Being a nurse is one of the most honorable professions around. You devote your life to helping other people, work long hours, and love what you do despite all the highs and lows. Nursing school can be expensive, and you may need all the financial help you deserve. We will share some of the great nursing school scholarships available to hardworking students.
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For Any Nursing Student
For all of the scholarships in this section, almost any nursing student can qualify…
The AfterCollege-AACN Scholarship Fund
Provided by: American Association of College of Nursing (AACN)
Eligibility: All applicants must already be enrolled (not just accepted) at an AACN member institution.
Deadline: March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31
Available to: No specific age given
Award Amount: $2,500
This scholarship is given four times during the academic year. Students may be completing an RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MSN program, becoming a nurse educator, or enrolled in an accelerated program.
AACN Scholarship
Provided by: Hurst Review Services and AACN
Eligibility: Applicants must be pre-licensure students enrolled at member AACN schools.
Deadline: January 15 and July 15
Available to: No specific age given
Award Amount: $2,500
This scholarship is offered twice an academic year and to find out if your school is a member of AACN, visit https://www.aacn.nche.edu/membership/member-schools.
NURSE Corps
Provided by: NURSE Corps
Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or a permanent resident and enrolled (or accepted for enrollment) in a professional nursing degree program at an accredited school of nursing in the U.S. Applicants must also be free from any federal judgment liens, existing service commitment, or federal debt.
Deadline: Deadline has passed for Scholarships in 2017 but students can sign up for a notice of the next cycle of scholarships
Available to: No specific age given
Award Amount: Monthly stipend of $1,334 for the 2017-2018 academic year
Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the Application and Program Guidance to ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of the NURSE Corps contract. NURSE Corps members require two years of service (a minimum of) at a Critical Shortage Facility.
AORN Scholarship
Provided by: Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) Foundation
Eligibility: Applicants must be in an accredited program leading to licensure as an RN, baccalaureate, master, or doctoral candidates. Must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Deadline: June 15, 2018
Available to: No specific age given
Award Amount: Amount not given
International applicants are welcome to apply for the AORN scholarship, and you must register to apply. Winners are selected based on application completion, essay, and financial need.
LV, RN, and CNA Scholarships
Provided by: Professional Caretakers
Eligibility: Any student pursuing their degrees in the nursing field.
Deadline: October 2018
Available to: No specific age given
Award Amount: $1,500/school year for LVN and RN, $800/course for CNA
LVN & RN
CNA
These scholarships have a simple application and are designed to help nursing students (of any level) to get financial aid for education.
AlgaeCal Scholarships
Provided by: AlgaeCal
Eligibility: Applicants must be attending a post-secondary institute in the U.S. or Canada and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Deadline: June 30, 2018
Available to: No specific age given
Award Amount: $1,000
The application process is basic, but applicants should write a 750-word essay describing, “If you could, what, if any, changes to programs, policies and education etc. would you implement for the general health/ wellbeing of the average modern person?”
Monica’s Health Magazine Scholarship of Academic Excellence
Provided by: Monica’s Health Magazine
Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled as a graduate, undergraduate, or high school senior (who has an acceptance letter) at an accredited university or college. International applicants are welcome.
Deadline: August 30, 2018
Available to: No specific age given
Award Amount: $2,500
Fill out the basic online application and write a 2000-2500-word essay describing, “Staying healthy can be very beneficial to your life for a variety of reasons, and can happen in a variety of ways.”
Barbara Rhomberg Nursing Scholarship
Provided by: B4 Brands
Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate nursing program and working toward an associate or bachelor’s degree. Non-traditional students are also eligible.
Deadline: March 31, 2018 (No earlier than March 1, 2018)
Available to: No specific age given
Award Amount: $1,000
Unlike other scholarships, past recipients and applicants are welcome to apply for the scholarship again. The scholarship is in loving memory of Barbara Rhomberg, a woman who put her nursing aspirations on hold to raise a family and later, as a non-traditional student went to school and became a nurse.
Geraldine “Polly” Bednash Scholarship
Provided by: CastleBranch
Eligibility: Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2 in a current program or at the last school attended. You must be admitted or enrolled in a baccalaureate or higher degree nursing program at an AACN member institution affiliated with CastleBranch.
Deadline: January 31, April 30, July 31, and October 31
Available to: No specific age given
Award Amount: $5,000
The scholarship is given four times during the academic year. Applicants can fill out a simple online application and write an essay (up to 250 words) discussing goals and aspirations related to education, career, and future plans.
Niche Nursing Scholarship
Provided by: NICHE
Eligibility: Applicants must be a legal resident of the U.S. and are interested in attending or currently attending nursing school. International students with valid visas may also apply.
Deadline: December 31, 2018
Available to: No specific age given
Award Amount: $500
For more information and to apply for the scholarship, applicants must register on the NICHE website.
Nursing.org's Nurses First Scholarship
Provided by: Nursing.org
Eligibility: Applicants must be actively enrolled in an accredited nursing program and have a minimum GPA of 3.5. Must also submit a 500-1000-word essay.
Deadline: August 1, 2018
Available to: 18 years and up
Award Amount: $1,000
Applicants interested in this scholarship should fill out the online application and write an essay based off the prompt: “Who had the biggest influence on your nursing career, how did they motivate you and how can their inspiration better the field of nursing? How are you incorporating the lessons you learned from this person into your nursing studies?”
Bridging Your Career: The RN to BSN Scholarship
Provided by: Nursing.org
Eligibility: Applicants must be actively enrolled in an accredited nursing program and have a minimum GPA of 3.5. Must also submit a 500-1000-word essay.
Deadline: August 1, 2018
Available to: 18 years and up
Award Amount: $500
Applicants interested in this scholarship should fill out the online application and write an essay based off the prompt: “Describe how you think the IOM’s goal of an 80% BSN educated nursing workforce would change our healthcare system and explain what can be done to motivate more nurses to get a baccalaureate education.”
Male Only Scholarships
Breaking Barriers: Scholarship for Men in Nursing
Provided by: Nursing.org
Eligibility: Applicants must be actively enrolled in an accredited nursing program and have a minimum GPA of 3.5. Must also submit a 500-1000-word essay.
Deadline: August 1, 2018
Available to: 18 years and up
Award Amount: $500
Applicants interested in this scholarship should fill out the online application and write an essay based off of the prompt: “Why do you think nursing is widely regarded as a feminine field, how do you propose we change this perception, and why do you feel this is important to the future of nursing and patient care?”
NBNA Members Only Scholarships
NBNA Scholarship Program
Provided by: National Black Nurses Association, Inc. (NBNA)
Eligibility: Applicants must be a member of NBNA and a member of a local chapter (if one exists). Applicants should also be enrolled in a nursing program, have a good academic record, and have at least one full year of school remaining.
Deadline: 2017 deadline is closed, check back for information on 2018
Available to: No specific age given
Award Amount: $1,000-$6,000
Applicants must provide transcripts, a written essay, letters of recommendation, a professional headshot, and documents proving involvement in the African American Community.
Tips For Winning A Scholarship
One of the most important things to remember, when filling out an application, is to read all of the details and take your time. Make sure to fill out the application completely as many incomplete applications are disqualified.
If you have to write an essay, have someone proofread it for grammar, spelling, and to see if it reads smoothly and answers the essay prompt.
When filling out an application or resume’, showcase all of your talents. Don’t forget to include any experiences (paid and non-paid) that are relevant to the field you are interested in or scholarship requirements.
If you need to include a letter of recommendation, select a professor or mentor who knows you well and can write a “shining” recommendation. Always send a “thank you” to anyone who helps you complete a scholarship application. If you have any questions during the process, always ask the scholarship provider.
