Nursing Scholarships 2026 — Complete Directory
25 scholarship programs for nursing students at every level. Federal grants, state awards, association scholarships, and military benefits — organized by category and searchable by state.
Find Accredited Nursing Programs Eligible for These Scholarships
How to Maximize Your Nursing Scholarship Awards
Most nursing students leave scholarship money on the table by only applying to one or two programs. A strategic multi-layer approach — federal + state + association — can eliminate most or all out-of-pocket tuition costs.
Apply for FAFSA First
FAFSA unlocks federal Pell Grants, subsidized loans, and is required for many state and institutional scholarship applications. File as early as October 1.
Target Federal Programs
HRSA Nurse Corps covers full tuition + stipend for qualifying students. It's competitive — apply early and ensure your program is CCNE/ACEN accredited.
Stack State Awards
Your state may have loan repayment programs, nurse educator scholarships, or shortage area grants that layer on top of federal awards. Check your state page below.
Apply to Association Scholarships
NSNA Foundation gives 100+ awards per year. ANA Foundation, NBNA, NAHN, and specialty association awards are less competitive than national programs.
National Nursing Scholarships — Full Directory
15 national programs open to qualified nursing students in all 50 states. Amounts and deadlines reflect the 2026 award cycle.
HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
Full tuition + fees + $1,490/month stipendHealth Resources & Services Administration (HRSA)
US citizen enrolled in an accredited nursing program. Requires 2-year service commitment at a Critical Shortage Facility after graduation.
- Covers full tuition, required fees, and other educational costs
- Monthly living stipend of $1,490 during enrollment
- Service obligation at a Critical Shortage Facility in a high-need community
Indian Health Service Health Professions Scholarship
Full tuition + fees + $1,459/month stipendIndian Health Service (IHS)
American Indian or Alaska Native enrolled in nursing or other health professions program. Service commitment required.
- Available to American Indian/Alaska Native nursing students
- Full tuition plus monthly stipend
- Service commitment at IHS or tribal health programs
AACN Educational Advancement Scholarships
$2,500–$10,000American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
Students in AACN member institution BSN, MSN, or doctoral programs. Various specialty scholarships available.
- Multiple award categories including specialty focus areas
- Open to students at AACN member nursing programs
- Separate awards for BSN, MSN, and doctoral students
AANP Foundation Scholarship
$2,500–$5,000American Association of Nurse Practitioners Foundation
NP students enrolled in an accredited nurse practitioner program. Must be AANP member.
- Specifically for nurse practitioner students
- Requires AANP membership
- Multiple awards given each cycle
American Nurses Foundation Nursing Scholarship
$2,500American Nurses Foundation
RNs pursuing additional nursing education (BSN through doctoral level). Must demonstrate financial need.
- For RNs advancing their nursing education
- Financial need-based component
- Awarded by the American Nurses Association's philanthropic arm
NSNA Foundation Scholarship
$1,000–$7,500National Student Nurses' Association Foundation
Nursing students (LPN/LVN through doctoral) enrolled in accredited programs. Must be NSNA member.
- One of the largest nursing student scholarship programs
- Over 100 awards given annually
- Covers all nursing degree levels from LPN through doctoral
Emergency Nurses Association Foundation Scholarships
$3,000–$10,000Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Foundation
ENA members pursuing advanced nursing education with an interest in emergency nursing. Multiple specialty awards available.
- For nurses with interest in emergency or trauma nursing
- Multiple scholarship categories at different award levels
- Requires ENA membership
AORN Foundation Scholarship
$3,000–$5,000AORN Foundation (Perioperative Nurses)
RNs pursuing perioperative nursing certification or advanced degrees. AORN membership preferred.
- Specifically for perioperative (surgical) nurses
- Supports certification and advanced education
- Administered by the AORN Foundation
National Black Nurses Association Scholarship
$500–$5,000National Black Nurses Association (NBNA)
Black nursing students enrolled in an accredited nursing program (all levels). Must be NBNA member.
- Dedicated to supporting Black nursing students
- Awards across all nursing degree levels
- Promotes diversity in the nursing workforce
NAHN Scholarship Program
$1,000–$3,000National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN)
Hispanic/Latino nursing students enrolled in accredited programs. Academic achievement and community involvement considered.
- For Hispanic/Latino nursing students
- Considers both academic merit and community service
- Multiple award levels available
Army Nurse Corps Active Duty Health Professions Loan Repayment
Up to $40,000/year in loan repaymentUS Army Nurse Corps
RNs or student nurses willing to serve as Army officers. Active duty or Reserve commission options.
- Significant loan repayment for military service
- Active duty or Reserve options
- Officer commission in the Army Nurse Corps
Navy Nurse Corps NROTC Nursing Scholarship
Full tuition + fees + monthly stipendUS Navy Nurse Corps
Accepted to or enrolled in an accredited BSN program. Must qualify for Navy officer commission.
- Full tuition coverage through NROTC
- Monthly stipend during enrollment
- Commission as a Navy Nurse Corps officer upon graduation
Jonas Nursing & Veterans Healthcare Scholars
$5,000–$10,000/yearJonas Philanthropies
Doctoral nursing students (DNP or PhD) focused on veterans' health or nursing education. Competitive nomination by member school.
- Focus on veterans' health and nursing faculty development
- Two-year renewable award
- Requires nomination from a Jonas Scholars member institution
Tylenol Future Care Scholarship
$5,000–$10,000Johnson & Johnson (Tylenol)
Nursing and pre-med students demonstrating leadership, academic achievement, and commitment to healthcare.
- Corporate scholarship from a major healthcare company
- Emphasizes leadership and community impact
- Open to both nursing and pre-med students
Nurses Educational Funds (NEF) Scholarship
$2,500–$10,000Nurses Educational Funds, Inc.
Registered nurses pursuing BSN, master's, or doctoral degree. Must be US citizen with a current RN license.
- For RNs advancing their education
- Multiple award categories based on specialty and degree level
- One of the oldest nursing scholarship funds in the US
State-Specific Nursing Scholarships
Many states offer their own grant programs, loan repayment initiatives, and workforce scholarships for nurses. Browse your state for awards not available to residents of other states.
Nursing Scholarships by Degree Level
LPN / LVN Students
Fewer scholarships target LPN programs exclusively, but the NSNA Foundation, state grants, and employer tuition reimbursement are accessible. Many awards cover any accredited nursing program.
LPN to RN bridge programs →ADN / Associate Degree Students
NSNA Foundation, state grants (including FSEOG), and community foundation awards are common for ADN students. After completion, you can advance to BSN with additional scholarships.
Online nursing programs →BSN Students
The broadest scholarship landscape. HRSA Nurse Corps, NSNA Foundation, ANA Foundation, AACN, and most state programs cover BSN students. Federal Pell Grants also apply.
Online BSN programs →RN to BSN
Many hospitals provide tuition reimbursement for RN-to-BSN completion. ANA Foundation and NEF scholarships target working RNs advancing their degrees.
RN to BSN programs →MSN / NP Students
AANP Foundation, specialty association scholarships (ENA, AORN, oncology nursing), Jonas Scholars (doctoral), and AACN awards target graduate nursing students.
Graduate nursing programs →DNP / PhD Students
Jonas Nursing & Veterans Healthcare Scholars, NEF, AACN doctoral awards, and many state loan repayment programs apply to DNP and PhD nursing students.
Nursing career pathways →What scholarships are available for nursing students?
How much money can I get from nursing scholarships?
Do nursing scholarships have to be repaid?
What is the HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship?
Are there nursing scholarships specifically for LPN or ADN programs?
How do I apply for nursing scholarships?
Can I get scholarships for online nursing programs?
Are there scholarships for nursing school for working adults?
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