Scholarships nursing students can apply for have grown significantly over the past decade. The United States faces a critical nursing shortage projected to worsen through 2030. As a result, government agencies, hospitals, and private foundations have stepped up funding. Hundreds of millions of dollars are available each year specifically for nursing education.
These awards range from $1,000 one-time grants to full-tuition packages with monthly stipends. However, many nursing students never apply because they don’t know where to look. Dedicated scholarships nursing students qualify for exist at every level — from associate degree programs through doctoral studies. The key is knowing which programs match your background and career goals.
Top Scholarships Nursing Students Can Win in 2026
| Scholarship Name | Award Amount | Deadline | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship | Full tuition + $1,642/month stipend | April 2026 | U.S. citizens enrolled in accredited nursing programs |
| FNSNA Scholarship | Up to $10,000 | January 9 | NSNA members in BSN or AD programs |
| Tylenol Future Care Scholarship | $5,000 – $10,000 | Varies annually | Students in healthcare fields including nursing |
| NBNA Scholarship | $1,000 – $5,000 | April 15 | NBNA members with at least one year remaining |
| AACN QGenda Scholarship | $5,000 | Feb 1 / Jul 1 / Oct 1 | Undergrad and graduate nursing students |
| Hurst Review/AACN Scholarship | $2,500 | February 1 / September 1 | Students at AACN member institutions |
| AfterCollege/AACN Scholarship | $2,500 per quarter | Quarterly (Jan/Apr/Jul/Oct) | BSN, MSN, or doctoral nursing students |
| ONS Foundation BSN Scholarship | $3,000 | February 1 | BSN students interested in oncology nursing |
| ONS Foundation MSN Scholarship | $5,000 | February 1 | MSN students in oncology nursing |
| ONS Foundation Doctoral Scholarship | $7,500 | February 1 | Doctoral students in oncology nursing |
| American Indian Nurse Scholarship | $1,500/semester | Varies | Native American students in nursing programs |
| AACN Scrubin Uniforms Scholarship | $2,500 | Three cycles per year | Undergrad and graduate nursing students |
| Nurses Educational Funds (NEF) | $2,500 – $10,000 | February 1 | Graduate-level RN students only |
The HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship stands out as the most generous among all scholarships nursing students pursue. It covers full tuition, required fees, and other educational costs. Recipients also receive a monthly stipend of $1,642. In return, graduates commit to working at a Critical Shortage Facility for at least two years. You can learn more and apply through the HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship page.
The Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association awards are also highly competitive. For example, their top scholarship reaches $10,000 for a single academic year. Applicants must be NSNA members in good standing. Typically, the application opens in September and closes in early January. The Tylenol Future Care Scholarship is another major award. It distributes 10 scholarships at $10,000 and 25 scholarships at $5,000 annually.
Eligibility Requirements for Scholarships Nursing Students
Most scholarships nursing students apply for share common eligibility requirements. You must be enrolled in an accredited nursing program in the United States. This includes diploma, associate degree, BSN, MSN, and doctoral programs. In most cases, you need a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher. U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required for federal programs like the Nurse Corps Scholarship. However, some private scholarships accept DACA recipients and international students.
Documentation requirements vary by program. Typically, you will need official transcripts and proof of enrollment. Letters of recommendation from nursing faculty carry significant weight. Many applications also require a personal essay. For example, the Tylenol scholarship asks for two 500-word essays about career goals and community involvement. Financial need documentation such as FAFSA results is required for need-based awards.
Some scholarships nursing students target serve specific demographics. The NBNA awards are exclusively for Black nursing students who hold NBNA membership. The American Indian Nurse Scholarship serves Native American students. The ONS Foundation scholarships focus on students pursuing oncology nursing careers. Always verify your eligibility before investing time in an application.
Application Tips for Scholarships Nursing Students
Start applications early — at least two months before the deadline. Many scholarships nursing students compete for receive thousands of applications. Scholarship committees notice rushed submissions immediately. Create a master document with your personal statement, clinical hours, volunteer work, and references. This saves time when applying to multiple programs. As a result, you can submit more applications without sacrificing quality.
Your personal essay matters more than your GPA in many cases. Committees want to know why you chose nursing specifically. Share a genuine personal experience that sparked your passion. However, avoid generic statements like “I want to help people.” Instead, describe a specific moment in a clinical rotation or volunteer experience. Keep sentences short and direct. Mention your specialty interests and long-term career goals. If you plan to work in underserved communities, state that clearly — it aligns with many scholarship missions.
While you focus on funding your education, don’t overlook other ways to stretch your budget. Students renting apartments near campus should compare renters insurance at Home Insure Guide to find affordable coverage. You can also check out bank sign-up bonuses at Bonus Bank Daily to earn extra cash for textbooks or living expenses. Every dollar saved means less financial stress during your program.
Where to Find More Scholarships Nursing Students Qualify For
Your nursing school’s financial aid office is the best starting point. They maintain lists of local and regional scholarships nursing students often overlook. Many hospital systems offer tuition assistance in exchange for a work commitment after graduation. For example, HCA Healthcare and Kaiser Permanente both run scholarship programs for nursing students in their service areas.
Online databases are powerful tools for finding additional funding. The AACN Scholarships and Financial Aid page lists dozens of opportunities updated regularly. Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Niche.com all allow filtering by nursing major. State nursing associations frequently offer scholarships that receive fewer applicants than national programs. Typically, these state-level awards have higher odds of winning.
Professional organizations are another valuable resource for scholarships nursing students should explore. Join the NSNA as a student member to access FNSNA scholarships. Specialty organizations like the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, the Emergency Nurses Association, and the ONS Foundation all fund nursing education. In most cases, membership dues are minimal for students. The return on that small investment can be thousands of dollars in scholarship funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for multiple scholarships nursing students programs at the same time?
Yes, you can and should apply to as many as you qualify for. However, some scholarships may reduce awards if you receive other funding. Typically, it is best to disclose all awards honestly on each application.
Do scholarships nursing students receive count as taxable income?
In most cases, scholarship money used for tuition and required fees is tax-free. However, amounts used for room, board, or personal expenses may be taxable. As a result, you should consult a tax advisor or review IRS Publication 970 for current rules.
Are there scholarships nursing students can get for online nursing programs?
Yes, many scholarships accept students in accredited online programs. For example, the AACN QGenda Scholarship and AfterCollege/AACN Scholarship both welcome online learners. However, the program must be accredited by a recognized nursing accreditation body.
Explore More Scholarship Resources
Looking for more scholarships, financial aid guides, and strategies to pay for college? Browse our complete library of scholarship resources.
Official Sources & Resources
For verified information on scholarships, financial aid, and federal student programs:
- Federal Student Aid: studentaid.gov
- U.S. Department of Education: ed.gov
- College Board: collegeboard.org
- NASFAA (National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators): nasfaa.org
- NCES (National Center for Education Statistics): nces.ed.gov
- IRS Education Credits: irs.gov
Content last reviewed April 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.