Nursing degrees open doors to professional advancement, increased salary, and the opportunity to make a vital difference in people’s lives. Nursing school demands not only time and dedication, but also a significant financial commitment. With college costs on the rise, 86% of U.S. students relied on financial aid to help finance their education in 2018. To avoid unmanageable debt, nursing students should prioritize scholarships before accepting loan offers. For more information on financial aid, check out our resource center.
With a national nursing shortage driving high demand in the field, motivated students can find an abundance of nursing scholarship opportunities. This guide highlights some of the best scholarships for nursing students and provides tips for crafting successful scholarship applications. Students can also consult our nursing student resource guide to discover additional strategies for making the most of a nursing degree program.
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Nursing scholarship applications seek typical criteria: transcripts, resumes, essays, personal statements, and letters of recommendation. Financial need and proof of acceptance or enrollment in an accredited program also form part of many applications.
Essay topics for nursing scholarship applications frequently invite applicants to reflect on their nursing career goals or experience. Telling an engaging story, tailored to the prompt, helps application committees understand applicants’ unique personal qualities.
Some scholarships require applicants to have healthcare experience. Whether mandatory or not, discussing any previous volunteer or professional healthcare experience demonstrates applicants’ commitment to the field.
While students should highlight their healthcare skills and knowledge, they should remember to include their soft skills as well. Make your application stand out with specific experiences or anecdotes demonstrating field-relevant qualities such as leadership or perseverance.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse – Time of Completion
A typical nursing degree can take 2-4 years to complete. Each level of nursing has its own timeline, and that timeline can vary depending upon factors like part-time vs. full-time enrollment, certification, and the type of program.Â
Below is an overview of the typical amount of time it takes to complete a nursing degree, keep in mind that the length provided is for the amount of time it takes to complete that segment of the degree, not the entire academic path overall:
Nursing Degree Level
Time of Completion
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
 2-3 years
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
1-2 years
Registered Nurse (RN)
4 years
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
 4-5 years
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
1.5-3 years
Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)
1-3 years
Scholarships
The following list features some of the many scholarships available to nursing students of all levels and backgrounds. Students can use this list as a starting point to begin their own research, learn about the financial aid process, and identify the most advantageous scholarships for their personal circumstances and goals.
Cherokee Uniforms administers this scholarship supporting nursing students currently enrolled in bachelor’s, associate, certificate or diploma programs within the United States. Applicants may attend classes full time or part time.
Hurst Review Services partners with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing to sponsor this scholarship benefitting prelicensure students attending AACN member schools. Four students receive scholarships each year.
AANP accepts scholarship applications from registered nurses with at least one semester of a master’s or doctoral program completed. Applicants must submit their program of study, transcripts, resume, and references.
Comprising several named awards, these scholarships provide funding for ANNA members pursuing a BSN or graduate-level nursing degree. Applicants must currently work in the field and hold nephrology nursing certification.
U.S. Army service members and veterans, as well as their spouses and children, can apply for this scholarship. Applicants may attend a bachelor’s or graduate nursing or nurse anesthesia program.
ARIN’s scholarship program includes the Dorothy Budnek Memorial Scholarship, open to association members enrolled in nursing programs. Applicants need a 3.0 GPA. Other scholarships provide funding for certification, membership, and conference expenses.
ARN awards scholarships to active association members currently pursuing a bachelor’s or graduate-level nursing degree. Certified rehabilitation registered nurses with at least two years of professional experience receive preference.
This scholarship supports individuals of American Indian, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian descent. Applicants may study nursing or other healthcare disciplines and must plan to work in Native American communities after graduation.
Applicants must demonstrate financial need and submit proof of acceptance or enrollment in an accredited nursing program. The Daughters of the American Revolution also offers other nursing scholarships with additional criteria.
Applicants must attend an AACN-accredited graduate nursing program, maintain a 3.5 GPA, and submit essays and references. They must also hold Graduate Nursing Student Academy membership and can join for free.
Award: $2,500 Deadline: Late September and late December
This scholarship funds American Indian students enrolled in baccalaureate or graduate programs, including nursing students. Applicants must submit documentation of tribal enrollment and write an essay discussing their heritage, achievements, and career goals.
Award: $500 – $5,000 Deadline: Mid-March, late April, and mid-September
Open to nursing students and practicing nurses at all levels, this scholarship requires applicants to create a user account with the sponsoring organization. The sponsor chooses one annual winner by drawing.
These scholarships support ENA members pursuing a bachelor’s or graduate nursing degree. Non-members who work in rescue or emergency services may receive funding for BSN study. All scholarships require a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Nursing students at all levels, except for graduate student BSN degree-holders, may apply for FNSNA scholarships. The scholarship program encompasses multiple individual awards, which may set additional criteria.
HOSA-Future Health Professionals, a student organization for aspiring health science professionals, administers this scholarship. Applicants may attend programs that lead to careers in a variety of fields, including nursing.
Nursing students at any level and in all specialties qualify for this scholarship. Applicants must write a 2,500-word essay and hold a minimum 3.5 GPA.
The March of Dimes accepts scholarship applications from registered nurses pursuing a graduate degree in maternal-child nursing. Applicants must hold membership in specific professional organizations focused on women’s and neonatal health.
This healthcare and nursing scholarship program includes graduate and undergraduate awards with varying criteria. Requirements may include residency within Mosaic Life Care’s service region and current or future employment with the organization.
Award: Varies Deadline: Mid-March, early April, mid-June, and mid-October
This scholarship supports associate, bachelor’s, and master’s-level nursing students of Arab heritage. Applicants need a 3.0 GPA and must demonstrate a contribution to healthcare in Arab American communities.
Graduate and undergraduate nursing students can apply for a NADONA nursing scholarship. Some awards require that applicants work in long-term care nursing or plan to pursue a career in the field.
Award: Varies Deadline: Late January, early May, and late December
NAHN members enrolled in full-time nursing programs at all levels can apply. Individual scholarships maintain varying criteria, such as a minimum GPA. Specific awards cater to male applicants and aspiring nurse educators.
The NBNA nursing scholarship program includes awards for nursing students at all levels. Some scholarships cater to students pursuing specific specialties or attending historically Black colleges and universities.
NHSC scholarships provide tuition funds and monthly stipends for graduate students pursuing primary healthcare careers, including prospective nurse practitioners and nurse midwives. Recipients commit to practicing in areas with a healthcare professional shortage.
ONF sponsors several scholarships for nursing students pursuing careers in oncology. Applicants may attend bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs. BSN candidates must be entering their senior year.
Students attending full-time or part-time undergraduate nursing programs at two-year, four-year, and vocational institutions may qualify. Applicants must submit an essay. Four students receive this scholarship annually.
Award: $500 Deadline: Mid-April, mid-July, mid-October, and mid-January
The Air Force provides financial assistance for graduate nursing students. Nursing scholarship recipients commit to serving 45 days of active duty while in school and a minimum of three years after graduation.
Open to practicing nurses as well as students enrolled in physician assistant, nursing assistant, or nursing programs, this scholarship awards the recipient free access to Vohra’s wound care certification course.
Open to Cincinnati Children’s employees, this scholarship supports pediatric nursing students from underrepresented populations, including male and racial minority applicants. Applicants must attend a prelicensure program and hold a minimum 2.75 GPA.
High school counselors, college financial aid offices, and online resources can help students identify nursing scholarship opportunities. Grades, financial need, and work or volunteer experience may contribute to a strong application.
How much does it cost to get a BSN?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, average annual tuition at four-year colleges in 2018 reached $43,139 among private institutions and $20,050 at public institutions.
