How to Get Nursing Scholarships and Grants in 2025—Full Guide
Although pursuing a profession in nursing can be immensely fulfilling, paying for tuition and other school costs can be difficult. Scholarships and grants for nursing provide students with financial assistance by paying for books, tuition, and other associated expenses. Scholarships and grants are a great way for people who want to become nurses without taking on debt because they don’t have to be repaid like loans do.
Numerous institutions, companies, and government initiatives offer financial aid to students at all levels in response to the ongoing need for trained nurses. Scholarships and grants can help you realize your goals, regardless of whether you’re a high school graduate, a nursing student currently enrolled in school, or a practicing nurse looking to further your education.
Nursing Scholarship Types
Nursing scholarships come in a variety of forms, each meeting the requirements and backgrounds of various students:
- Scholarships Based on Merit
given to students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and academic achievement.
requires participation in extracurricular activities, a strong GPA, and maybe an essay. - Scholarships Based on Need
awarded to pupils from low-income families.
requires financial documents, such as the FAFSA, to demonstrate financial hardship. - Scholarships for Minorities and Diversity
intended to assist underrepresented populations in the nursing field.
Scholarships for Asian, Native American, Hispanic, and Black students are a few examples. - Scholarships for Military and Veteran Nurses
available to veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.
includes stipends, full tuition reimbursement, and post-graduation job placement.
2025’s Top National Nursing Scholarships - Scholarships for Johnson & Johnson Nursing
offers nursing students across the country between $2,500 and $10,000.
Nursing students, both undergraduate and graduate, are welcome. - Scholarships offered by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
provides financial aid to students seeking nursing bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Every year, there are numerous funding possibilities available. - Scholarships offered by the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA)
offers $1,000 to $5,000 in scholarships.
Available to African American nursing students enrolled in programs with accreditation. - The AACN Nursing Scholarship and Hurst Review Services
offers students enrolled in BSN and MSN programs financial aid.
Each recipient receives a $2,500 award.
Nursing Scholarships by State
Nursing scholarships vary by state and are determined by local healthcare needs and demand. To locate scholarship opportunities in your state:
State nursing associations, such as the California Board of Nursing Scholarships, should be consulted.
Seek out scholarships offered by particular universities.
Apply for local hospital-funded regional healthcare scholarships.
Nursing Student Grants
Grants, as opposed to scholarships, are frequently given by government organizations and are based on need.
Because they don’t need to be repaid, grants are a great source of financial aid for nursing students. They are usually need-based, which means that rather than academic achievement, financial hardship is the basis for awarding them. To assist budding nurses, a number of governmental bodies, charitable entities, and medical facilities offer grants.
In 2025, the following are some of the best funding opportunities for nursing students:
- The Federal Pell Grant
For undergraduate students who have financial need, the Pell Grant is a government financial aid program.
Every year, the maximum prize amount changes; in 2024, it was around $7,395.
Students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be eligible. - The Scholarship Program for HRSA Nursing
For qualified students, this grant, which is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), covers living expenses, tuition, and fees.
After graduation, recipients are required to labor in rural or neglected areas. - The Scholarship Program for Nurse Corps
offers students enrolled in authorized nursing programs a monthly stipend, books, and complete tuition coverage.
Students must work for at least two years in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) in return. - Institutional and State Grants
Nursing grants are available in many states through colleges and healthcare departments.
The California State Nursing Grants and the New York State Nursing Faculty Loan Forgiveness Incentive Program are two examples. - Nursing Grants for Veterans and Military Personnel
Active-duty military members, veterans, and their spouses who want to become nurses can apply for grants.
Tuition is partially covered by programs like the Military Nursing Loan Repayment Grants and the GI Bill. - How Do I Apply for Grants for Nursing?
Fill out the FAFSA: In order to be eligible for the majority of awards, students must fill out the FAFSA form.
Visit the websites of the state and the school. Numerous nursing schools and states have their own grant schemes.
Fulfill Service Obligations Certain programs, such as the Nurse Corps Scholarship, mandate that recipients work in particular fields following graduation.
A great approach to pay for your school without taking on debt is through nursing grants. Because money is frequently limited and given out on a first-come, first-served basis, make sure you apply as soon as possible.
Scholarships for Minority Students in Nursing
When pursuing higher education, minority students frequently encounter additional financial obstacles. Numerous organizations offer scholarships designed especially for underrepresented groups in nursing in an effort to advance diversity and inclusion in the healthcare industry. In 2025, the following are some of the best scholarships available to minority nursing students:
- The Hispanic Nursing Scholarship Fund
intended for Hispanic and Latino students who are seeking nursing degrees.
The range of awards is $500 to $5,000.
requires evidence of Hispanic ancestry and a minimum GPA of 3.0. - Scholarships for Native American Nurses
provided through agencies such as the Indian Health Service (IHS).
offers a monthly stipend in addition to tuition aid.
After graduation, recipients are required to work in Native American communities. - Scholarships for Asian American and Pacific Islander Nurses
The Asian American/Pacific Islander Nurses Association (AAPINA) is supporting this initiative.
encourages Pacific Islander and Asian students to pursue careers in nursing. - Scholarships offered by the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA)
Grants for African American nursing students range from $1,000 to $5,000.
requires enrollment in an approved nursing program and NBNA membership.
By assisting students from a variety of ethnic backgrounds who are dedicated to changing the nursing profession, these scholarships aid in closing the representation gap in the healthcare industry.
Male Nursing Student Scholarships
Despite the fact that nursing has historically been a field dominated by women, more men are becoming nurses. Organizations provide scholarships exclusively for male nursing students in an effort to promote this trend.
- The Scholarship offered by the American Assembly for Men in Nursing (AAMN)
offers financial assistance to all levels of male nursing students.
The range of awards is $500 to $1,500. - Scholarship for Tylenol Future Care
Both male and female students studying nursing and other healthcare degrees are welcome.
provides assistance of up to $10,000.
These scholarships can significantly help male nursing students, lowering financial barriers and promoting gender diversity in the nursing profession.
Scholarships for Nursing for Unmarried Parents
It can be emotionally and financially taxing to juggle nursing school and parenthood. Fortunately, single parents seeking nursing degrees are eligible for a number of scholarships.
- Takemoto, Patsy Low-income single breastfeeding mothers can get up to $5,000 in scholarships from the Mink Education Foundation.
gives priority to students who are struggling financially. - The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award offers financial assistance to women who are the main breadwinners in their households.
The range of scholarships is $1,000 to $16,000. - The Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund supports nursing degree-seeking single mothers over 35.
focuses on pupils with limited incomes.
With the crucial financial assistance these scholarships offer, single parents can fulfill their aspirations of becoming nurses and providing for their families.
Scholarships in Nursing for Graduate and Postgraduate Students
Additional funding is frequently needed by nurses pursuing postgraduate degrees, such as Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or PhD in Nursing. Nursing students pursuing graduate and doctoral degrees can apply for the following top scholarships:
- The Graduate Scholarships offered by the Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association (FNSNA)
offers MSN and DNP students money ranging from $2,500 to $7,500. - The Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) is intended for students who want to become nursing educators who are pursuing PhD or DNP degrees.
provides loan forgiveness to graduates who work as nursing program instructors. - Scholarship for Graduate Nursing Students from AACN/AfterCollege
Available to students enrolled in graduate nursing schools accredited by the AACN.
provides financing of $2,500 every semester.
By reducing financial pressures, these grants support aspiring nursing leaders and educators as they pursue further study.
How Nursing Scholarships and Grants Are Applicable
It takes a lot of preparation and effort to apply for grants and scholarships.
To increase your chances of success, take the following actions:
Begin your research as soon as possible. Find scholarships that fit your eligibility and qualifications.
Make sure your application materials are strong, including your CV, recommendation letters, and transcripts.
Write a Strong Essay: Describe your love for nursing and how the scholarship will enable you to fulfill your ambitions.
Meet Deadlines: Apply far in advance for many scholarships, as they have tight deadlines.
Follow Up: If you want to inquire about the status of your application, get in touch with the scholarship committees.
How to Write a Nursing Scholarship Essay That Wins
An essay is often required as part of the application process for nursing scholarships. The following advice can help you write an engaging essay:
✅ Tell Your Story: Talk about the life events that led you to pursue a career in nursing.
✅ Demonstrate Your Commitment: Describe your commitment to improving healthcare and patient care.
✅ Highlight Accomplishments: Talk about leadership positions, volunteer work, and academic achievements.
✅ Proofread Your Essay: Before submitting, make sure it is clear and free of grammar mistakes.
You can stand out from the competition and greatly improve your chances of receiving a scholarship with a well-written essay.
2025 Deadlines and Application Schedule
The deadlines for the majority of nursing scholarships fall between January and April of 2025. To remain ahead:
In 2024, begin looking into scholarships.
✔ Write essays and documents at least three months prior to the due date.
✔ To prevent problems at the last minute, submit applications early.
Being proactive during the application process will help you get money and feel less stressed.
Important Distinctions Between Grants and Scholarships
Grants and scholarships both offer financial assistance, but they vary in a few ways:
In conclusion
A great way to lower the expense of education and realize your dream of becoming a nurse is through nursing scholarships and grants. There are a lot of financial assistance choices accessible, regardless of your status as a minority student, single parent, veteran of the armed forces, or graduate student.
2025 Deadlines and Application Schedule
The deadlines for the majority of nursing scholarships fall between January and April of 2025. To increase your chances, begin preparing your applications six to twelve months in advance.
In conclusion
Scholarships and grants for nurses offer a great way to pay for your education debt-free. There are many different funding alternatives accessible, regardless of your status as a new student, minority candidate, single parent, or veteran. Take advantage of these incredible chances in 2025 by starting your research now and meeting deadlines!
Questions and Answers (FAQs)
- Can I submit more than one application for a nursing scholarship?
Indeed! You may submit as many scholarship applications as you are eligible for. - What GPA does a nursing scholarship require?
A 3.0 GPA or above is required for the majority of merit-based scholarships. - Do online nursing programs offer scholarships?
Yes, both online and in-person nursing students are eligible for a large number of scholarships. - Do nursing awards need repayment?
No, grants are not repayable unless the service commitment is broken. - What can I do to improve my chances of being awarded a scholarship?
Write a compelling essay, apply as soon as possible, and emphasize your leadership and academic accomplishments.