In addition to Pell Grants, the federal government offers scholarships specifically for nurses. For nurses willing to work in critical shortage areas, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration offers funding to cover tuition, fees, books, a monthly stipend and other expenses. The scholarship is based on financial need. Also, most recipients demonstrate an Expected Family Contribution, or EFC, on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA of $0. Students must work in a critical shortage area for two years after graduation.
Nursing Scholarship Program
Division of Applications and Awards
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 8-37
Rockville, MD 20857
hrsa.gov
Nursing organizations and associations offer students and student members scholarships. The National Student Nurses' Association offers RN, BSN and graduate nursing students $1,000 to $5,000 awards. The NSNA considers several selection criteria in choosing recipients, including financial need, academic achievement and community service. To apply for one of the 40 scholarships awarded each year, contact the Foundation of the National Student Nurses' Association, 45 Main Street, Suite 606, Brooklyn, NY 11201 or call 718-210-0705 and visit nsna.org.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing, or AACN, and the Hurst Review have partnered to provide pre-licensure nursing students with two $2,500 awards. Four scholarships are available through the online application at hurstreview.com/aacn.php.
Health organizations offer scholarships to help meet future nurses' financial needs. American Red Cross Jane Delano Society Scholarships provide nursing students up to $1,000 in scholarship aid. Students must have volunteered for the Red Cross in the past five years and must be enrolled in two- or four-year nursing programs. The Red Cross only accepts emailed applications. Contact National Nursing Chair Vivian Littlefield, Ph.D., RN, at [email protected].
The Mid-Atlantic Cardiovascular Foundation offers $5,000 nursing scholarships. Applicants must apply at macvfoundation.org.
Scholarships specific to minority nursing students are also available. The National Black Nurses' Association, or NBNA, offers scholarships from $500 to $2,000 for student members with at least one year of school remaining. Students can find applications by visiting nbna.org or emailing [email protected].
The National American Arab Nurses Association, or NAANA, offers several scholarships up to $10,000 for students of Arab descent interested in nursing, pursuing nursing or pursuing graduate education in nursing. Find scholarship applications at n-aana.org/scholarship.
Several branches of the United States military offer scholarships for nursing students. The Navy offers options from loan repayment to $180,000 to cover the entire cost of nursing education. U.S. citizens interested in nursing careers should find more information at navy.com/healthcare. The Air Force Reserves offers three- and four-year scholarships to students aspiring to become Air Force Nurses. This scholarship covers up to $15,000 in expenses each year. Find out more at afrotc.com/scholarships.