Nursing education is one of the best investments you can make. Even as other industries face hiring slowdowns, healthcare continues to be the engine of the U.S. job market. In March 2026, healthcare added 76,000 jobs, accounting for a substantial portion of new jobs.

And this isn't a one-time spike. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that healthcare and social assistance will have the largest job growth of any sector from 2024 to 2034, driven by an aging population and growing demand for care.

While nursing education is an investment, many understandably are concerned about the financial cost. Fortunately, there are hundreds of scholarships and grants specifically designed for nursing students, and many go unclaimed each year simply because students don't know about them.

From federal programs that cover full tuition to association-based awards for specific specialties, the funding landscape for nurses is more generous than you might think.

This guide organizes the top nursing scholarships and grants by category so you can find the ones that fit your situation. Note that deadlines and award amounts can change, so always verify current details on each program's official website before applying.

Federal grants and service-based scholarships

These are some of the largest and most impactful funding sources available to nursing students. Many come with service commitments, meaning you agree to work in underserved communities after graduation in exchange for financial support.

NURSE Corps Scholarship Program (HRSA)

The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program is one of the most valuable nursing scholarships in the country. Funded by the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration, the NURSE Corps Scholarship covers:

• Full tuition and required fees upon invoice
• Reasonable educational costs including books, clinical supplies, and uniforms
• A monthly living stipend ($1,642 for the 2026/2027 school year)

Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are accepted or enrolled full-time in an accredited nursing program (LPN, ADN/RN, BSN, accelerated BSN, and NP programs).

The commitment: In exchange, you must work full-time for at least two years at a Critical Shortage Facility, which is a healthcare site in a community that doesn't have enough nurses.

Important details:

• The program gives funding preference to students with high financial need or those from disadvantaged backgrounds
• All scholarship funds are considered taxable income
• Applications typically open in March each year

NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program (HRSA)

If you’re already carrying student loan debt, the NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program helps pay off up to 85% of your qualifying nursing education debt in exchange for working at a critical shortage facility.

• Initial commitment: Work for two years and receive payment of up to 60% of your outstanding qualifying loans
• Extended commitment: Serve a third year and receive an additional 25%
• Eligibility: You must hold a valid RN or APRN license and work at an eligible facility

Federal Pell Grants

Pell Grants are need-based federal grants that don't require repayment. They're available to undergraduate nursing students who demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA.

• Award: Up to $7,395 per year (2026-2027 academic year)
• Eligibility: Undergraduate students who haven't yet earned a bachelor's degree and demonstrate financial need
• How to apply: Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov

Nursing scholarships from private companies and organizations

These scholarships are available from private companies and organizations. Some consider factors like financial need, while others may account for academic performance, recommendations, or career goals.

Tylenol Future Care Scholarship

This national scholarship from the makers of Tylenol helps nursing and healthcare students cover education costs.

• Award: $5,000 to $10,000 per recipient (35 awards given annually)
• Eligibility: Incoming and current students enrolled in medical, pharmacy, or nursing school

Baby360 Nursing Scholarship

Baby360, a prenatal and postpartum care platform, offers scholarships to nursing students who are committed to making a difference in patient care.

• Award: $2,500 (two scholarships awarded per year)
• Eligibility: Full-time U.S. nursing students (undergraduate or graduate) with a minimum 3.0 GPA
• Selection criteria: Academic performance, leadership, financial need, career goals, and recommendations

Cherokee Uniforms Nursing Scholarship

Cherokee Uniforms is one of the most recognized names in medical apparel, and they award scholarships to nursing students each year (along with some extra perks).

• Award: $10,000 (10 awards per year), plus medical apparel and products
• Eligibility: Nursing students enrolled in accredited undergraduate or graduate programs

TravelNurseSource.com Nursing Scholarship

• Award: $1,000 (two awards per year—fall and spring)
• Eligibility: Undergraduate, master's, and Ph.D. nursing students
• Requirements: Compelling essay about what inspired you to become a nurse and how the scholarship will help
• Learn more: travelnursesource.com/scholarship

Foundation of the National Student Nurses' Association (FNSNA) Scholarships

The Foundation of the NSNA provides over $500,000 in scholarships each year, with individual awards of up to $10,000.

• Award: Up to $10,000 per academic year
• Eligibility: Students enrolled in associate degree, baccalaureate, diploma, direct-entry master's, RN-to-BSN, RN-to-MSN, or LPN/LVN-to-RN programs. Must be taking at least 6 credits per semester
• Selection criteria: Academic performance, financial need, and involvement in nursing student organizations and/or community health activities

Scholarships for master's in nursing (MSN) students

Graduate-level nursing funding is harder to find than entry-level scholarships, making these programs especially valuable for nurses pursuing advanced degrees.

NurseThink – AACN Scholarship

• Award: $5,000 (awarded twice per year)
• Eligibility: Must be a member of the Graduate Nursing Student Academy (GNSA) and enrolled in a master's or doctoral nursing program at an AACN member institution
• Learn more: https://www.aacnnursing.org/foundation/scholarships/nursethink-scholarship

AACN CastleBranch–GNSA Scholarship

• Award: $2,500-$5,000, with multiple funding cycles per year
• Eligibility: Graduate nursing students at AACN member schools; one award annually is dedicated to a student committed to making a positive impact on the nation’s healthcare
• Learn more: https://www.aacnnursing.org/students/scholarships-financial-aid/uniform-advantage-scholarship

AACN Deborah E. Trautman Future Nurse Leader Scholarship

• Award: Up to $3,500 for education expenses, one AACN conference attendance, and up to $1,500 to cover travel expenses to the conference
• Eligibility: Graduate nursing students enrolled at AACN member institutions who demonstrate leadership potential
• Learn more: https://www.aacnnursing.org/foundation/scholarships/trautman-scholarship

Oncology Nursing Foundation Master's Scholarships

• Award: $5,000 each
• Eligibility: Registered nurses committed to oncology nursing who are pursuing a master's degree
• Application window: Opens September 15 annually
• Learn more: https://www.onfgivesback.org/funding-for-nurses/education/masters-scholarships

Oncology Nursing Foundation Doctoral Scholarships

• Award: $7,500 each
• Eligibility: Registered nurses pursuing a PhD or DNP with a focus on oncology nursing
• Application window: Opens September 15 annually
• Learn more: https://www.onfgivesback.org/funding-for-nurses/education/doctoral-scholarships

National League for Nursing (NLN) Scholarships

• Award: Up to $8,000
• Eligibility: Master’s or doctoral students who have completed at least one year of study
• Note: This association offers additional research grants and scholarships
• Learn more: https://www.nln.org/nln-foundation/foundationoverviewfoundation-for-nursing-education-scholarship-awards/nln-nursing-education-scholarship-awards-apply

Association-based scholarships for nurses

Professional nursing associations offer some of the best-targeted scholarships in the field. Many require membership, which is often affordable and comes with additional benefits like networking, continuing education, and career resources.

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)

AACN offers continuing professional development scholarships designed to promote lifelong learning and professional growth for critical care nurses.

• Types: Conference scholarships (NTI), continuing education scholarships
• Award: Up to $3,000 per year
• Eligibility: Active AACN members with current RN status
• Learn more: aacn.org/education/scholarship

American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) Career Mobility Scholarships

• Award: $1,000 to $3,500
• Eligibility: Eligibility varies depending on award type.
• Learn more: ananurse.org/career-mobility-scholarshipshttps://www.annanurse.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/awardsFlyer27.pdf

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) Scholarships

• Award: $2,000
• Eligibility: Current members of WOCN who are accepted in or enrolled in an eligible, accredited program, or who have proof of completion of WOCNEP certification within three months of graduation.
• Learn more: wocn.org/scholarships

Foundation of Neonatal Research and Education (FNRE) Scholarships

• Award: Varies
• Eligibility: Neonatal nurses pursuing a BSN, MSN for Advanced Practice in Neonatal Nursing, doctoral degree, or master's/post-master's in business management or nursing administration
• Requirements: Must be an active member of a neonatal nursing association and demonstrate ongoing professional education
• Learn more: https://www2.ajj.com/fnre/scholarships

American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AAACN)

• Types: Multiple scholarships including the Candia Baker Laughlin Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification Scholarship
• Award: Varies, ranging from $100-$1,000
• Eligibility: AAACN members
• Learn more: aaacn.org/membership/scholarships-and-awards

Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Nursing Scholarships

• Award: Multiple awards available, ranging from $2,000-$5,000
• Eligibility: Nursing students attending accredited schools. Some require DAR memberships, but not all do.
• Learn more: https://www.dar.org/national-society/scholarships/nursing-medical-scholarships

Diversity-focused nursing scholarships

These scholarships aim to increase diversity in the nursing profession by supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds.

National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) Scholarships

NAHN supports Hispanic/Latino nurses at every stage of their education through scholarships and professional development opportunities.

• Award: Varies
• Eligibility: NAHN members pursuing nursing education

American Indian Medical Nurse Scholarship (AIMS) Program

Offered by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, this program supports American Indian students pursuing nursing education.

• Award: Up to $1,500 per semester for up to eight semesters
• Eligibility: Multiple eligibility requirements, including financial need, enrolled or accepted into an accredited school, and focused on a career goal related to healthcare of select communities

NBNA Cynthia J. Hickman "Pay It Forward" Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship is offered by the National Black Nurses Association, and has awards for all levels of nursing students, ranging from those working to become LPNs to those working on doctorate-level coursework.

• Award: Starts at $1,000
• Eligibility: NBNA members enrolled in a nursing program with at least one year remaining

National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Scholarships

NBNA offers multiple scholarships annually to support nursing students from underrepresented backgrounds.

• Award: Start at $1,000 per year
• Eligibility: Must be an NBNA member, enrolled in an accredited nursing program (BSN, AD, Diploma, or LPN/LVN), in good scholastic standing, with at least one year of school remaining
• Tip: Involvement in community service and NBNA chapter activities strengthens your application
• Learn more: nbna.org/programs-committees/programs/scholarships

Where to find more nursing scholarships

The scholarships listed here are just a starting point. New scholarships are created regularly, and many go unclaimed because not enough students apply. Here are the best places to search:

• nurse.org/scholarships: Comprehensive, regularly updated list of nursing-specific scholarships and grants
• fastweb.com: Large scholarship database with nursing-specific filters
• bold.org: Features over 120 nursing scholarships with current deadlines
• scholarships360.org: Curated list with verified deadlines
• Your school's financial aid office: Many institutions have internal scholarships that aren't widely advertised, so ask every year and not just when you first enroll
• Your employer: Some companies offer internal scholarships beyond standard tuition reimbursement
• State nursing associations: Many state-level organizations offer scholarships to residents pursuing nursing education

Tips for winning nursing scholarships

Finding scholarships is only half the battle; you also need to submit strong applications. Here are some tips:

• Apply early and often: Many scholarships go unclaimed, so apply to as many as you qualify for, and don't miss deadlines
• Start building application materials now: A strong resume, polished essay, and recommendation letters take time; prepare them well in advance so you're not scrambling before deadlines
• Join professional associations: Many of the best nursing scholarships require membership, but the cost of membership often pays for itself many times over if you receive a scholarship
• Highlight community involvement: Scholarship committees consistently value community service, clinical volunteer work, and involvement in nursing organizations
• Tailor each application: Don't submit the same generic essay for every scholarship; customize your application to reflect each program's specific values and criteria
• Reapply every year: Many scholarships can be renewed or reapplied annually, so don't assume a "no" this year means "no" forever
• Check with your school: Talk to your financial aid office every semester; they may know about new funding sources or have institutional scholarships with smaller applicant pools

How EdAssist can help

If your employer partners with EdAssist® by Bright Horizons®, you may already have access to benefits that can significantly reduce what you pay for your nursing education. Many employers offer tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement through qualifying programs through EdAssist, covering some of your education costs. Some employers also offer student loan repayment benefits to help pay down existing education debt.

These benefits can work alongside scholarships and grants, helping you build a comprehensive funding strategy that minimizes what you pay out of pocket.

In addition to tuition benefits, your plan may include free one-on-one coaching:

• Academic coaching: Our academic coaches can help you find the right nursing program for your goals and choose a pace that’s sustainable for you.
• Financial coaching: Our financial coaches can help you create a funding strategy that combines scholarships, grants, employer benefits, and smart savings to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
• Student loan coaching: Our student loan coaches can help you navigate student loan options if borrowing becomes necessary

Start applying today

Every dollar in scholarship funding is a dollar you don't have to borrow or pay out of pocket. The nursing profession offers more scholarship opportunities than most other fields, and many of these awards specifically support working adults who are advancing their education while building their careers.

Don't leave free money on the table. Start with the scholarships that match your situation, set calendar reminders for deadlines, and apply to as many as you qualify for. Don’t forget to ask your employer about continued education benefits.

Remember: the time you invest in applications now can save you thousands of dollars over the course of your education. It’s worth it.

Ready to build a funding plan for your nursing education? Log in to your EdAssist portal to schedule a free session with one of our coaches, if your policy includes this benefit.