Nursing Scholarships in Pennsylvania2026

18 scholarship programs available to Pennsylvania nursing students — including 3 Pennsylvania-specific awards and all major national programs.

18
Scholarships Available
3
Pennsylvania-Only Awards
$91K
Avg RN Salary

Key takeaways for Pennsylvania nursing students

  • Pennsylvania has 3 state-specific nursing awards listed here: Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania Scholarship Program; Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania Nursing Scholarships; Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program.
  • 15 national programs (including HRSA Nurse Corps) also accept Pennsylvania residents.
  • The largest listed Pennsylvania award by published minimum is Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program (Up to $5,000/year).
  • Application windows on this page: March 31; May 1; April 15. Confirm dates on the awarding body's site.

3

Pennsylvania-only awards on this page

Source: Awarding-body program pages

15

National programs open to residents

Source: MyNursingSchools scholarship directory

Up to $5,000/year

Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program

Source: Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)

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Browse programs that qualify for federal and state scholarship funding.

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Pennsylvania-Only Awards

Pennsylvania-Specific Nursing Scholarships & Grants

These programs are exclusively available to Pennsylvania residents or nurses committed to practicing in Pennsylvania.

State Program

Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania Scholarship Program

Varies by endowment

Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania

Students at all levels pursuing a nursing degree or license at an accredited school in Pennsylvania. High school seniors must already be accepted for the fall semester. Applications accepted January 1 through March 31.

  • Statewide awards for LPN through doctoral nursing students in Pennsylvania
  • Annual window January 1–March 31; applicants notified by June 30
  • More than $500,000 awarded since 1995
📅 Deadline: March 31🎓 Levels: LPN, ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, anyVisit Program →
State Program

Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania Nursing Scholarships

At least $1,000 ($4,000+ for PhD)

Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania residents enrolled in a Pennsylvania State Board-approved nursing program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher who intend to work in Pennsylvania after graduation. High school students may not apply. Awards cover diploma through PhD.

  • Minimum $1,000 for clinical programs; minimum $4,000 for PhD in nursing
  • Open to Pennsylvania residents in Board-approved programs
  • Selection weighs leadership, academics, community service, and commitment
📅 Deadline: May 1🎓 Levels: LPN, ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP, PhDVisit Program →
State Program

Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program

Up to $5,000/year

Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)

Pennsylvania residents enrolled at least half-time in an eligible associate or bachelor's program at an approved Pennsylvania institution, including nursing and allied-health majors designated as in-demand occupations. Must file the FAFSA, meet Title IV satisfactory academic progress, and not already hold a bachelor's degree. Renewable for up to four academic years.

  • Up to $5,000 per year for Pennsylvania students in in-demand fields, including nursing
  • Renewable for up to four academic years
  • Apply through PHEAA Account Access after filing the FAFSA
📅 Deadline: April 15🎓 Levels: ADN, BSN✓ RenewableVisit Program →

National Scholarships — Open to Pennsylvania Students

15 national programs available to nursing students in all 50 states, including Pennsylvania.

Federal Program

HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program

Full tuition + fees + $1,490/month stipend

US citizen enrolled in an accredited nursing program. Requires 2-year service commitment at a Critical Shortage Facility after graduation.

📅 May (varies by year)🎓 BSN, MSN, NP✓ RenewableLearn More →
Federal Program

Indian Health Service Health Professions Scholarship

Full tuition + fees + $1,459/month stipend

American Indian or Alaska Native enrolled in nursing or other health professions program. Service commitment required.

📅 March (varies by year)🎓 BSN, MSN, NP, any✓ RenewableLearn More →
Nursing Association

AACN Educational Advancement Scholarships

$2,500–$10,000

Students in AACN member institution BSN, MSN, or doctoral programs. Various specialty scholarships available.

📅 Rolling (varies by award)🎓 BSN, MSN, DNP, PhDLearn More →
Nursing Association

AANP Foundation Scholarship

$2,500–$5,000

NP students enrolled in an accredited nurse practitioner program. Must be AANP member.

📅 October🎓 NP, MSN, DNPLearn More →
Nursing Association

American Nurses Foundation Nursing Scholarship

$2,500

RNs pursuing additional nursing education (BSN through doctoral level). Must demonstrate financial need.

📅 May🎓 BSN, MSN, DNP, PhDLearn More →
Nursing Association

NSNA Foundation Scholarship

$1,000–$7,500

Nursing students (LPN/LVN through doctoral) enrolled in accredited programs. Must be NSNA member.

📅 January 15🎓 LPN, ADN, BSN, MSN, DNPLearn More →
Diversity Award

National Black Nurses Association Scholarship

$500–$5,000

Black nursing students enrolled in an accredited nursing program (all levels). Must be NBNA member.

📅 April 15🎓 LPN, ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP, PhDLearn More →
Diversity Award

NAHN Scholarship Program

$1,000–$3,000

Hispanic/Latino nursing students enrolled in accredited programs. Academic achievement and community involvement considered.

📅 June🎓 LPN, ADN, BSN, MSNLearn More →
Private / Corporate

Jonas Nursing & Veterans Healthcare Scholars

$5,000–$10,000/year

Doctoral nursing students (DNP or PhD) focused on veterans' health or nursing education. Competitive nomination by member school.

📅 January (school nomination required)🎓 DNP, PhD✓ RenewableLearn More →
Private / Corporate

Tylenol Future Care Scholarship

$5,000–$10,000

Nursing and pre-med students demonstrating leadership, academic achievement, and commitment to healthcare.

📅 June🎓 BSN, MSN, anyLearn More →
Private / Corporate

Nurses Educational Funds (NEF) Scholarship

$2,500–$10,000

Registered nurses pursuing a master's or doctoral degree. Must be a US citizen or legal permanent resident with a current RN license.

📅 January🎓 MSN, DNP, PhDLearn More →
Nursing Association

Emergency Nurses Association Foundation Scholarships

$3,000–$10,000

ENA members pursuing advanced nursing education with an interest in emergency nursing. Multiple specialty awards available.

📅 June🎓 BSN, MSN, NP, DNPLearn More →
Nursing Association

AORN Foundation Scholarship

$3,000–$5,000

RNs pursuing perioperative nursing certification or advanced degrees. AORN membership preferred.

📅 March🎓 BSN, MSNLearn More →
Military / Service

Army Nurse Corps Active Duty Health Professions Loan Repayment

Up to $40,000/year in loan repayment

RNs or student nurses willing to serve as Army officers. Active duty or Reserve commission options.

📅 Rolling (recruiter contact required)🎓 BSN, MSN, NP✓ RenewableLearn More →
Military / Service

Navy Nurse Corps NROTC Nursing Scholarship

Full tuition + fees + monthly stipend

Accepted to or enrolled in an accredited BSN program. Must qualify for Navy officer commission.

📅 January🎓 BSN✓ RenewableLearn More →

Is Nursing School Worth It in Pennsylvania?

$90,830/yr
Avg RN Salary
+4.8%
Projected Job Growth
$25,000–$80,000
Typical BSN Tuition
2–4 years
Avg Payback Period

With an average Pennsylvania RN salary of $90,830/year and 4.8% projected job growth through 2032, nursing in Pennsylvania offers strong returns. Stacking scholarships to cover $10,000–$30,000 of tuition significantly shortens the payback period. Use our nursing ROI calculator to model your specific program and scholarship combination.

More Pennsylvania Resources

compare Pennsylvania nursing tuitionPennsylvania NCLEX pass ratesNursing Programs in PennsylvaniaFastest Programs in PennsylvaniaAccelerated BSN in PennsylvaniaRN Salary in PennsylvaniaLicense Requirements in PennsylvaniaHow to Become a Nurse in PennsylvaniaAll Scholarships

Scholarships in Neighboring States

Delaware ScholarshipsMaryland ScholarshipsNew Jersey ScholarshipsNew York ScholarshipsOhio Scholarships
What nursing scholarships are available in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania nursing students can access 18 scholarship programs — including 3 Pennsylvania-specific awards such as Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania Scholarship Program and Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania Nursing Scholarships and Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program. Additionally, all national programs (HRSA Nurse Corps, NSNA Foundation, ANA Foundation, and others) are open to Pennsylvania residents.
How much can I get from nursing scholarships in Pennsylvania?
Nursing students in Pennsylvania can realistically earn $3,000–$15,000/year through a combination of scholarships. The HRSA Nurse Corps covers full tuition plus ~$1,490/month. With Pennsylvania's average RN salary of $90,830/year, the ROI on even a $50,000–$80,000 BSN investment is strong — most nurses recoup tuition costs within 2–3 years of working. Pair awards with our Pennsylvania tuition comparison to estimate net price after aid.
Does Pennsylvania have a loan repayment program for nurses?
Pennsylvania nurses may qualify for the federal HRSA Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program and the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program, both of which operate in Pennsylvania. These federal programs offer $30,000–$50,000+ in repayment for nurses practicing in federally designated shortage areas. Check with Pennsylvania's Board of Nursing (https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Pages/default.aspx) for any state-specific programs.
Can I get scholarships for online nursing programs in Pennsylvania?
Yes. The vast majority of nursing scholarships are degree-based, not delivery-method-based. Whether you attend a traditional on-campus program or an accredited online nursing program in Pennsylvania, you qualify for HRSA Nurse Corps, NSNA Foundation, ANA Foundation, and most other listed scholarships. The only requirement is CCNE or ACEN accreditation — which all legitimate online nursing programs hold.
What GPA do I need for nursing scholarships in Pennsylvania?
GPA requirements vary by scholarship. Most association scholarships require a minimum 3.0 GPA, while competitive federal programs and merit awards may require 3.5 or higher. The HRSA Nurse Corps focuses on program enrollment and accreditation rather than strict GPA cutoffs, making it accessible to students who might not qualify for merit-only awards. Many state and employer-based awards have no formal GPA requirement.
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