for any undergraduate student attending Western Michigan University, with a preference given to students who are transferring from the Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The award amount depends on the available funds, and to qualify the student must have a GPA of at least 3.0.
Anastasia E. Schauer Memorial Scholarship
6. Borgess Excellence in Nursing
In order to qualify for this scholarship, students must show that there is a financial need for it. The recipient must participate in the Borgess Nurse Extern Program at the Western Michigan University. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, and students must have at least a 3.0 GPA to qualify. The award amount is dependent on the available funds for the given year.
7. Bronson Health Foundation
At Western Michigan University, this scholarship is given to full-time undergraduate nursing students who are also residents of Kalamazoo County. The award is renewable for up to three years, and the award amount is never lower than $500, nor greater than $2,000. In order to qualify, students must show that they have a GPA of over 3.0. The scholarship is also available for renewal for up to three years in total.
8. Nicole Jennings Scholarship of Nursing
This scholarship is available through Western Michigan University and has several criteria attached to it. First, the student must be a full-time undergraduate student and must show a financial need for the scholarship. She must also have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and be a graduate of a Michigan or Wisconsin high school. It is only available for one year, and the award is presented every fall semester. The total award amount is based on available funds at the time.
Nicole Jennings Scholarship of Nursing
9. Sidney and Sharie Falan Scholarship
This scholarship is given to members of Student Nursing Associate or Lee Honors College, with preference given to students who have enrolled in 3000 level courses and above. Preference is given to students in nursing administration, nursing leadership or nursing informatics. In order to qualify, students must have a 3.5 or above GPA. In addition, they need to complete a 250-word typed essay about technology in health care delivery. The award amount is based on how much is available at the time.
Sidney and Sharie Falan Scholarship
10. NNSDO Scholarship from Western Governors University
This scholarship is available at Western Governors University, a college which is a member of the National Nursing Staff Development Organization. The scholarship is for up to $2,000 for students earning a bachelor or master’s degree in nursing or health care. In order to qualify, along with being a member of the organization, students must complete an application for admission and then interview with a Western Governors University counselor before a decision is made. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years.
NNSDO Scholarship from Western Governors University
11. Danville Community College Nursing Scholarships
The Danville Community College Educational Foundation offers a variety of scholarships to their students, including several specific to students pursuing nursing. They are awarded to students who will attend Danville Community College in Virginia. The deadlines for the scholarships vary.
Danville Community College Nursing Scholarships
12. Abell-Hanger Foundation Nursing Awards
This scholarship is for students who are in the Texas Interscholastic League Foundation and need financial help to continue in their nursing program. The award requirements include an SAT/ACT score of 1650/24 or higher, with preference given to applicants from 56 West Texas Counties. Awards are $8,000 each, payable in installments of $2,000 each semester for the first two years.
Abell-Hanger Foundation Nursing Awards
13. William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarship Fund For Geriatric Nurse Practitioners
This scholarship is provided to part-time or full-time graduate students who are enrolled in a nurse program at NYU, and are interested in geriatric nursing. The award must be used for tuition, cannot be deferred, and can be made up for two years. The application deadline is September 27. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or above, must have completed one semester at NYUCN, and must submit a resume highlighting their leadership potential through community and NYUCN activities. A recommendation from the APC MS Program Coordinator is also required.
William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarship Fund For Geriatric Nurse Practitioners
14. William and Evelyn Frissell Scholarship
This scholarship is available to NYU College of Nursing PhD students who are writing their theses on research related to Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or geriatric nursing. Four students can earn this $5,000 award each year. The awards are merit-based and students must have a 3.0 GPA or above. They also must submit a letter of recommendation, resume and a one to three page statement about their interest in Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The deadline for this scholarship is April 11.
William and Evelyn Frissell Scholarship
16. The Cynthia Davis Sculco Scholarship for Undergraduate Nursing Students
The Cynthia Davis Sculco Scholarship for Undergraduate Nursing Students provides support for top academic achievers at the NYU College of Nursing. Awards cannot be deferred or renewed, and they are based on financial need and merit. The award amount varies, and the deadline is November 8. In order to qualify, students must be enrolled full time at the NYU nursing program, complete a free application for federal student aid and have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA at the time of sending in their application. The student must also include a 500 word statement about why they should be considered for the scholarship.
The Cynthia Davis Sculco Scholarship for Undergraduate Nursing Students
17. Susan Ken Leddy Memorial Scholarship Fund
This scholarship is provided through the NYU College of Nursing and is open to all part-time and full-time students enrolled in PhD and DNP programs. The applicant must be committed to research or teaching. There is no minimum GPA requirement for this scholarship and the deadline is November 15 for the fall, and December 20 for the spring. In all, the award amounts vary in amounts up to $1,500.
Susan Ken Leddy Memorial Scholarship Fund
18. Margret S. Wolf Hirschberg Scholarship
This scholarship is provided to students at the NYU College of Nursing. It provides financial support to graduate level students who demonstrate a commitment to teaching in the nursing profession and who obtain their Master’s Degree in nursing education. Only one award is provided each academic semester and the amount will vary. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or better, and they must submit a brief personal statement on their goals and commitment to teaching in nursing.
Margret Wolf Hirschberg Scholarship
19. Jacqueline Fawcett Award in Nursing Science
This award is open to all part-time and full-time PhD students at NYU College of Nursing who have passed their dissertation proposal review. They must be conducting research in nursing theory and have a GPA of 3.0 or greater. In their application, they must submit their abstract of the proposal, a letter of support from their chairperson, and a statement regarding how the funds will be used to support their scholarship. The award amount varies each year, up to $2,500. The funds are made available once per year, and are not renewed. The application deadline is September 15.
Jacqueline Fawcett Award in Nursing Science
20. Harriet Heilbrunn Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship is available to NYU College of Nursing students who are in their junior or senior year. The scholarship is for $5,000 and is based on the student’s academic merit, their commitment to nursing and their interest in public health. The scholarship is awarded to ten seniors and ten juniors in the academic year. Students must have a 3.0 or higher for their GPA to qualify. The deadline is August 30.
Harriet Heilbrunn Nursing Scholarship
21. Charles W. Greenidge FRCS Scholarship Fund for Cardio vascular Nursing
This scholarship is provided to any NYU nursing student who demonstrates a strong commitment towards the advancement of cardiovascular nursing. Funds are made available for one academic year or semester, awards cannot be deferred and are not automatically renewed. The applicant must have completed one semester at NYU, and must be in good academic standing. The deadline for this scholarship is December 6.
Charles W. Greenidge FRCS Scholarship Fund for Cardio vascular Nursing
22. Ellen D. Baer Scholarship
This scholarship is open to all part-time and full-time doctoral students. The scholarship can be applied to tuition, books, housing, transportation or doctoral student expenses. The award amount can vary each year, and preference is given to first-time students at NYU College of Nursing. Awards are made once per year, and cannot be deferred. Recipients will be required to attend the Student Awards Reception in the spring. The deadline for this application is September 15.
23. Fred Schmidt Award
This scholarship is provided to PhD nursing students at NYU who are working with a faculty member, or independently, on research that relates to the improvement of the quality of life in people with terminal illnesses. The award helps to offset PhD expenses, and the amount will vary. Recipients of the award must also attend the Student Awards Reception in the spring semester. Further requirements for the award are a letter of support from a chairperson, an abstract on the research being done, a statement on how the funds will be used and a GPA over 3.0.
24. Greenidge Endowed Fund for International Education Scholarship
This scholarship provides support for the study abroad program that enables NYU nursing students to experience health care conditions in other countries. Awards are made for one academic year, they cannot be deferred and are not automatically renewed. Applicants must be in a matriculated undergraduate, masters or doctoral degree programs, be in good academic standing, have a one page letter identifying their goals for study abroad, and the amount of funds being sought with a statement of financial need. The deadline for this scholarship is September 15.
Greenidge Endowed Fund for International Education Scholarship
25. The David J. Knight and Joseph P. Colagreco HIV Nursing Scholarship Fund
This scholarship is available to NYU students who are looking at HIV/AIDS nursing, or conducting research in HIV/AIDS nursing. Funds are for one academic year. In order to apply, students must be in good academic standing and must complete an application form that states their interest in HIV/AIDS patients, provides evidence of financial need and shows their good academic standing. The amount provided varies by the year and the application deadline is October 25.
The David J. Knight and Joseph P. Colagreco HIV Nursing Scholarship Fund
26. Fuld Fellowship in Patient Care Quality Safety Scholarships
The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing offers 20 scholarships of $16,000 each to students who are interested in leadership development programs designed to produce new nurses. The fellowship is for students who have been accepted into the Accelerated Bachelor’s Program. All admitted students are considered for the award and there is no application required. If you enroll, you are up for the scholarship.
Fuld Fellowship in Patient Care Quality Safety Scholarships
27. School of Nursing Grant
This grant is available to any student in the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing who shows financial need. In order to be eligible for this grant, the student must be a US citizen, permanent resident or an eligible non-citizen. The applicant must be enrolled either part-time or full-time at the school and be in good standing.
28. Merit Scholarship for Bachelor’s Students
This scholarship is provided to students of Johns Hopkins School of Nursing to help cover half the tuition costs of qualified students. Applicants must be in good academic standing, showing excellence in their coursework, as well as leadership and extracurricular involvement. The scholarship is renewable for up to four semesters and the amount provided depends on available funds within the university. There is no application required for this scholarship.
Merit Scholarship for Bachelor’s Students
29. Coverdell Peace Corps Fellows
This scholarship offers admission to a Bachelor’s program at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, as long as the student can provide documentation to the Office of Admissions showing that she was in the Peace Corps. Recipients will receive $12,500 in scholarship funds, of which several are handed out each semester. There is no application process for this beyond proof of Peace Corps service.
30. Jefferson Public Citizens Program
Available to any University of Virginia undergraduate student, this program provides up to $30,000 for supplies, travel expenses and stipends for research projects. This program is available for any student who is attending the school, including in the nursing program. Students must have a research topic, facility advisor or community partner. The deadline for this scholarship varies depending on the year.
Jefferson Public Citizens Program
31. The Susan McDonald Nursing Student Research Award
This scholarship is available to anyone who is an undergraduate nursing student in their first, second, or third year at the University of Virginia. The money is to provide funds for nursing students who are conducting research or assisting faculty with research in some way. In total, the value of the scholarship is $2,500 and the deadline for applying is March 15.
The Susan McDonald Nursing Student Research Award
32. The Nancy Ballard Award
This award is provided to any undergrad or grad nursing student who is a member of Beta Kappa, the UVA’s chapter of Sigma Theta Tau. Selection for this award is based on the scholarship and academic achievements of the student. In addition, the student must detail how he will make use of the money. The deadline for this is January 15, and the award amounts to $1,000 in total.
33. The Rodriguez Nursing Student Research and Leadership Fund
This scholarship is provided to an undergrad or graduate nursing student who is conducting research at the University of Virginia. It is also available to students conducting research abroad. The total amount of this scholarship amounts to $3,000 and the deadline for it is March 1.
The Rodriguez Nursing Student Research and Leadership Fund
34. The Tabitha Grier Medical Assistance Fund
A different type of “scholarship,” the Tabitha Grier Medical Assistance Fund is available for University of Virginia Nursing alumni who are in need of help with personal medical expenses and bills. The amounts will vary, but the applicant’s income must be less than $25,000 per year to qualify.
The Tabitha Grier Medical Assistance Fund
35. Dorothy K. Parker Nursing Scholarship Endowment
This scholarship is for any Nursing MSN or PhD student who is attending the University of East Tennessee. The student must be a full time student and be showing future promise and potential as a nursing professional. In addition, the student must have at least a 3.0 GPA. The amount varies by the year, and all applications must be in by May 31.
Dorothy K. Parker Nursing Scholarship Endowment
36. The George Foundation Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship is provided to students at the University of Houston-Victoria School of Nursing. Undergraduates are eligible for this scholarship and there is no financial need requirement for it. The applicant must be a second year full-time student from Fort Bend county, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The award amount is $3,000 and the deadline is May 1.
The George Foundation Nursing Scholarship
37. Vivian L. Smith Foundation Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship is available for undergraduates at the University of Houston-Victoria and its campuses. There is no financial requirement, and the scholarship is open to second degree BSN students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who are enrolled full-time at the school. The award is for $3,000 in total and the application deadline is May 1.
Vivian L. Smith Foundation Nursing Scholarship
38. Duke School of Nursing Informatics Scholarship
This scholarship is for students enrolled in the Duke University School of Nursing MSN in Informatics Program or the Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics program. The scholarship amounts vary and may also provide a stipend and financial assistance towards health insurance. The applicant must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. The application deadline is December 1.
Duke School of Nursing Informatics Scholarship
39. Clare and Gary Walderman Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship is provided to any Northwest Vista College student who is a sophomore pre-nursing major. A minimum of a 3.5 GPA is required and the applicant must be enrolled full time in a nursing course. The deadline and the amount that is provided will vary based on the year.
Clare and Gary Walderman Nursing Scholarship
40. Ann Probst Bissett Endowed Scholarship for Women
This scholarship is provided to any San Antonio College student who is enrolled, either part-time or full-time, in a nursing or medical training program. The requirement for this scholarship is a minimum 2.0 GPA. The amount and deadline varies by the year for this scholarship.
Ann Probst Bissett Endowed Scholarship for Women
41. Evelyn Wooley Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship is available to any San Antonio College student who is in a nursing major. The student must demonstrate a financial need for this scholarship that helps pay for the tuition and course supplies. The student must have completed at least three flex terms, must be enrolled full-time or part-time, and must have at least a 3.5 GPA. The amount that is awarded varies by the year, as does the deadline.
Evelyn Wooley Endowed Scholarship
42. Eugene and Maxine Hines Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship is non-endowed and is provided to any nursing major at St. Phillips College in San Antonio, Texas. The student must show that he has a financial need for the scholarship, which would be used for tuition and school supplies. In addition, the student must be enrolled full-time, be accepted into the St. Phillips College Nursing Program, and be a resident of San Antonio. A minimum 2.0 GPA is also required. The deadline changes based on the year, as does the amount that is awarded.
Eugene and Maxine Hines Nursing Scholarship
43. Ryan R. Gibbs Endowed Scholarship
The Ryan R. Gibbs scholarship is available to full-time BSN students at Texas A&M University. The scholarship is available to those students who are in good standing and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. The scholarship provides support to students who are especially inclined to incorporate fine arts and/or holistic methods in their nursing practice. The award amounts vary for this scholarship and the application deadline is May 30.
Ryan R. Gibbs Endowed Scholarship
44. The Nye Scholarship
The Nye Scholarship, named for Erle and Alice Nye, is a scholarship that will support a nursing student’s education with funds as they are available. In order to qualify for this program,the applicant must be in the nursing program at Texas A&M, pursing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and must also must be in good standing with their academics.
45. Edmund Francis and Willie Mae Quinlan Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship, also available to full-time Texas A&M nursing students, provides $5,000 per year to qualified applicants. Preference is given to students who are from Washington or Harris County in Texas. The award is given out in the fall and spring. In order to qualify for this scholarship, students must be attending Texas A&M, have a GPA over 3.25, and have completed the prerequisite course work at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.
Edmund Francis and Willie Mae Quinlan Nursing Scholarship
46. Shawn Mohr Passion For Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship is provided to students who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in nursing at Texas A&M College of Nursing. Preference is given to the students who show a strong liking, desire, devotion and passion for nursing. In order to be eligible, beyond being a full-time student at the college, students must demonstrate in writing why they feel they have a passion for nursing.In addition, recipients must have at least a 3.25 GPA to receive the scholarship for the upcoming year.
Shawn Mohr Passion For Nursing Scholarship
47. Kim Noonan Scholarship
This scholarship, available through Loyola University Chicago, was created to support advanced nursing education to a registered nurse who exemplifies a unique ability to encourage patients who are facing life with a serious illness. The scholarship is a one-time $6,000 award for an MSN student.
48. Westlake Nursing Scholarship/Honorable Thomas A. Hett Scholarship
These two scholarships are for nursing students attending Loyola University Chico Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing. The purpose of the scholarships is to provide funding to students so they can enhance health and health care in the communities of West Suburban Cook County. In order to qualify, students must be enrolled in the undergraduate or graduate nursing program, and need to provide proof of residency for the past three years in West Suburban Cook County.
Westlake Nursing Scholarship/Honorable Thomas A. Hett Scholarship
49. Ruth Bryant Endowed Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship is named for Ruth Bryant, who was the assistant director and faculty member of the Good Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing. This scholarship, with the amount varying each year depending on available funds, provides financial assistance to a deserving and needy nursing student at Linfield-Good Samaritan School of Nursing. The student must have demonstrated a commitment to the highest ideals of nursing. The scholarship is awarded to students who are in their junior year, and are in the top 33 per cent of their class. Applicants must also demonstrate commitment to nursing as a profession, commitment to family values and religious faith.
Ruth Bryant Endowed Nursing Scholarship
50. The Lloydena Grimes Nursing Scholarship Fund
This scholarship was established in 1970, and is named for Miss Grimes, who spent 30 years as the Director of the Good Samaritan School of Nursing. The scholarship is used to help a student in need pay for their tuition so that they can attend the Linfield-Good Samaritan School of Nursing. The amount varies based on the available funds in a year, and the deadline varies as well.