The 50 Best Nursing Scholarships

Available to: The APHSP is available to potential nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse midwives who attend a California Board or committee-approved program.

Requirements:

• Be enrolled in a minimum of six units, or its equivalent until program completion;
• Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or greater until program completion;
• Graduate after June 30, 2022;
• Not have any other existing service obligations with other entities, including other HCAI programs;
• Not be in breach of any other health professional service obligation;
• Commit to providing a twelve-month service obligation in a medically under-served area upon graduating;
• Provide 32 hours or more per week of direct patient care upon graduating.

How to apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: The AfterCollege/AACN Scholarship is for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in nursing. Special consideration will go to graduate students who want to be nurse educators, students completing an RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MSN program, and those enrolled in an accelerated program.

Requirements: All applicants must be enrolled (not just accepted) at an AACN member institution. To check if your school is a member, see AACN Members.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: The ANNA Career Mobility Scholarship is available for ANNA members who are in the pursuit of either a BSN or advanced degree.

Requirements:

• Current full member of ANNA, having been a member for a minimum of the last 2 years as of the awards/scholarship application deadline date;
• Actively involved in nephrology nursing related health care services;
• Accepted or enrolled in a baccalaureate or higher degree program in nursing.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: The AORN Scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a career in perioperative nursing. The student has to be enrolled in an accredited bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree program.

Requirements: Applicants need to be interested in perioperative nursing and plan on continuing their education in the field. They must have a 3.0 GPA or higher. Applicants with financial needs are given more of a priority.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: Students who are pursuing a degree in the medical field.

Requirements:

• Citizen of the United States or in possession of an Alien Registration Card;
• High school senior or enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university;
• Achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0;
• Pursuing a degree in the medical field such as therapy, nursing, medicine, nutrition, laboratory science, dentistry, health law, etc.

Although all students with the above criteria are welcome to apply for this scholarship, preference will be given to students with a physical disability.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: This scholarship is awarded to non-traditional, full-time students pursuing undergraduate degrees in nursing.

Requirements: Students must have started their undergraduate studies three years or more after graduating from high school.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: The Coursey Enterprises Student Scholarship is for first-year nursing students enrolled in an RN or LPN program.

Requirements: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: The DARE to Soar Mobility Scholarship is available to American Nephrology Nurse Association (ANNA) members pursuing a bachelor’s or graduate degree.

Requirements:

• Current full member of ANNA, having been a member for a minimum of the last 2 years as of the awards/scholarship application deadline date;
• Actively involved in nephrology nursing related health care services;
• Accepted or enrolled in a baccalaureate or higher degree program in nursing.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: The DAR Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship is for students who have been accepted or are currently enrolled in an accredited school of nursing and are in financial need.

Requirements: Students need to prove financial need and provide a letter of acceptance to a nursing program or current transcript.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: The ENA Foundation Scholarships are available to members and nonmembers seeking to further their education with degrees ranging from associates to doctoral degrees, as well as conference scholarships for members interested in attending ENA’s annual education and networking event.

Requirements: Applicants must be Emergency Nurses Association members in good academic standing, along with additional criteria.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: The scholarship is available to current U.S. students. These scholarships typically reflect a specific area of specialization within the nursing profession such as oncology, critical care, emergency nursing, or a certain population of the nursing profession that is often underrepresented who plan on focusing on a specialty area.

Requirements:

• Students currently enrollment and matriculated in a state-approved nursing program leading to an associate degree, baccalaureate, diploma, direct-entry master’s degree; or enrolled in an RN to BSN completion, RN to MSN completion, or LPN/LVN to RN program;

(Matriculation means the student has applied to and has been admitted into a state-approved nursing program. Students in an accelerated program must graduate after July 1, 2022, to be eligible.)

• Pre-nursing students taking courses to prepare for matriculation into a nursing program;
• Attending classes and taking no less than six (6) credits per semester;
• Involvement in student nursing organizations and/or community health activities;
• Document academic achievement;
• Establish financial need;
• U.S. Citizen or Alien with U.S. Permanent Resident Status/Alien Registration Number;
• High school students are not eligible to apply;
• Funds are not available for graduate study unless it is for a first degree in nursing

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: This scholarship is for students enrolled in a bachelor’s or higher degree program accredited with the AACN member institution affiliated with CastleBranch.

Requirements:

1. Maintain at least a 3.2 grade point average in current program or at last school attended;
2. Be admitted or enrolled in a baccalaureate or higher degree nursing program at an AACN member institution affiliated with CastleBranch, OR have submitted your application to a nursing school through NursingCAS.

How to apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: Any undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a healthcare-related field of study.

Requirements: Applications will be reviewed by scholarship staff. Candidates are judged on academic history, extracurricular activities, employment history & essay. Here is a quick breakdown of all criteria involved in picking winning candidates:

• Completed Registration
• Completed Essay
• Work History and Activities
• GPA (min 3.2 on a 4.0 scale)

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: These two scholarships are available to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in nursing.

Requirements: Applicants must agree to work in a critical shortage facility after graduation. Students must also be U.S. citizens and enrolled full-time. Additionally, applicants must have a goal of being a physician, dentist, nurse practitioner, nurse-midwife, or physician assistant.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: The scholarship program is available to prelicensure students enrolled at member AACN schools. Visit this website to find out if a school is a member.

Requirements: Applicants must be enrolled in an AACN school.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: Members of the American Nephrology Nurses’ Association who are pursuing a BSN or advanced degree in nursing.

Requirements:

• Candidates must apply for the scholarship;
• Current full member of ANNA, having been a member for a minimum of the last 2 years as of the awards/scholarship application deadline date;
• Accepted or enrolled in a baccalaureate or higher degree program in nursing.

How to apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: Non-advanced practice level registered nurses working in bone marrow transplantation by providing financial assistance to attend nursing continuing professional development that will further the nurses’ professional goals as they relate to transplant nursing.

Requirements:

• Currently employed as a registered nurse working in bone marrow transplantation with a minimum of 75% devoted to direct patient care. Preference will be given to non-advanced practice (bedside) nurses; 
• One or more years in BMT nursing practice prior to application due date.

How to apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: Members of the American Nephrology Nurses’ Association who are pursuing a BSN or advanced degree in nursing.

Requirements:

• Candidates must apply for the scholarships;
• Current full member of ANNA, having been a member for a minimum of the last 2 years as of the awards/scholarship application deadline date;
• Actively involved in nephrology nursing related health care services;
• Accepted or enrolled in a baccalaureate or higher degree program in nursing;
• For NNCC Career Mobility Scholarships, candidates must hold current certification through the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC).

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: This scholarship is available for current students in an undergraduate nursing degree program at an accredited college or university, and high school students who have been accepted into a college and plan to study nursing.

Requirements: All applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and be a legal resident of the USA or hold a valid student visa.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested. Submit an application online along with an essay. This is an essay contest with a different topic each year.

Available to: This scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students who are members of SHAPE America. Applicants must be majoring in the field of health, physical education, recreation, or dance.

Requirements:

• Applicant must be a current member of SHAPE America. Graduate students may join at the time of application;
• Applicant must be majoring in the field of health, physical education, recreation or dance;
• Applicant must be enrolled in a matriculated full-time master’s or doctoral program (Doctoral candidates working on their dissertation must be no more than one year beyond coursework completion);
• Applicant must have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 overall on a 4.0-grade point scale.

How to Apply: Complete the graduate or undergraduate online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: This scholarship is available to nursing students enrolled in an accredited nursing program who are pursuing Long Term Care or Geriatrics.

Requirements:

• Applicants must practice in long-term care/post-acute care for at least two years after graduation;
• Applicants must submit with their application, a double-spaced typed/word-processed essay of no less than 100 words that addresses why the candidate wants to become a nurse and their commitment to the nursing profession, including goals for nursing career after graduation.

How to apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: This scholarship will be awarded to students and practitioners who are seeking a degree to actively treat patients.

Requirements:

• Must be a resident of the 50 United States, Puerto Rico or the District of Columbia;
• Graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited two-year or four-year college or university, graduate schools, or vocational/technical schools;
• Must be enrolled in a health care related field;
• If the applicant is a graduate student: must provide proof of enrollment to a graduate program in health education, medical school, public health, nursing, and/or pharmacy degree program;
• Must have completed at least one year of undergraduate work or graduate studies by the spring semester of the year that they apply;
• Must have one or more years of school remaining.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested. More information can be found here.

Available to: This scholarship is available to women enrolled in a program leading to a degree in medicine or health sciences

Requirements:

• Submit three letters of recommendation;
• Official transcripts from all universities/colleges attended;
• Essay of 150 words or more addressing information about themselves, community service activities, educational goals and aspirations;
• Copy of W-2 form;
• Must prove community service hours.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: Female applicants must be enrolled in nursing or health sciences programs.

Requirements:

• Applicant must be a woman enrolled full-time;
• Three letters of recommendation;
• Transcript;
• 150-word essay;
• Pproof of enrollment.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: These four scholarships are part of THE STEPHEN BUFTON MEMORIAL EDUCATIONAL FUND for women who are pursuing post-secondary educational goals as well as ongoing professional development in order to support their career advancement and to help them become the role models, mentors, and leaders of the future. The National Scholarship in Honor of First Responders is available to those pursuing a medical (nursing, technology) degree.

Requirements:

• Female, U.S. citizen;
• At least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale;
• At least a college Freshman in August 2022;
• Attending an accredited U.S. college or university that offers at least a baccalaureate degree in August 2022;
• For the National Scholarship in Honor of First Responders – must be going into the medical field (nursing, technology, etc.).

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Requirements:

• Financial Need (18 Points) 
• Academic Status (8 Points)
• Workload (4 Points)
• Resume (5 Points)
• Certifications (5 Points)
• Professional Associations (10 Points)
• Volunteer & Community Services (10 Points)
• Honors, Awards & Scholarships (5 Points)
• Personal Statement (20 Points) – 500 words
• Reference Letter (10 Points) – 300 words

Deadline: Visit the AAMN website for details (usually around August)

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: This scholarship is available for U.S. men who are majoring in nursing.

Requirements: Selection for the award is based primarily on academic achievement (GPA 3.5 or higher) and responses to the short answer and essay questions.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: Awarded annually to deserving students who have a disability and who are enrolled in undergraduate or graduate studies in a United States accredited college or university.

Requirements:

• Applicant must be enrolled as a full time undergraduate or graduate student. Applicant must have completed a minimum of one full year of undergraduate college or more. In other words, the applicant must have sophomore or greater status in a program at a college or university pursuing an undergraduate degree; or enrolled part time or full time in a graduate school, pursuing a post graduate degree;
• Applicant must have a disability as defined by the American with Disabilities Act and provide documentation to verify this;
• Applicant must be a US citizen or legal resident living in the United States and enrolled in an accredited United States college or university;
• Must provide a Personal Statement (maximum 2 pages, double spaced), including a brief personal history, educational/career goals, extra-curricular activities, and reasons why they should be selected by the AAHD Scholarship Committee;
• Applicant must provide two (2) Letters of Recommendation (One must be from a faculty member or academic advisor);
• Applicant must provide an official or unofficial copy of their most recent college transcript;
• For more specific details on criteria, please visit the scholarship program page.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

General Requirements for all awards:

• Completed and signed application form;
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can personally attest to your academic abilities and personal character (these cannot be your relatives);
• Essay (approximately 1-2 pages);
• Official transcripts of high school/and or college courses completed;
• Medical Verification of Disability Form.

Amount: Varies by award

How to Apply: Complete an online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: In order to qualify for this scholarship, students must be enrolled in a two- or four-year accredited college or university in the United States. They must be enrolled students attending school full time and U.S. citizens. Part-time students can apply as long as attendance is due to their disability and not their financial situation (minimum of 6 credits for undergraduate, 6 credits for graduate). Unfortunately, high school students are not eligible for the scholarship.

Requirements: Applicants have to register on disABLEDperson.com and join as a community member before starting an application. Awardees must prove disability.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: This scholarship program supports LGBTQ+ students who are leaders—in their own lives, in their families, in their home communities, in their fields of study, in their workplaces, or in movements for justice. The multiple awards provide essential financial resources and community support to inspirational LGBTQ+ student leaders across the Northwest.

Requirements:

• Northwest Residency: Applicants must be a resident of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington but may study elsewhere. Applicants are considered a resident of one of these states if they:
  • currently live within that state and have done so for at least three months prior to the application deadline; 
    OR
  • have lived within that state for at least one year at any time within the five years prior to the application deadline.
• Pursuing Post-Secondary Education: Applicants must be pursuing post-secondary education in the coming 2022-2023 school year. This includes community college, four-year public or private college or university, certificate programs, vocational/technical/trade programs, law school, medical/dental/veterinary school, or graduate education. 

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

The Pride Foundation also has similar scholarships students may apply for. Check out the website for more information.

Available to: Three scholarships are awarded to students who are:

• Graduating high school seniors and recent high school graduates;
• Community college transfer students;
• Medical students;
• Be a resident of or attend a community college in northern or central California but may study elsewhere (see map for specific counties).

Requirements: Students must be in good academic standing and have never received an eQuality graduate student scholarship. Candidates must have served the LGBT+ community and experienced hardship or special circumstances. Specific requirements vary by award.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: This scholarship is open to students who are enrolled in a bachelor, advanced nursing, or nurse anesthesia program who are serving or have served in any branch of the U..S. Army. This scholarship is also available to their parents, spouses, and children.

Requirements:

• Students currently enrolled in an accredited baccalaureate or advanced degree nursing or nurse anesthesia program who:
  • Are serving or have previously served in any branch, at any rank, of a component of the US Army (Active Army, Army National Guard, or Army Reserve);
  • Are not currently receiving funding by a component of the US Army (e.g., ROTC scholarship students and students receiving full GI Bill benefits are not eligible); and
  • As applicable, have received an Honorable Discharge.
• Nursing or anesthesia students whose parent(s), spouse, or child(ren) have current or previous service in a component of the US Army.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: This scholarship helps active duty, honorably discharged, retired, National Guard, or Reserve members who are enrolled or admitted into a VA-approved program or school at an accredited institution are eligible.

Requirements:

• Be a citizen of the United States;
• Be retired, honorably discharged, active duty, or a member of the National Guard or Reserve;
• Have completed Basic Training and follow-on training (Advanced Individual Training, technical school, etc.);
• Separated with or currently hold a military rank of E-5 or below;
• Demonstrate a need for financial assistance;
• Participate in, be accepted to or currently enrolled in a VA-approved program or school at an accredited post-secondary institution.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested. Candidates must also submit a FAFSA report.

Available to: AISES members pursuing any STEM related degree such as Architecture, Mathematics, Medical Sciences, Physical Science, Technology, Nursing, Engineering, or Natural Resources.

• Applicants must be: an enrolled citizen or a descendant of an enrolled citizen of a federal or state recognized American Indian Tribe or Alaska Native Village; or Native Hawaiian or descendant from a Native Hawaiian; or Pacific Islander or descendant from Pacific Islander; or Indigenous person of Canada. Enrollment documents and/or a copy of birth certificate(s) showing descendancy from an enrolled citizen, Indigenous group of Canada, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander are acceptable. Applicant may also, instead, provide a copy of their Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood or Certificate of Degree of Alaska Native Blood (CDIB) card. Please note, AISES may not always have scholarships available for non-citizens of the United States.
• All scholarships require applicants be current AISES members at the time of application. All applicants will be required to enter a valid AISES membership number. To get a membership number join AISES or retrieve your membership number through AISES Membership Portal. AISES membership is now free for all pre-college and college students.

Requirements: Students must be full-time undergraduate or graduate students at an accredited two-year or four-year college/university and have a 3.0 or higher GPA.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: Black graduate or postgraduate students who are members of the National Black Nurses Association. Candidate may be an RN seeking master’s, DNP, PhD in leadership or EdD who are pursuing a role in leadership or administration.

Requirements: Students must be graduate or postgraduate students attending a university. Applicants must also be affiliated with the National Black Nurses Association.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: This scholarship gives students of American Indian descent the opportunity to pursue careers in nursing. The students are expected to return to work among their people to help improve health care. Some students work on reservations, and others find employment in hospitals in areas largely populated by American Indians. The career goals now include not only nursing careers, but jobs in health care and health education, as well.

Requirements: Students must be enrolled in a pre-nursing, healthcare, or a health education program. Students enrolled in an associate’s degree program must graduate in two years. Students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program must graduate in four years. Applicants must prove financial need and plan on working in a field that helps Native American people directly.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: This scholarship is available to students of color who identify as Black, Indigenous, Hispanic/Latinx, and Pacific Islander.

Requirements:

• Be a student of color who identifies as Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, Latino/Latina, and/or Pacific Islander;
• Be a college junior or senior in Fall 2022;
• Demonstrate leadership and community involvement;
• Demonstrate commitment to reducing health inequalities in their community.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.

Available to: This scholarship is available to those students who wish to increase the diversity of registered nurses at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. The program grants awards annually to assist with tuition and fees for persons who are preparing to be pediatric registered nurses that provide patient care. The student should be a member of one of the underrepresented groups in the registered nursing profession. Underrepresented groups include male nurses/nursing students and nurses/nursing students who are American Indian or Alaskan Native, Black or African American, Hawaiian Native or other Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latino, and/or Asian including Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Asian Indian, Thai, or Vietnamese/Southeast Asian.

Requirements: Student must be enrolled or accepted in a prelicensure registered nurse program (bachelor’s or master’s degree) at an accredited school of nursing on a full-time or part-time basis, earning a 2.75 GPA or better.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and provide additional information as requested.