Nursing School & Licensing Scholarships (2026)

Nursing education is a significant financial investment — associate degree programs can cost $10,000 to $40,000, while BSN programs at four-year universities can exceed $80,000. Add in NCLEX exam fees, licensing application costs, and required clinical supplies, and the total can feel overwhelming. The good news is that nursing has more scholarship and financial aid options than almost any other licensed profession, driven by a persistent national nursing shortage.

This guide covers the major funding sources for nursing students, from federal programs and employer-sponsored education to profession-specific scholarships and state initiatives. Many of these programs can be combined, significantly reducing or eliminating your out-of-pocket costs.

Federal Nursing Scholarship Programs

HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) operates the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program, one of the most generous nursing scholarships available. The program covers tuition, required fees, and other reasonable educational costs, and provides a monthly living stipend. In exchange, recipients commit to working for at least two years at a Critical Shortage Facility (CSF) or in a nurse faculty role after graduation.

The program is competitive, with applications typically opening in the spring for the following academic year. Eligible applicants must be enrolled or accepted into an accredited nursing program (diploma, associate, baccalaureate, or graduate) and be U.S. citizens or nationals. Selection criteria include financial need, enrollment in a program leading to a nursing degree, and willingness to serve in a shortage area.

HRSA Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program

For nurses who already have student loans, the HRSA Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program (LRP) pays up to 85% of qualifying nursing education loan balances in exchange for a two-year service commitment at a Critical Shortage Facility. An optional third year of service can cover an additional 20% of the original loan balance.

Federal Pell Grants and Financial Aid

Federal Pell Grants provide up to $7,395 per year (2024–2025 award year) for eligible nursing students based on financial need. Unlike loans, Pell Grants do not require repayment. Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov to determine your eligibility. Many nursing students also qualify for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) and Federal Nursing Student Loans, which offer lower interest rates than standard federal student loans.

Employer-Funded Nursing Education

Healthcare employers are among the most generous when it comes to funding employee education. The nursing shortage gives hospitals and health systems strong incentives to train their own nurses rather than competing for a limited pool of experienced RNs.

Common Employer Programs

• Tuition reimbursement: Many hospitals reimburse nursing students who are current employees (often CNAs, LPNs, or support staff) for tuition costs while they earn their nursing degree
• Full-ride programs: Some health systems offer full-ride scholarships covering tuition, fees, and supplies in exchange for a 2–4 year employment commitment after graduation
• Work-study arrangements: Some employers allow nursing students to work part-time while studying, adjusting schedules around clinical requirements
• CNA-to-RN pipeline programs: Many nursing homes and hospitals hire CNAs and then fund their nursing education, creating a career ladder from aide to RN

To find these opportunities, ask your current healthcare employer about educational assistance programs, or search for healthcare job listings that mention tuition assistance or educational benefits.

Professional Association Scholarships

Numerous nursing professional associations offer scholarships to student members. These range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand and are typically awarded annually. Some of the major organizations offering nursing scholarships include:

• American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN): Multiple scholarship programs for BSN, MSN, and doctoral students
• National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA): Annual scholarships for nursing students at all levels
• National Black Nurses Association (NBNA): Scholarships for Black nursing students
• National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN): Scholarships for Hispanic/Latino nursing students
• American Association of Men in Nursing (AAMN): Scholarships to encourage men to enter nursing
• Foundation of the National Student Nurses' Association: Multiple scholarship programs for student nurses

Search each organization's website for current scholarship offerings, deadlines, and eligibility requirements. Many require NSNA membership, a minimum GPA, and a personal essay.

State-Specific Programs

Many states operate their own nursing workforce development programs to address local shortages. These may include:

• State-funded nursing scholarships with service commitments to work in underserved areas
• Loan repayment programs for nurses who work in rural or medically underserved communities
• State nursing workforce grants administered through community colleges and universities
• Free or reduced-cost community college nursing programs in states with tuition-free community college initiatives

Contact your state's Board of Nursing, Department of Health, or higher education authority for current state-level nursing financial aid programs. Your nursing school's financial aid office is also a valuable resource for state-specific funding.

How to Find and Apply for Nursing Scholarships

1. Complete the FAFSA first: Many nursing scholarships require FAFSA submission as part of the application. File early at studentaid.gov.
2. Check your nursing school's financial aid office: Schools maintain lists of scholarships specific to their nursing programs and often have institutional scholarships not advertised externally.
3. Join the NSNA: Membership gives you access to Foundation scholarships and other opportunities. Student membership fees are modest.
4. Search scholarship databases: Use free scholarship search engines and filter for nursing/healthcare. Avoid services that charge fees to search for scholarships.
5. Apply to multiple scholarships: The more applications you submit, the better your chances. Many nursing scholarships receive fewer applications than you might expect.
6. Ask your employer: If you work in healthcare, ask HR about tuition assistance before paying out of pocket.

What's Actually Covered vs. What's Not

• Usually covered: Tuition and required fees, textbooks (some programs), clinical supplies (some programs), NCLEX exam fee (employer programs, GI Bill)
• Sometimes covered: Living stipend (HRSA Nurse Corps), uniforms, stethoscope and equipment, background check fees
• Rarely covered: State licensing application fees, transportation to clinical sites, additional certification exams (ACLS, BLS), living expenses (except HRSA and GI Bill housing allowance)

For detailed information about nursing licensing requirements and costs in your state, visit our registered nurse licensing guide.

Frequently Asked Questions