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Guide to Finding and Winning Nursing Scholarships

Nancy Parode

Featuring expert advice from Nancy Parode

Nursing is always an in-demand field, with jobs in the industry expected to grow 12% from 2018-2028, which is much higher than the average across all job types. The median pay is just over $73,000 annually in the United States. But you’ll need an education to get there: the typical entry-level education for an RN, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is a bachelor’s degree. However, CNAs and LPNs are also entry-level positions that require some training but not an undergraduate degree.

Scholarships can help offset the education costs, no matter where you are in your nursing career. Below are some of the top nursing scholarships available for students currently. These scholarships were reviewed and checked by our editorial team in July 2020. Amounts range from $1,000 up to $10,000.

Available Nursing Scholarships

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Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship
 
Healthcare Students $2,500

This scholarship is for students who are currently accepted on or plan to enroll in an accredited nursing program, who also demonstrate financial need.

Any U.S. high school or college student who plans to enroll in (or is already accepted to) an accredited program and who can also demonstrate financial need can apply for this scholarship. Applicants are required to present a transcript or letter of acceptance to show proof of their program with their application. Any higher education students—including nursing, medicine, science, and physical therapy—can apply for DAR awards. The Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship is renewable for up to four years, but each applicant may only apply for a single DAR scholarship.

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Provided by Daughters of the American Revolution

Application Deadline: February
Working Toward: Any degree
Awards Available: 3
Essay Required: No
GPA Required: 3.25

This scholarship is renewable for up to four years.

This scholarship is for healthcare students enrolled full-time for the 2020-2021 year (they do not have to be Hispanic, but do need to demonstrate an affinity for the health of Hispanic communities).

This large scholarship is awarded to outstanding healthcare students in the fields of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing (on graduate or BSN programs), public health and other physician’s assistants. Applicants must also either be of Hispanic descent or display strong commitment to the health of the Hispanic community, and should demonstrate strong leadership skills, academic excellence, and other accomplishments.

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Provided by National Hispanic Medical Association

Application Deadline: September
Working Toward: BSN students and graduate students only degree
Awards Available: 15 to 20
Essay Required: Yes, two-page maximum
GPA Required: 3.0

This scholarship is not renewable.

This scholarship is for full-time college students in a medical field.

The Medical Professionals of Tomorrow Scholarship offered by International Education Financial Aid (IEFA) awards $1,000 each year to one full-time college student in a medical field, such as health administration, health science, and medicine. Applicants must have completed one year of college before applying, be a U.S. citizen, and will be expected to write an essay on their field and what they hope to accomplish.

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Provided by International Education Financial Aid (IEFA)

Application Deadline: June
Working Toward: Any degree
Awards Available: 1
Essay Required: Yes, 500-words
GPA Required: Competitive

This scholarship is not renewable.

This scholarship is for female health science, medicine, or nursing students.

The S. Evelyn Lewis Memorial Scholarship is for female students who are currently enrolled in medicine or health sciences majors. Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, transcripts, a 150-word essay, a W-2 form, and documentation of community service. Awards are distributed to both undergraduate and graduate students.

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Provided by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority National Educational Foundation

Application Deadline: February
Working Toward: Any degree
Awards Available: Multiple
Essay Required: Yes, 150 words
GPA Required: Competitive

This scholarship is not renewable.

This scholarship is for graduate students or college seniors who will be enrolling in graduate school during the 2020-21 academic year.

The Tylenol Future Care Scholarship grants ten $10,000 awards to U.S. undergraduate students each year, and 25 $5,000 awards . Applicants must be a junior or senior student in a healthcare field and show proof of enrollment in a graduate program for the following year. Scholarships are given to students who hope to someday treat patients, whether through pharmacy, medical schooling, or nursing.

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Provided by Tylenol

Application Deadline: July
Working Toward: Undergraduate degree
Awards Available: 35
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required: Competitive

This scholarship is not renewable.

This scholarship is for nursing students in an undergraduate or accelerated program.

The $2,000 A Nurse I Am Scholarship is offered to nursing students in an accredited undergraduate or accelerated program (LVN/LPN, RN, or RN-to-BSN). Applicants must be U.S. Citizens, attend school full or part-time, and will be asked to answer a 300-word essay prompt on their nursing experience and goals.

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Provided by Cherokee Uniforms

Application Deadline: April
Working Toward: Undergraduate degree
Awards Available: Multiple
Essay Required: Yes, 300-words
GPA Required: Not Available

This scholarship is not renewable.

This scholarship is for nursing students in an AACN school, with special consideration given to graduates or those in an accelerated program (RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MSN).

For those who attend a nursing program at an American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) school, the After College Fund awards scholarships quarterly throughout the year. One student is granted $2,500 each June, September, December, and March. Undergraduates may apply, but consideration is given to graduate students or those enrolled in an acceleration program.

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Provided by American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)

Application Deadline: March, June, September, December (quarterly)
Working Toward: Any degree
Awards Available: 1
Essay Required: No
GPA Required: Not Available

This scholarship is renewable.

This scholarship is for nursing students who have volunteered with the American Red Cross.

The Jane Delano Student Nurse Scholarship is awarded to both undergraduate and graduate nursing students who have volunteered with the American Red Cross in the last five years. Applicants must have completed at least one year of their education, and the money must be used for academic purposes only. A two-part essay and resumé are also required for this highly competitive scholarship.

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Provided by American Red Cross

Application Deadline: May
Working Toward: Any degree
Awards Available: 3
Essay Required: Yes, two-part essay
GPA Required: Not Available

This scholarship is not renewable.

This scholarship is for rehabilitation nursing students.

The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) offers undergraduate or graduate nursing students with experience in rehabilitation a number of one-time $1,500 awards. Applicants must have completed at least one class and two years in the field, and must be a member of the ARN. They must also submit transcripts, a summary of goals and achievements, letters of recommendation, and an application.

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Provided by Association of Rehabilitation Nurses

Application Deadline: July
Working Toward: BSN, MSN, or doctorate students degree
Awards Available: Multiple
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required: Not Available

This scholarship is not renewable.

This scholarship is for undergraduate nursing students who are also ENA members.

The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) offers a $3,000 award to nurses seeking a bachelor degree (RN to BSN). Only ENA members can apply. Applicants must also have a 3.0 GPA, two letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a completed statement of goals.

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Provided by Emergency Nurses Association

Application Deadline: June
Working Toward: Undergraduate degree
Awards Available: Multiple
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required: 3.0

This scholarship is not renewable.

This scholarship is for undergraduate or accelerated program nursing students with U.S. Citizenship.

The Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association (FNSNA) offers a general scholarship for U.S. citizens who are in an approved undergraduate or accelerated nursing program. Application requirements may vary, but will involve completing an online application and submitting transcripts.

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Provided by Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association (FNSNA)

Application Deadline: January
Working Toward: Undergraduate degree
Awards Available: Multiple
Essay Required: No
GPA Required: Not Available

This scholarship is not renewable.

This scholarship is for students who are admitted or enrolled in a nursing program at an AACEN member institution affliated with CastleBranch.

The Geraldine “Polly” Bednash scholarship is awarded four tiimes throughout the year to two current or future nursing students. The scholarship is $5,000 and is not a recurring scholarship, as it lasts for one semester only.

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Provided by AACN and CastleBranch

Application Deadline: January 31, April 30, July 31, and October 31
Working Toward: Undergraduate or higher degree
Awards Available: 2
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required: 3.2

This scholarship is not renewable.

This scholarship is for nursing students, preferably from the Lowell, Massachuesetts area.

The Mildred Nutting Nursing Scholarship is a $2,000 award given to two nursing students per year, with preference going to students from the Lowell, Massachusetts area. This offering from the Daughters of The American Revolution (DAR) requires proof of financial need plus an application, alongside a letter of acceptance onto, or transcript from, a nursing program.

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Provided by Daughters of the American Revolution

Application Deadline: February
Working Toward: Undergraduate degree
Awards Available: 2
Essay Required: No
GPA Required: 3.25

This scholarship is not renewable.

This scholarship is for female U.S. citizens who are enrolled in a nursing program.

Female nursing students who are freshman or sophomores and U.S. citizens can apply for the Stephen Bufton Memorial Educational Fund, which has contributed scholarship funds to 98 women this year alone. This large scholarship is non-renewable, and applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or higher. The application is fully online, and deadlines vary each year.

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Provided by American Business Women’s Association

Application Deadline: Varies
Working Toward: Undergraduate, freshman or sophomore only degree
Awards Available: Multiple
Essay Required: No
GPA Required: 3.0

This scholarship is not renewable.

This scholarship is for registered nurses who are enrolled either full or part time in a nursing program.

Members of the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN) can apply for these Academic Education Scholarships, in which eight nursing students are awarded $2,500 each. Applicants must attend an undergraduate or graduate program at least part-time, write a 300-word narrative on your professional goals and education in occupational or environmental health, and submit two letters of recommendation. You may also reapply for this scholarship in subsequent years, but not the following year.

Apply for this scholarship
Provided by American Association of Occupational Health Nurses Foundation (AAOHN)

Application Deadline: January
Working Toward: Any degree
Awards Available: 8
Essay Required: Yes, 300 words or less
GPA Required: Not Available

This scholarship is renewable for possibly two additional years, after one year has passed.

This scholarship is for full-time pediatric nurse practitioner students pursuing a master’s degree. Applicants must also be a member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP).

This scholarship is available for members of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP). Applicants must be students who are pursuing a master’s degree in pediatric nursing, and should have at least one year of experience in the field. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need and plan to work in a rural setting after graduation for at least two years. Awards vary.

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Provided by National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners

Application Deadline: June
Working Toward: Master’s degree
Awards Available: Multiple
Essay Required: No
GPA Required: 3.0

This scholarship is not renewable.

This scholarship is for registered nursing students from the U.S. with financial need.

This highly competitive grant from the Nurse Corps is for registered nurses currently enrolled in full-time, accredited programs. The award covers tuition, books, and living expenses—or up to 60% of unpaid student loans—as long as you work in an underserved area for at least two years after completion. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have no overdue federal debt. Preference is given to those with financial need and high GPAs. You should also demonstrate a commitment to nursing through essay questions.

Apply for this scholarship
Provided by Nurse Corps

Application Deadline: May
Working Toward: Any degree
Awards Available: Multiple
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required: Competitive

This scholarship is renewable.

Tips for Winning Nursing Scholarships with Nancy Parode

Nancy Parode

Nancy Parode teaches history, literature, and related subjects at a home school tutorial in Bowie, Maryland. She also serves as the tutorial’s college counselor. Her freelance writing career includes experience in researching and summarizing college programs, scholarship opportunities, and true costs of college attendance.

Do you have any tips for students on answering scholarship essay questions?

Often, scholarship essay prompts focus on academic and career goals. [But] it’s worth taking some time to think about your personal goals before you start writing. It’s also essential to think about how you decided on these particular goals and why that’s important. Everyone applying for a nursing scholarship wants to be a nurse. When you become a nurse, what will you (ideally) be doing? Why? What impact do you hope to have? What aspects of the nursing program(s) you have chosen will help you make that impact?

If your scholarship essay prompt does not involve academic and career goals, pay close attention to the provided prompt and spend some time thinking about the question you are being asked to answer. Then, answer that question—not something else that was not asked.

In all cases, try to add new information about yourself in your essay—facts that the other parts of the scholarship application do not cover. Your scholarship essay offers you a chance to say more about yourself. Don’t waste this opportunity.

Where are some of the best places to look for scholarships for these students?

You should begin your search by looking for school-sponsored scholarships. If you have not chosen a nursing school, consider applying to schools that offer generous financial aid and sponsor numerous scholarships.

Various state and federal government agencies, such as the Indian Health Service, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Rural Assistance Center, also sponsor nursing scholarships.

Many organizations and even some corporations sponsor nursing scholarships, particularly for minorities (including men) and veterans.

In addition to searching general scholarship search websites like Unigo, Scholarships.com, the College Board’s BigFuture site, and FastWeb, you can find nursing scholarship information at Johnson & Johnson’s Nursing website and MinorityNurse.com. Doing an online scholarship search can help you find nursing scholarships you qualify for based on where you live, volunteer work you have done, and other specialized criteria.

Are there common mistakes applicants can avoid?

Read all the directions, supporting document requirements, and essay prompts carefully so you know what is due when and what you should write about. Be sure you submit everything required on or before the due date. There are no scholarship application do-overs. Request submittal of transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation as early as possible, so you don’t miss a deadline. Have someone good at proofreading look over everything you submit. Be ready to contact the scholarship sponsor right away if problems arise.

Should a student customize their resume at all for scholarships?

Not all scholarship applications require a resume, but if you need to submit one and have time to customize it, I recommend doing so. Format your resume so that it aligns as closely as possible with the scholarship application requirements. For example, if the scholarship application mentions community service, be sure your resume includes your community service activities.

How can a student stand out amongst other scholarship applicants?

Be yourself, particularly in your essay. Choose a value or quality that is important to you and write an essay that illustrates that value or quality. Even if you are writing about academic and career goals, you can relate a brief anecdote in your essay that shows how persistent you are, how hard you have worked to overcome difficulties, why you chose nursing as a career, or how a job or volunteer opportunity helped you decide on a particular nursing specialty.

Is it harder for current students to get scholarships compared to new, first-year students?

Some nursing scholarships are reserved for students who have already started their undergraduate nursing school programs, so nursing students who have completed their first year may have a better overall chance of getting scholarships, simply because they can apply for these scholarships while first-year students cannot.

There are nursing scholarships available for graduate students, too. Some of these scholarships require applicants to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, while others are restricted to doctoral students. Graduate students in nursing can also apply for scholarships that accept applications from both undergraduate and graduate students.

Are there any other scholarship resources you’d like to share?

Think outside the box. Organizations that are seemingly unrelated to nursing, such as the Daughters of the American Revolution and AfterCollege, a job search website, offer nursing scholarships. You can also apply for general scholarships; your funding does not have to come exclusively from nursing scholarships.

Read nursing scholarship advice to get a better idea of what has worked for other scholarship applicants. MinorityNurse.com, for example, offers excellent tips for students applying for nursing scholarships.

Join professional organizations that offer scholarships, such as the National Black Nurses Association or the National Student Nurses’ Association. Dues for students are usually quite low, and joining a professional organization can offer career information, ways to get involved in the nursing community, and advice about nursing programs in addition to scholarship opportunities.

Any final words of advice?

Please, please proofread everything! Ideally, have someone else with strong writing skills (a family member, friend, or mentor) look over your scholarship application and essay before you submit them. If you can’t find someone to help you with proofreading, read your application and essay out loud. This exercise will help you identify awkwardly worded sentences.

Also, apply for lots of scholarships. There are plenty to choose from, and once you develop a system for identifying and tracking scholarship opportunities, you can quickly complete several scholarship applications. Ask financial aid counselors at your chosen nursing school (or schools, if you are still deciding) for tips on applying for scholarship aid. They are there to answer your questions.