While people are concerned about finding jobs with rising unemployment rates, the nursing industry is concerned that they will not have enough nurses to fill all the positions and meet the demand. It is estimated by the U.S. Labor Department that between 2010 and 2020, 712,000 new nursing jobs will become available. Many factors are contributing to the rising demand for nurses, one of which is the 2-3 million baby boomers who will be joining Medicare each year over the next 30 years. The Affordable Care Act is also impacting that number, as it is estimated to increase the amount of people who are covered by insurance and therefore require more nurses to help them.
There is no question, nursing is career path that is reliable and rewarding. However, nursing school can be expensive. Thankfully, there are many scholarships that exist to help nurses pay for schooling and thus, get them into the field where they are much needed. We have compiled this collection of 50 scholarships for nurses, which are not specific to any school, and can help nursing students find the financial assistance they need.
1. Tylenol Future Care Scholarship
This scholarship is worth $5,000 to $10,000 and it is given to applicants who are going to pursue a career within healthcare. The scholarship is open to anyone who has completed one year of undergraduate or graduate study in the current semester. Scholarships are awarded to applicants who show leadership qualities, outstanding academic performance and community involvement. The deadline is June 15 and 40 grants are provided (ten $10,000 scholarships and thirty $5,000 scholarships).
For more information, visit: Tylenol Future Care Scholarship
2. Nursing Economic$ Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship is open to registered nurses who are matriculating into an accredited, degree granting program for a master’s or doctoral degree, with an emphasis on administration and/or management. In order to qualify, applicants must continue in the field of nursing. The deadline for this scholarship is May 31 and the total scholarship is worth $5,000. In total, four scholarships are provided through this program to nurses each year.
To learn more, you can visit: Nursing Economic$ Scholarship
3. Outlaw Student’s Nursing School Scholarship
This scholarship is open to students who are looking to pursue a post-secondary education within the field of nursing. It is a very easy scholarship to apply for, and there are many who file for it due to its popularity. The deadline is July 14 and the average award is roughly $500.
To learn more about this program, you can visit: Outlaw Student’s Nursing School Scholarship
4. A Nurse I Am Scholarship
This scholarship is for any student who has enrolled, or been accepted for enrollment, in a registered nursing degree program. The enrollment can be full or part time, and to qualify, the student must be a US citizen or a legal resident. The nursing program must also be located within the 50 U.S. states. In order to apply, students must watch a documentary and write an essay that address two given questions. This scholarship does take a lot of time and effort. The deadline for this program scholarship is March 1, and the average award is $2,000. In all, 10 scholarships are typically awarded to students.
To learn more about this scholarship, you can visit: A Nurse I Am Scholarship
5. NURSE Corps Scholarship Program
Administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources, this scholarship is for anyone enrolled in a nursing degree program at a school of nursing within the United States. Students must begin classes no later than Sept. 30, have no judgement liens against them and be free of service commitments. They cannot be delinquent on any federal debt and must also be US citizens or lawful residents. Scholarship recipients also have to work for two years at an eligible Critical Shortage Facility upon graduation. Those who have the greatest need for financial aid are given preference. The award amount varies greatly and the deadline is May 2. 264 scholarships are awarded each year.
To learn more about this scholarship, visit: NURSE Corps Scholarship Program
6. ExceptionalNurse.com College Scholarship
This scholarship is for nursing majors who have a disability. In order to qualify, applicants must be in a college program on a full-time basis, and must demonstrate excellence and a serious commitment to the study of nursing. Preference is typically given to anyone in an undergraduate program. The scholarship process involves writing an essay. The deadline is June 1, with the average amount awarded being $250 to $500. In total, eight scholarships are awarded each year.
To learn more about this program visit: ExceptionalNurse.com College Scholarship
7. Lambda Pi Alpha Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded for any African American undergraduate nursing majors who are going into the junior or their senior year. Applicants must demonstrate a financial need, and they must have a 3.0 GPA. The deadline for the scholarship is April 1 and the average award for the scholarship is about $1,500.
To learn more about this scholarship, visit: Lambda Pi Alpha Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship
8. Tafford Uniforms Nursing Scholarship Program
This scholarship is for any student enrolled in a nursing school within the United States. The student must be enrolled in a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science or Licensed Practical Nurse program in the school and have a least a 2.5 GPA. The scholarship application takes about an hour to do, and there is a high number of people who apply for it. The deadline for the scholarship is June 15, and the average amount awarded is $1,000. In all, two grants are typically issued.
To learn more about this program, visit: Tafford Uniforms Nursing Scholarship Program
9. Medical Professionals of Tomorrow Scholarship
This scholarship, administrated by U.S. Medical Supplies, is awarded to any full-time student who is studying in a medical field. To qualify, the student must be in a two-year or four-year program at a United States school. Applicants must be US residents, and an essay of 500 words must be submitted. The essay must center on the question of “Why did you choose your current field of study, and what do you aspire to accomplish in this field?” There is a great deal of competition for this scholarship, and the application process will take a few hours. The deadline is December 31, and the average amount awarded is $500 to $3,550. In all, three scholarships are awarded to students.
You can learn more about this scholarship program here: Medical Professionals of Tomorrow Scholarship
10. Greta James Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to anyone attending a nursing school. Applicants must answer two questions in a 250-word essay. 1) What made you decide to go into the field of nursing? 2) What makes you a qualified candidate to receive this scholarship? Applicants are determined by an online voting system. The process to finish the application is short, and there are a high number of people who apply. The deadline is December 31, and the average amount awarded is $2,500. There are two scholarships awarded per year.
11. BestNursingDegree.com Back to School Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship is for US citizens or legal residents who are pre-professional and have no employment history as a nurse yet, and those who are professional and have a degree in nursing, while holding an RN license. The application process involves writing an essay on a topic assigned. The deadline is April 15, and the average award is $2,500. In all, three grants are provided to students.
To learn more about this program, visit: BestNursingDegree.com Back to School Nursing Scholarship
12. Cappex Nursing Majors Scholarship
This scholarship is for students who are majoring in, or intending to major in, nursing. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, volunteer activities and extracurricular activities. This scholarship application does not take very long, it does not have many applicants and the deadline is December 31. Only one scholarship is awarded and the award size is $1,000.
You can learn more about this scholarship by visiting: Cappex Nursing Majors Scholarship
13. Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship is given to students who have been accepted, or have enrolled in, a school of nursing. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that they have a financial need. The process can take a couple of hours for the application, and there are a large number of people who apply for this program scholarship. The deadline is February 15, and the average amount awarded is $1,000.
Learn more here: Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship
14. Franklin D. Boyce Annual Health Scholarship
This scholarship is for students within the geographical area of Hopewell, Prince George and Petersburg. Created to promote health occupations, the award is $2,500, and can be renewed for three additional consecutive years. Applications must be completed by Feb. 17.
Learn more by visiting here: Franklin D. Boyce Annual Health Scholarship
15. CertifiedBackground.com-AACN Scholarship
This scholarship provides two $5,000 scholarships that are distributed to top applicants four times per year. In order to qualify, students must have a 3.2 grade point average in their current program, or in the last school that they attended. There is a high volume of applicants for this scholarship.
16. The Hurst AACN Scholarship
This scholarship is given to individuals who are pursuing a career in nursing, through a nursing degree. Two scholarships are awarded each year, amounting to $2,500. Deadlines are Jan. 15 and July 15.
You can learn more about this scholarship at: The Hurst AACN Scholarship
17. AfterCollege/AACN Scholarship Fund
This fund supports students who are seeking a baccalaureate, master’s or doctoral degree in nursing. Consideration is given to students who are in a graduate program in order to become a nurse educator. One scholarship of $2,500 is awarded each quarter. Deadlines are March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31.
You can learn more about this scholarship at: AfterCollege/AACN Scholarship Fund
18. Josh Gottheil Memorial Scholarship for Bone Marrow Transplant Career Development
This scholarship is for a registered nurse working in bone marrow transplantation. Applicants must be employed as a registered nurse and spend 75 per cent of their time devoted to patient care, or in the position of nurse manager. There is no essay required for this position, and the number of awards varies by year. Given out every year, the award amounts to $2,000. The application deadline for this is June 15.
You can learn more about this at: Josh Gottheil Memorial Scholarship for Bone Marrow Transplant Career Development
19. Sandy Purl Mentorship Scholarship
Created to honor the memory of Sandy Purl, who was a role model for oncology nurses, this scholarship is meant to help recognize a nurse who demonstrates passion in oncology nursing. In order to qualify, a candidate must be a current Oncology Nursing Society member, supported by a Leader Sponsor. The award amount for this is $1,000, given out annually. The application deadline is May 15.
You can learn more about this scholarship at: Sandy Purl Mentorship Scholarship
20. Rehabilitation Nursing Foundation Grant
The purpose of this grant is to encourage research within rehabilitation nursing. In order to qualify, an applicant must be a registered nurse in rehabilitation, must have the ability to complete a project within two years of funding and must have a Master’s Degree in Nursing. The award amount is $4,500 and it is given out every year. The deadline is March 1.
For more information about this scholarship, visit: Rehabilitation Nursing Foundation Grant Scholarship
21. Donald E. Pizzini Memorial Nurse Scholarship Program
This program exists to support individuals in their nursing career, or to advance their nursing career, with an emphasis on long-term care. Individuals who are working in, or want to work in, long-term care will have preference. In order to qualify, applicants must be pursuing a degree in nursing, have a GPA of 3.0, be a legal resident, or citizen of the United States. The award amount is $1,000 and the number of awards varies from year to year. The deadline for this is February 28.
You can learn more about this scholarship at: Donald E. Pizzini Memorial Nurse Scholarship Program
22. Mildred Nutting Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship is given to students who have been accepted in, or who are enrolled, in a school of nursing somewhere in the United States. There is no essay required for this application, and the award is $1,000. One award is given out each year, and the application deadline is February 15. While anyone can apply for this scholarship, it should be noted that candidates within the greater Lowell, MA area do get preference.
You can learn more about this scholarship by visiting: Mildred Nutting Nursing Scholarship
23. Ann Olson Memorial Doctoral Scholarship
This scholarship exists to provide the opportunity to registered nurses who are interested in oncology, or interested in pursuing a doctoral degree or clinical doctoral degree in oncology. There is no essay required for this scholarship, and there is only one award given out per year. The award amount varies from $3,000 to $5,000. The deadline for this scholarship is February 1. In order to qualify, one must be in a doctoral program.
To learn more about this scholarship, you can visit: Ann Olson Memorial Doctoral Scholarship
24. FNSNA Breakthrough to Nursing Scholarships for Racial/Ethnic Minorities
This scholarship is for minority students who are enrolled either in nursing programs or pre-nursing programs. The applicant must be American/Alaskan Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, African American, or Hispanic to qualify, and must be in a nursing program at a college or university. The number of awards will vary from year to year, but the average amount provided varies between $1,000 and $2,000. The deadline to apply for this scholarship is January 14.
To learn more about the program, you can visit: FNSNA Breakthrough to Nursing Scholarships for Racial/Ethnic Minorities
25. FNSNA General Scholarship
This scholarship is for student who have an alien registration number and are enrolled in a nursing or pre-nursing program including an associates degree, baccalaureate, generic doctorate or generic masters. Funds are not provided for graduate study unless it is for a first degree in nursing. This program is not open to high school seniors, even if they are pursuing a career within nursing. The number of awards varies greatly, but the total amount provided through the scholarship program is $125,000. There is no essay required, and the application deadline is January 14.
If you would like to learn more about this program, you can visit: FNSNA General Scholarship
26. FNSNA Speciality Scholarships
This scholarship is similar to the general scholarship and it is provided to students who are pursuing an interest in the field of nursing. Those who apply to this program must be going into a nursing program that is accredited. No essay is required for this and it is sponsored by the Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association. In total, $125,000 is provided and the total amount of scholarships awarded varies depending on the year. The application deadline for this scholarship is January 14.
For more information, visit: FNSNA Speciality Scholarships
27. Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association Undergraduate Scholarship Program
This scholarship is provided to any student who is a US citizen, or who has an Alien Registration number. They need to be enrolled in a nursing or pre-nursing program, on their way to a degree, including an associates, generic doctorate or generic masters program. In total, $125,000 is provided and the number of scholarships varies depending on the year. There is no essay required for this program scholarship and the deadline is January 14.
To learn more, you can visit here: Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association Undergraduate Scholarship Program
28. Nursing Scholastic Achievement Scholarship
Sponsored by Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services Inc., this grant is awarded to 1-2 students in an average amount of $1,500. The applicant of this scholarship must be an active member of the Lutheran Church, have a 3.0 GPA, have completed 100 hours with people who have developmental disabilities, and letters of recommendation.
29. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation New Careers in Nursing Scholarship Program
This scholarship is a memorial to Robert Wood Johnson and its aim is to ease the nursing shortage in the United States by attracting new students into the nursing field, while also enhancing efforts to recruit students from minority groups. This funding also comes with support for students as they transition into their new lives in the study of nursing. In total, five scholarships are provided, each totaling $10,000. In order to qualify, a nursing student must be underrepresented in terms of ethnicity, gender and/or their financial need. Applications must be submitted by December 21, and the winner is announced on May 1. No essay is required for this scholarship.
If you would like to know more, you can visit: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation New Careers in Nursing Scholarship Program
30. Most Valuable Student Competition
This scholarship, provided through the Elks National Foundation, is not limited to nursing, but anyone going into college can apply for it. The amount of money awarded can pay for a significant portion of your schooling. There are 500 total scholarships awarded, totaling $2.44 million. In all, there are 20 main finalists who will compete for two first-place awards of $50,000 each, two second-place awards of $40,000 each and two third-place awards of $30,000 each. The remaining 14 finalists will receive $20,000 each. The rest of the 480 runner-ups will receive $4,000. There is no essay required and the only requirement is that you are going into post-secondary schooling. The deadline for this scholarship is December 6.
To learn more, you can visit: Most Valuable Student Competition
31. Sigma Theta Tau International Small Grants
This scholarship, administered by Sigma Theta Tau International, has the purpose of encouraging nurses to contribute to the advancement of nursing through research. Funds are allocated based on the future promise of the applicant for the nursing field, the applicant’s research budget and the quality of the applicant’s proposed research. While it is not required, preference is given to Sigma Theta Tau members who have no other research funds awarded to them. In order to be eligible, the applicant must be a registered nurse, have a master’s or doctoral degree, or be enrolled in a doctoral program. The total amount awarded is $5,000 and it is given to 10 to 15 different applicants. No essay is required, and the deadline is December 1.
To learn more about this scholarship application, visit: Sigma Theta Tau International Small Grants
32. Virginia Henderson Clinical Research Grant
This scholarship is provided for the purpose of encouraging research career development in nursing through clinically-oriented research. Funds are allocated based on the research project’s quality and the future potential of the applicant. The award is given out on a biannual basis, with a one-time $5,000 grant provided. Funds are provided through the Virginia Henderson Clinical Research Endowment Fund. In order to qualify, the applicant must be a registered nurse, must be undergoing or have completed a doctoral program, and must be willing to implement his research project immediately. In addition, the project must be finished within one year and the applicant is generally preferred to be a member of Sigma Theta Tau International. The deadline for this scholarship is December 1.
To learn more about this scholarship, you can visit: Virginia Henderson Clinical Research Grant Link
33. Coursey Enterprises Student Scholarships
This scholarship is for first year nurses who want to continue to pursue their career in nursing. The scholarship is awarded on a biannual basis, and the number of scholarships vary, as does the total amount allocated. In order to qualify, an applicant must be a US citizen and must submit her school name and graduation date and a 200 word essay on the subject of why she wants to be a nurse. In total, $250 is provided both in the fall, and in the spring. Deadline for enrollment in this scholarship program is December 1 and May 1.
For more information, you can visit: Coursey Enterprises Student Scholarships
34. Congress Scholarships
Sponsored by the ONS Foundation, the purpose of this scholarship is to support a registered nurse who is interested in cancer care. The amount of awards varies each year, but each award is worth $1,200. The application deadline for this is December 1.
For more information on this scholarship, you can visit: Congress Scholarships
35. American Cancer Society Doctoral Degree Scholarships in Cancer Nursing
This scholarship is meant to provide support of one to four years for a student in a graduate program leading to a doctoral degree. The initial application is for a two-year grant and can be renewed for an additional two years. In all, $15,000 is provided to a varied number of applicants throughout the year. In order to qualify, the student must be working towards a doctoral degree and be in an accredited university. The application deadline for this scholarship is October 15.
36. ANNA Career Mobility Scholarships
Sponsored by the American Nephrology Nurses Association, this scholarship is awarded to ANNA members who are pursuing an advanced degree in nursing. In order to qualify, the applicant must have been a member for two years, be involved in nephrology nursing, be in a higher degree program in nursing and hold a Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission. An essay is also required with the application. There are five awards given out each year, each worth $5,000. The application deadline is October 15.
For more information on this scholarship, you can visit: ANNA Career Mobility Scholarships
37. ENA Foundation and ANIA Research Grant
This scholarship provides funding for research that will advance the practice of emergency nursing and nursing informatics and technology within emergency care. Priority is given to students conducting research studies that relate to Emergency Nurses Association research initiatives. The number of awards handed out varies, with each award worth $6,000. The application deadline is October 1.
For more information related to this scholarship, visit: ENA Foundation and ANIA Research Grant
38. Bachelor of Science Nursing Loan Repayment
In order to help repay a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, the Health Professions Education Foundation provides this scholarship to anyone who is a licensed registered nurse, is free of any service obligation and who is willing to work in a medically underserved area for two years. The award winner can receive up to $8,000 and can be awarded the scholarship again, after the two year period, with an additional $11,000. The application deadline for this scholarship is October 1.
39. Health Professions Education Scholarship Program
This program is provided to anyone who is enrolled in the health profession, graduated after January 31, 2014, and who can work in an underserved area in terms of medical care for two years. The amount of awards provided each year varies, but the total loan amount given to each applicant who earns the scholarship is $10,000. The deadline for this scholarship is October 1.
For more information related to this scholarship, visit: Bachelor of Science Nursing Loan RepayHealth Professions Education Scholarship Program
40. Mount Sinai Hospital Department of Nursing
This scholarship program provides up to $3,000 per semester for senior nursing students within a Bachelor of Science in nursing program. They must make the commitment to work at the Mount Sinai Hospital every semester that monies are awarded. Applicants must also pass NCLEX licensing examination within two attempts. The amount of awards given varies, but each award is worth $3,000. In addition, students must have a GPA of 3.25 or higher. The application deadline for this scholarship is October 1.
For more information, visit: Mount Sinai Hospital Department of Nursing Scholarship
41. Oncology Nursing Society Foundation Grant
This grant has the purpose of stimulating clinically related oncology nursing research. In order to qualify, an applicant must be a registered nurse involved in cancer patient care, research, or education and must also have a master’s degree in nursing. There is only one award given out each year, but it is worth $25,000. There is no essay required for this scholarship, and the deadline is September 15.
For more information about this scholarship, visit: Oncology Nursing Society Foundation Grant
42. Barbara Rhomberg Excellence in Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship is sponsored by B4 Brands and is awarded each year to five non-traditional, full-time students who are earning an undergraduate degree in nursing. The term non-traditional includes anyone who had to postpone their pursuit of college after high school, or had their college career interrupted. The cause for delay could be due to a number of reasons including entering the workforce, helping family, or joining the military. Each scholarship recipient will receive $1,000, payable to the institution that he is enrolled in. There is an essay required for this scholarship. The application deadline is August 31 and the winner is announced one month later.
To learn more about this scholarship, you can visit: Barbara Rhomberg Excellence in Nursing Scholarship
43. Gannett Healthcare Group Scholarship
This scholarship is provided by the National Black Nurses Association. Applicants must be members of the organization and must be enrolled within a nursing program of some sort. An essay is required and all applicants must be African American. The amount awarded varies, as do the number of applications given out each year. The application deadline is August 15.
44. Indian Health Service Health Professions Scholarship Program
This program scholarship, provided by the Indian Health Service, is given out to cover the costs of books, transportation, board and tuition, to any individual of a recognized Indian tribe, including Eskimo and Alaskan Native. Priority is given to graduate students and junior or senior level students looking to get into the health profession. No essay is required, but the student must have a GPA of over 2.0. The amount provided varies by the year, as does the number of awards handed out. The application deadline for this program is August 14.
For more information about this scholarship, visit: Indian Health Service Health Professions Scholarship Program
45. Lydia’s Professional Uniforms/AACN Excellence in Academics Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship provides funds to nursing students in their junior year of a Bachelor of Science in nursing program. In total, two scholarships in the amount of $2,500 are provided each year during the fall and spring semesters. There is an essay required of applicants and they must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher. The fall deadline is August 1 and the spring deadline is November 1.
For more information, visit: Lydia’s Professional Uniforms/AACN Excellence in Academics Nursing Scholarship
46. American College of Nurse Practitioners Nurse Practitioner Student Scholarship Award
This award is given out to anyone who is a member of the American College of Nurse Practitioners, who is enrolled in a nursing program, who has two letters of support from professional colleagues and has a GPA of 3.4 or higher. They also have to participate in the organization and promote the role of the nurse practitioner through a research project. In addition, they need to participate in making organization activities in their area and participate in community service. The number of awards varies, but the award amount is $1,000. In addition, the recipient receives a one year membership to the American College of Nurse Practitioners, and a complimentary registration to the Clinical Conference. They also receive a maximum of $750 to defer travel and lodging costs related to this. The application deadline is July 10 and the winner is announced three weeks later. No essay is required for this scholarship.
To learn more, you can visit: American College of Nurse Practitioners Nurse Practitioner Student Scholarship Award
47. Morgan-Sanders Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to registered nurses who are enrolled in a Bachelor program, or graduate students studying nursing administration, adult education programs on a master’s level or nursing education. Doctoral students can also apply for this scholarship. There is no essay required, but students must have a GPA of 3.0 or over. The amount of awards varies by the year, but each award is worth $500. The application deadline is June 30. The Kansas State Nurses Association sponsors this award.
To learn more, you can visit: Morgan-Sanders Endowed Scholarship Link
48. Elaine Gelman Scholarship
Established in 2002, this scholarship is administered by the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Foundation in honor of a Ms. Gelman. She exemplified, during her long nursing career, clinical competency and political activism. As a result, the scholarship honors applicants who demonstrate clinical competency, political activism and academic achievement. Preference is given to students in Pediatric Nurse Practitioners programs, or who have experience in health policy. In addition, applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The number of awards handed out varies by the year, but each award is worth $1,000. The application deadline is June 30.
49. Florence Young Memorial Graduate Scholarship
This scholarship, provided by the Association on American Indian Affairs, is meant to help graduate students pursue a master’s degree program in a number of fields, including public health. The scholarship allows students to apply on a yearly basis. The number of awards handed out each year will vary, but each award is worth $1,500. An essay is required and only minorities can apply, with special consideration for American Indian or Alaskan Native students. The application deadline is June 6.
50. Charles Kunz Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a nurse who is pursuing a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Since the scholarship is sponsored by the Emergency Nurses Association Foundation, applicants must be members of the organization for a minimum of 12 months prior to applying. Only one award is handed out each year and it is worth $3,000. This scholarship application does not require an essay, but the nursing program that the student is enrolled in must be accredited. The application deadline is June 1.
For more information on this scholarship, visit: Charles Kunz Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship