Deciding to become a nurse is a big deal, and it comes with both exciting opportunities and some serious challenges. Nurses are essential to keeping patients healthy and safe—they’re true heroes in our healthcare system. Without them, things just wouldn’t run the same way.
With the growing demand for nurses, especially as baby boomers retire and health crises continue, many organizations and schools are offering scholarships, grants, and financial aid to help cover the rising costs of nursing school.
Let’s face it: nursing school isn’t cheap. Many students accumulate substantial debt; for example, the cost of becoming a nurse practitioner can range from $18,000 to $250,000. To help ease the financial strain, we’ve identified fifteen outstanding nursing scholarships available through Bold.org, each offering different levels of support. Whether you’re seeking major funding or just need a little extra assistance, there’s a scholarship here for every aspiring nurse.
These scholarships are niche, exclusive to the platform, and have a straightforward application process. Explore our top picks and find the right scholarships to support your nursing education and pave the way for a rewarding career in healthcare.
Apply for nursing scholarships today to reduce your college costs!
The above list is not exhaustive, and there are many more scholarships available for students pursuing a nursing degree. Browse more nursing scholarships now!
How to Qualify for Nursing Scholarships
Eligibility requirements can vary widely and depend entirely on the specific scholarship program. Many simply require the applicant to be a current or future nursing student or someone in the nursing profession. Still, others may seek out nursing students of a particular degree specialization or demographic.
Here are some typical eligibility requirements for nursing scholarships:
- An undergraduate or graduate student in nursing (sometimes specific to a particular level of education)
- A 3.0 GPA or higher or demonstrated academic excellence
- (Sometimes) pursuing a particular concentration of study
- (Sometimes) belong to an ethnic minority
Keep in mind that there may be other scholarships you can qualify for that aren’t related to the field of nursing. These include scholarships that recognize:
- Unique hobbies or skills
- Academic achievement
- Athletic performance
- Musical talent
- Volunteer work
- Your identity, gender, or demographic
- Financial need
Graduate nursing programs can be expensive. That’s why applying for scholarships can help you reduce your reliance on student loans. Apply today!
How to Apply for Nursing Scholarships
When applying for financial support for your nursing education—whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, or other nursing degree—there are a few key steps to keep in mind. Here’s what aspiring nursing students should do to find and secure financial assistance:
Applying for nursing scholarships can be a great way to ease the financial burden of nursing school. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Research Scholarships
Start Early: Begin your search as early as possible to meet application deadlines.
Use Online Resources: Bold.org can help you find scholarships.
Check with Nursing Schools: Many nursing schools offer their own scholarships or have lists of external scholarships.
Professional Organizations: Look into organizations like the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) for scholarship opportunities.
Understand Eligibility Requirements
Academic Requirements: Ensure you meet the GPA or other academic standards.
Specific Criteria: Some scholarships may be for students with specific interests (e.g., pediatric nursing), backgrounds, or demographics.
Prepare Your Application Materials
Transcripts: Obtain copies of your academic transcripts.
Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV): Update your resume or CV to include relevant experiences and achievements.
Letters of Recommendation: Request letters from professors, employers, or mentors who can speak to your qualifications and character.
Personal Statement/Essay: Write a compelling personal statement or essay that highlights your passion for nursing, career goals, and any unique aspects of your background.
Complete the Application
Follow Instructions: Carefully follow the application instructions provided by each scholarship.
Proofread: Review your application for any errors before submission.
Submit Applications
Meet Deadlines: Ensure that you submit all required documents by the scholarship deadlines.
Keep Records: Save copies of your submitted applications and any confirmation emails.
Consider Local Opportunities
Community Organizations: Look for scholarships offered by local community groups, businesses, or foundations.
Hospitals and Healthcare Providers: Some hospitals offer scholarships to nursing students as part of their community outreach or workforce development programs.
Where to Look for Scholarships
Start by checking with your current school. If you’re in high school, ask your guidance counselor for information about local scholarships and grants. If you’re already in college, visit the financial aid office for details on available scholarships and practical tips to refine your search and boost your applications. Don’t forget to reach out to the nursing department at your school, as they might have exclusive scholarships for nursing students.
You can also ask around locally, at hospitals, libraries, churches, volunteer committees, or even your employer (or your parents). Finally, search online for scholarships. You might start with the U.S. Department of Labor’s free scholarship search tool or Bold.org.
Types of Scholarship Sponsors
Sponsors of scholarships can come from various organizations and committees. For example:
- Individuals
- Nonprofit organizations, such as
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- The Health Resources and Services Administration
- Bold.org
- Minority advocacy associations
- Corporations
- Employers
- College departments
Scholarship Application Strategy
When choosing scholarships to apply for, aim to strike a balance between applying widely and focusing on those with the best potential benefits—such as high award amounts or less competition. Scholarships tailored to specific specializations or locations can increase your chances of winning. Undergraduate nursing students should also look for awards that could help with future graduate studies, while graduate students can explore a range of awards to support their nursing careers.
As you prepare to send out applications, it may be helpful to first gather up all the documents and information you’ll need for your applications. While requirements vary by scholarship, common documents include:
- A complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- ACT or SAT scores
- College or high school transcripts
- An essay or personal statement
- Your resume
- Letters of recommendation
- Other financial information
High school students interested in nursing should apply for scholarships to help them pay for their nursing degree!
Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships for Nursing Students
How Can I Pay for Nursing School with No Money?
Start by trying for scholarships and grants, as these funds will not need to be paid back. In addition to scholarships, several government assistance programs exist to help nursing students achieve their goals. You might also try fellowships, loan forgiveness programs, work-study or working through school, employer assistance, or even military or travel nursing.
When Should I Start Applying for Scholarships?
Applicants must honor award deadlines for nursing scholarships. Deadlines for scholarships vary depending on the unique award opportunity. Pay close attention to the details of each scholarship on your list to be sure of their application deadline.
What Types of Scholarships Are Available for Nursing Students?
There are all sorts of scholarships for nursing students. They may be designed to recognize nursing students with a particular specialization, from a particular region, with high academic achievement, or of a particular identity (gender, ethnicity, or religion). They can even be specific to grade level, like graduate nursing students or community college students transferring.
What is the Graduate Nursing Student Academy?
The Graduate Nursing Student Academy (GNSA) is a part of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). It’s designed for students who are pursuing advanced degrees in nursing, like master’s or doctoral programs. The GNSA provides resources, networking opportunities, and support tailored specifically for graduate nursing students. It helps members stay informed about trends in nursing education and research, and it offers a platform for sharing ideas and experiences with peers in advanced nursing programs.
What Is the National Student Nurses Association?
The National Student Nurses Association is an organization in the U.S. that represents nursing students. It provides a range of resources, support, and opportunities for nursing students to develop their professional skills, engage in leadership activities, and connect with peers. The NSNA also works to advocate for nursing students and the nursing profession as a whole, promoting issues related to healthcare and nursing education. Membership can offer access to conferences, publications, and various educational resources.
How Can I Increase My Chances of Getting Scholarships?
First, be sure you apply for Federal Student Aid and then apply for as many scholarships as you can (just make sure you meet the eligibility requirements first). Try also to capitalize your time and efforts on the opportunities with high award amounts and/or low competition.
Undergraduate students should apply for college scholarships to help reduce their college costs!
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov’s experience with scientific research foundations informs his work at Scholarship Institute, where he leverages his strong research background to provide valuable insights across various fields. Specializing in review articles on scholarships, particularly in STEM, he ensures that students receive well-informed content to effectively navigate their financial options.
