Published by Jamie Bond
Below are 50 great scholarships available to any registered nurse pursuing a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree. Whether studying to be a nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist, certified nurse midwife, clinical nurse specialist, or possibly to be a nurse administrator or nurse educator, this list is a valuable resource when seeking scholarship dollars to help fund an advanced degree.
1. A.J. Jannetti Career Mobility Scholarship
This $2,500 scholarship, sponsored by the Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association, is available for any LPN/LVN/RN who is pursing an advanced degree in nursing. Applicants must be current members of the National Student Nurses Association and submit their applications by January 16th.
For more information, visit: Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association
2. Air Force Health Professions Scholarship
This scholarship is open to any nurse seeking an advanced degree as a nurse practitioner who is a United States citizen and is accepted into an accredited university. This scholarship pays for tuition, books, and most fees and gives monthly stipend for living expenses. In exchange for this scholarship, after graduation the recipient must commit to serve in active duty in the Air Force with a year-for-year repayment (minimum obligation of 3 years).
For more information, visit: Air Force Health Professions Scholarship
3. Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Scholarship
This scholarship is open to any resident of Alaska who is currently enrolled as a full-time student in the healthcare field. Applicants must submit transcripts, a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and a letter of acceptance or proof of application to an accredited university. To be considered for this $5,000 scholarship, applications must be submitted by June 20th.
For more information, visit: Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Scholarship
4. American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Scholarship
Offered by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), this scholarship is open to any AANP member currently enrolled in an accredited university in pursuit of an advanced degree. Applicants must be in the last year of their studies. The application deadline is October 1st for the opportunity to be awarded up to $2,500.
For more information, visit: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Scholarship
5. American Assembly for Men in Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship is open to any male student currently enrolled in a licensed nursing program who has completed at least one term. Applicants must be current members of the American Assembly for Men in Nursing and submit an essay (500 words maximum) describing why they chose nursing as their career. The number and amount of scholarships awarded varies from year to year. The deadline is to apply July 1st.
For more information, visit: American Assembly for Men in Nursing Scholarship
6. American Association of Occupational Health Nurses Professional Development Scholarship
This $2,500 scholarship, sponsored by Liberty Mutual and UPS Foundation, is available to any registered nurse who is enrolled full- or part-time seeking a graduate degree in a nursing program that offers experiences in occupational and environmental health. Applicants must be members of American Association of Occupational Health Nurses and exhibit an interest in the fields of occupational and environmental health. Two scholarships will be awarded and the application deadline is January 10th.
For more information, visit: AAOHN Professional Development Scholarship
7. American Association of University Women Career Development Grant
This grant is offered to any bachelor prepared woman seeking an advanced degree that is enrolled in an accredited university. Primary consideration is given to women of color, women pursuing a degree in nontraditional fields, and women who do not hold an advanced degree. The deadline to apply for this scholarship is December 15th and award amounts range between $2,000 and $12,000.
For more information, visit: AAUW Career Development Grant
8. American Cancer Society Scholarship
This $10,000 scholarship, offered by the American Cancer Society, is offered to any student pursuing a master’s degree in cancer nursing or a doctorate of nursing practice. The deadline to apply for this 2-year renewable scholarship is February 1st.
For more information, visit: American Cancer Society Scholarship
9. American Indian Graduate Center Graduate Cobell Scholarship
Offered by the American Indian Graduate Center, this scholarship is open to any full-time student studying in an accredited university. Applicants for this scholarship must submit a Financial Needs Form and demonstrate enrollment in a federally recognized Indian tribe/Alaska Native group or possess ¼ American Indian blood (submit Tribal Eligibility Certificate). A 500-word essay describing how this scholarship will allow the recipient to continue the mission of education and leadership must accompany the application. The deadline to apply for this scholarship is June 1st.
For more information, visit: American Indian Graduate Center Graduate Cobell Scholarship
10. American Indian Science and Engineering Society Scholarship
This memorial scholarship is in honor of A.T. Anderson, one of the founders of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES). The value of the scholarship is $1,000 for undergraduate and $2,000 for graduate students. This scholarship is offered to any full-time student enrolled in an accredited university who maintains a 3.0 GPA and is a current member of AISES. Applicants must also be an enrolled member of the American Indian tribe, Alaska native, Native Hawaiian or be at least ¼ Native American blood or Alaskan native. The application deadline for this scholarship is June 15th.
11. Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses Scholarship
This scholarship, sponsored by the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses, is offered to any nursing student, either undergraduate and graduate, who maintains a 3.0 GPA and has an interest in perioperative or surgical nursing. The application deadline is June 15th and awards range between $500 and $2,500.
For more information, visit: Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses Scholarship
12. Carolyn Scott “Spirit of Excellence” Scholarship
This scholarship is open to any employee of the Methodist Health System who is seeking a master’s or doctorate degree in nursing. Qualified employees must have worked a minimum of 12 hours per week in the Methodist Health System for the past two years. Award selection is based on the following: caring qualities, academic excellence, leadership potential, and performance record. This $5,000 scholarship is awarded to one applicant. The application deadline is mid-March.
13. Cathy L. Brock Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is to any graduate student leader who represents an ethnically diverse cultural background. Applicants must be United States citizens pursuing a degree in healthcare administration and maintain a 3.0 GPA. The deadline to apply for this scholarship is February 28th and $1,000 will be awarded to a single applicant.
For more information, visit: Cathy L. Brock Memorial Scholarship
14. AACN Scholarships
Perhaps not surprising for one of the biggest names in the nursing game, AACN does more than just maintain rigorous accreditation standards for graduate programs designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice. Turns out AACN also offers a ton of great scholarships, grants, fellowships and a whole lot of resources that any nursing student would find really valuable when trying to figure out how to cover the cost of earning a degree.
For more information, visit: AACN Scholarships
15. Charlotte McGuire Education Scholarship Program
This scholarship, made possible by the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA), is in honor of its founder, Charlotte McGuire. Qualified applicants must be active members of the AHNA for the previous 12 months and enrolled in a graduate nursing program dedicated to holistic nursing. Applicants must also maintain a 3.0 GPA and submit two sponsorship letters, one from an AHNA member. The application deadline is March 15 and the average award is $1,000.
For more information, visit: Charlotte McGuire Education Scholarship
16. Clinical Nurse Specialist Foundation Scholarship
The purpose of this scholarship, offered by the Clinical Nurse Specialist Foundation, is to increase the number of Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) in the United States. Any student pursuing a master’s degree in nursing in an accredited CNS program or a CNS pursuing a doctorate degree is eligible to apply. This scholarship is based on academic performance, clinical excellence, and demonstrated leadership. The Foundation will award two $1,000 scholarships and two $500 scholarships to the deserving applicants. Applications must be postmarked by January 31st.
17. Dean Hayden Student Research Scholarship
This scholarship, offered by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA), is offered to any nurse anesthesia student who is a member of the AANA. This scholarship awards up to $5,000 and the deadline to apply is March 1st.
For more information, visit: American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
18. Eli Lilly and Company Scholarship
Offered by the American Nurses Foundation Scholar Program, this $7,500 scholarship is open to any registered nurse with a bachelor degree who is pursuing an advanced degree. This scholarship is awarded to an applicant with a strong desire to conduct research on a specified topic. The deadline to apply for this scholarship is April 1st.
For more information, visit: American Association of Nurse Practitioners
19. Emergency Nurses Association Foundation Master’s in Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship, offered by the Emergency Nurses Association, is open to any nursing student who has been a member of the Emergency Nurses Association for at least 12 months prior to applying. Applicants must maintain a 3.0 grade point average and attend a NLN, AACN, or CCNE accredited university. A statement of professional and educational goals and letters of recommendation are required. The deadline to apply for this scholarship is June 1st and the monetary award varies between $3,000 and $5,000.
For more information, visit: Emergency Nurses Association Foundation Master’s in Nursing Scholarship
20. Estelle Massey Osborne Scholarship
This scholarship is offered by the Nurses Educational Fund, Inc. and is open to any full- or part-time African American student pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree with a minimum GPA of 3.6. At the time of application, applicants must have completed at least 12 credit hours of the program. An essay describing professional goals is required. The application deadline is February 1st and the monetary award varies.
For more information, visit: Nurses Educational Fund, Inc.
21. F. Edward Hébert Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program
The United States Army offers this scholarship to any student enrolled full-time in a psychiatric nurse practitioner program. This scholarship is also open to any student pursuing a medical, dental, veterinary, psychology, or optometry degree. The United States Army will pay 100 percent of graduate–level tuition to any accredited nursing program in the United States or Puerto Rico. Recipients also receive a monthly stipend of at least $2,000. Award recipients will receive training to be part of the United States Army healthcare team during school breaks. After graduation, recipients will complete an active duty service obligation lasting one year for each year of scholarship received. The application deadline is rolling.
For more information, visit: Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program
22. HealthSouth Nursing Student Loan Program
HealthSouth is one of the nations largest providers of inpatient rehabilitation service and has facilities located in 28 states across the country and Puerto Rico. HealthSouth offers loan forgiveness awards in amounts ranging between $5,001 and $10,000. In return, recipients must commit to work at a HealthSouth facility after graduation. The work commitment is based upon the loan amount awarded. There is no deadline to apply for this program.
For more information, visit: HealthSouth Nursing Student Loan Program
23. HRSA Scholarship for Disadvantaged Students
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers this scholarship to any financially needy student from a disadvantaged background that is enrolled in a nursing or health professions program. The application is available through participating schools; check here to see if your school participates in this program. Award amounts vary and will be distributed based on financial need making this a very competitive scholarship. The deadline to apply for this scholarship is May 15th.
For more information, visit: HRSA Scholarship for Disadvantaged Students
24. Kentucky Coalition of Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives Scholarship
This $1,500 scholarship is offered to any registered nurse currently enrolled in an accredited MSN, DNP, or PhD nursing program who maintains a minimum of 3.0 GPA and is a current member of KCNPNM. The application, which requires five documents: a resume, a personal statement of professional goals, a statement of need, an essay of 350-500 words describing professional relationships, and a letter of recommendation from an APRN, is due by February 15th.
For more information, visit: Kentucky Coalition of Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives
25. Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital MSN Scholarship
This $500 scholarship is offered by the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital to any student pursuing a master’s degree in nursing. Applicants must maintain a 3.0 GPA. The deadline to apply for this scholarship is December 31st.
For more information, visit: Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Scholarship
26. March of Dimes Scholarship
Offered by the March of Dimes, this $5,000 scholarship is open to any registered nurse currently enrolled in a master’s or doctorate degree program with a focus on maternal/child nursing. Applicants must be a member of the ACMN, AWHONN, or NANN to qualify. Application deadline is mid-January.
For more information, visit: March of Dimes
27. Medical Professionals of Tomorrow Scholarship
This scholarship is offered by U.S. Medical Supplies and is available to any full-time student seeking a degree in the healthcare field. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited university, complete a 500 minimum word essay, and ‘like’ U.S. Medical Supplies on Facebook. Three applicants will be chosen to be awarded amounts ranging between $500 and $3,500. The deadline to apply for this scholarship is December 31st.
For more information, visit: Medical Professionals of Tomorrow Scholarship
28. Medtronic Physio-Control Advanced Nursing Practice Scholarship
This scholarship, offered by the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Foundation, is open to any registered nurse seeking an advanced degree in the areas of clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner. Preference will be given to applicants with strong interest in cardiac nursing. Applicants must be members of the ENA for a minimum of 12 months. The deadline to apply for this $3,000 scholarship is June 1st.
For more information, visit: Medtronic Physio-Control Advanced Nursing Practice Scholarship
29. MinuteClinic Scholarship
The Minute Clinic, the largest provider of retail healthcare in the nation, offers up to 30 family nurse practitioner scholarships valued at $2,500 each year. Applicants must maintain at 3.0 GPA and have completed at least one clinical rotation at a MinuteClinic. The deadline to apply for this scholarship is March 31st.
For more information, visit: CVS MinuteClinic Scholarship
30. National American Arab Nurses Association Scholarship
This scholarship is offered to any student of Arab heritage who is enrolled in an accredited nursing program. Applicants must also be citizens or permanent residents of the United States and members of the NAANA. Two letters of recommendation (one from a nursing faculty member), a resume, and an essay describing the applicants career goals and leadership activities is required. Award amounts range between $500 and $1,000 and the application deadline is May 30th.
For more information, visit: National American Arab Nurses Association Scholarship
31. National Association of Hispanic Nurses Scholarship
Any NAHA member enrolled in an accredited nursing program that maintains a minimum of 3.0 GPA is encouraged to apply for this $2,500 scholarship. Two letters of recommendation and an essay detailing financial needs is required. The deadline to apply for this scholarship is May 1st.
For more information, visit: National Association of Hispanic Nurses Scholarship
32. National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Scholarship
This scholarship is offered to any registered nurse with experience in pediatrics who is enrolled in an accredited master’s degree nursing program. Applicants must be NAPNAP members seeking an education as a pediatric nurse practitioner. The deadlines to apply for this $2,000 scholarship are May 30th and September 30th.
For more information, visit: National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
33. National Black Nurses Association Scholarship
This scholarship is offered to any member of the NBNA currently enrolled in an accredited nursing program with a minimum of one year left. A personal essay along with two letters of recommendation is required. The award varies between $500 and $2,000 and the deadline to apply for this scholarship is May 15th.
For more information, visit: National Black Nurses Association Scholarship
34. National Health Service Corps State Loan Repayment Program
This loan repayment program is available to any nurse practitioner working in a Health Professional Shortage Area. This program is available in 30 states (check here for individual state loan repayment point of contact) and requires a minimum of two-year service commitment with an additional year of service for every additional year of support. The deadline to apply for this program is March 20th.
For more information, visit: National Health Service Corps State Loan Repayment
35. National Health Service Corps Scholarship
This scholarship pays tuition, fees, miscellaneous educational costs, and a living stipend. In return for this award, the recipient must agree to work at least two years at an approved healthcare facility in a medically underserved facility. The application deadline for this scholarship is May 15th.
For more information, visit: National Health Service Corps Scholarship
36. National Hispanic Health Foundation Scholarship
The National Hispanic Health Foundation offers this scholarship, aimed at increasing the prevalence of Hispanic healthcare providers. Any full-time student enrolled in an accredited university studying for a bachelor’s or graduate degree is eligible to apply. Applicants need not be Hispanic but must have a fondness of for the health of Hispanic communities. The award amount varies between $2,000 and $5,000 and the application deadline is October 4th.
For more information, visit: National Hispanic Health Foundation
37. Nora Piore Scholarship
The Service Employees International Union offers this two-year renewable scholarship in memory of Nora Piore who was a union organizer, labor educator, college professor, healthcare economist, and healthcare activist. The deadline to apply for this $4,000 scholarship is March 1st.
For more information, visit: Service Employees International Union
38. Nurse Practitioner Healthcare Foundation/Proctor & Gamble Endowed Scholarship in Community Service
This $1,000 scholarship is open to any student studying to be a nurse practitioner who has made a significant contribution in school, in community, or in patient care while pursuing an advanced degree. The deadline to apply for this scholarship is December 20th.
For more information, visit: NPHF/Proctor & Gamble Scholarship
39. Nurses Educational Funds Scholarship
This scholarship, offered by Nurses Educational Funds, is open to any full- or part-time registered nurse pursuing a master’s or doctoral degrees. Students must be enrolled in a NLNAC or CCNE accredited school, have completed at least 12 credit hours of the program, and maintain a 3.6 GPA. Award amounts vary between $2,500 and $10,000 and the application deadline is February 1st.
For more information, visit: Nurses Educational Funds Scholarship
40. Johnson&Johnson Nursing Scholarships
It’s been a household name as one of America’s largest and most successful corporations for generations. So it’s no surprise that Johnson&Johnson is also a big name in the nursing community too. And it’s not just because the company is is a major manufacturer of the kind of supplies nurses use in clinical practice every day. J&J is also recognized as a major advocate for nurses, and nowhere is this more apparent than with its generous scholarship offers.
For more information, visit: Johnson&Johnson Nursing Scholarships
41. Nursingtrack.com Scholarship
Nursingtrack.com offers this $1,000 scholarship to any undergraduate, graduate, or certificate level nursing student as well as any student in a ladder program (e.g. LPN to BSN and RN to BSN). Online schools do qualify. This scholarship requires a 600-800 word essay and has an application deadline of August 31st.
For more information, visit: Nursingtrack.com Scholarship
42. Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship is available to any veteran or active duty military service member from all branches of the United States Military as well as their spouses. Applicants must be full-time students pursuing a bachelor or master’s degree in an accredited university. Two essays must accompany this scholarship: 1) describing military and public service motivation and experiences; and 2) detailing education, career, and service ambitions. Preference is given to applicants with great record of personal achievement and those who show leadership potential. The application for this scholarship, which covers educational expenses including tuition, books, fees, and a living stipend, is due early in March.
For more information, visit: Tillman Military Scholarship
43. Philippine Nurses Association of America Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship, sponsored by the Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA), is offered to any PNAA member enrolled in an accredited master’s, post-master’s, or doctoral degree program. The deadline to apply for this scholarship is eight weeks prior to the PNAA annual National Convention.
For more information, visit: Philippine Nurses Association of America
44. Promise of Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship is offered by the Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association and is designed to assist any registered nurse who is preparing to be a nurse educator achieve their degree. Applicants must be registered for at least six credit hours and reside in one of the following regions: Southern California, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, or Washington. The deadline is March 13th and award amounts range between $1,000 and $7,500.
For more information, visit: Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association
45. Senator Patricia K. McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarship
The purpose of this scholarship worth up to $20,000 is to increase the number of faculty members teaching nursing education in New York State. Any registered nurse licensed to work in New York State who is enrolled at an accredited school of nursing with intent to earn a master’s degree in nursing education is eligible to apply. After completing their degree, recipients must agree to a four-year service obligation as nursing faculty or adjunct clinical faculty member at an institution in New York State. The deadline to apply is June 15.
For more information, visit: Senator Patricia K. McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarship Program
46. Senior Care Innovation Scholarship
This scholarship is open to any nursing student enrolled in an associate, baccalaureate, master’s, or doctorate program in an accredited university who intends to pursue a career working with senior citizens. Five scholarships are awarded in the amount of $1,000. The deadline for this application is April 15th.
For more information, visit: Senior Care Innovation Scholarship
47. Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates Scholarship
The Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA) offer this scholarship to any registered nurse working in gastroenterology who chooses to continue their education by pursuing a higher degree. This scholarship is open any member of the SGNA who is enrolled in a baccalaureate, master’s, or doctorate program in an accredited university. The deadline for this application is July 31st and the award is $2,500 (full-time students) or $1,000 (part-time students).
For more information, visit: Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates Scholarship
48. Stephanie Carroll Memorial Scholarship
The National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration in Long Term Care offers this scholarship valued at $5,000. This scholarship is offered to any nursing student enrolled in an NLN or CCNE accredited school that has chosen long-term care or geriatrics as their specialty. An essay describing how this degree will enhance the recipients nursing practice must accompany the application that has a deadline of May 15th.
For more information, visit: Stephanie Carroll Memorial Scholarship
49. Virginia Department of Health Nurse Educator Scholarship Program
This scholarship is open to any resident of the state of Virginia (one year minimum) who is seeking an advanced degree in nursing. Applicants may be either full- or part-time students but must complete the degree within two years. An essay describing career objectives, leadership capabilities and experience, and areas of personal growth is required. The recipient is required to give two years of teaching service as a faculty member for every year awarded scholarship. The deadline to apply for this scholarship is June 30th and recipients will receive up to $20,000 per year.
For more information, visit: Virginia Department of Health Nurse Educator Scholarship Program
For more scholarship options, check out 50 Great Non-School Specific Nursing Scholarships.
About the author:
Jamie Bond has been a registered nurse since 2002 and returned to the college scene in 2012 to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has a passion for all things nursing, especially the care of the at–risk population. Jamie has first hand experience navigating the complicated, multifaceted field of nursing. A married mother of two school-aged sons, Jamie enjoys spending her spare time cheering on her kids at their various activities.