The HRSA Scholarship Program was developed by the U.S. government to help alleviate the national nursing shortage. The program pays for tuition, supplies, living expenses and a monthly stipend. In exchange, student nurses must promise that after graduation, they will work for a health facility that has a critical nursing shortage. All American citizens are eligible for the program but the HRSA gives preference to those with the greatest financial need.
The U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force all have grant programs which pay tuition costs for undergraduate nurses. High school students who participate in ROTC programs may qualify for special ROTC grants. College sophomores and juniors who are interested in military careers may apply for Type 1 Scholarships. Students receive an officer's commission after graduation. Students receiving both types of aid must be attending nursing schools certified by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC).
The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration sponsors the National Health Service Corps. Students must contract to work two to four years at a NHSC location after graduation. In return, the program pays tuition, equipment costs and gives a monthly living stipend. The program is only for U.S. citizens. The NHSC gives preference to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Each year, the NSNA awards the Marilyn Bagwell Leadership Development Grant. The grant provides $1,000 to either a student or student nursing club at a college or university. The award is presented during the opening ceremony at the NSNA national meeting.
As of 2010, 24 states have instituted grant programs to combat the nursing shortages which exist in each state. Massachusetts has the Gilbert Matching Student Grant Program. The grant provides $200 to $2500 to each student. In Pennsylvania, the Ohio Valley General Hospital School of Nursing provides free tuition to its students and a guaranteed job as well.