Best Nursing Scholarships That Cover Tuition & Living Costs
Choosing a career in nursing can be incredibly rewarding. It offers the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives every single day. However, the road to becoming a nurse can be expensive, from tuition fees to living costs and everything in between. Scholarships can be a great way to lessen this financial burden. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best nursing scholarships that not only cover tuition fees but also living costs.
Why Scholarships Are Important for Nursing Students
Before we dive into the specifics of each scholarship, let’s discuss why scholarships are so crucial for nursing students. The cost of a nursing education can be high, with tuition and fees for a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing ranging from $40,000 to $200,000, depending on the school and program. This doesn’t even include living expenses, books, and other related costs that students have to manage.
Scholarships can significantly reduce or even eliminate these costs, allowing students to focus more on their studies and less on financial concerns. They also provide students with a sense of achievement and recognition for their hard work and dedication. Moreover, scholarships that cover living costs can be especially helpful for students who relocate to attend a particular nursing school or those who need to work less to focus on their rigorous nursing program.
Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Scholarships
One of the oldest and most prestigious organizations in the United States, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), offers multiple scholarships for nursing students. The Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship, the Mildred Nutting Nursing Scholarship, and the District of Columbia Nursing Scholarship are all available for students who have demonstrated financial need. These scholarships are all one-time awards of $2,500.
What makes these scholarships stand out is that they are not limited to tuition fees. The funds can also be used for other expenses, including living costs. Moreover, the DAR offers additional scholarships for specific fields within nursing, such as the Madeline Pickett (Halbert) Cogswell Nursing Scholarship for those studying psychiatric nursing.
Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program is an initiative by the U.S. government to increase the number of nurses in areas that lack adequate healthcare services. This scholarship covers tuition, fees, and other reasonable costs, such as textbooks, clinical supplies, and uniform costs. Additionally, it provides a monthly stipend for living expenses, making it one of the most comprehensive scholarships available for nursing students.
The amount of the stipend varies depending on the student’s financial need. In return for this generous scholarship, recipients are required to work at an eligible Critical Shortage Facility upon graduation. This commitment can range from two to four years, depending on the length of the scholarship support.
AfterCollege/AACN Scholarship Fund
AfterCollege, a career network for college students and recent grads, in partnership with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), offers a scholarship fund for students pursuing a baccalaureate or graduate degree in nursing. The scholarship fund distributes $10,000 in awards each year, with the amount per recipient ranging from $2,500 to $10,000.
The scholarship can be used to cover tuition, fees, and other education-related expenses, including living costs. What makes this scholarship unique is its focus on students who are seeking a second degree in nursing or are part of an RN to BSN or RN to MSN program. It also encourages students who are interested in nursing specialties, such as pediatrics, neonatology, and other high-demand areas.
Hurst Review/AACN Nursing Scholarship
Hurst Review Services, a leading provider of quality NCLEX-RN exam review courses, and AACN have teamed up to offer scholarships twice a year to students enrolled in an AACN member institution. The scholarship amount is $2,500, which can be used for tuition, fees, books, and living expenses.
The Hurst Review/AACN Nursing Scholarship aims to support students who show a strong commitment to the nursing profession and express a desire to provide high quality, compassionate care to patients. Applicants must be pre-licensure students enrolled at member AACN schools.
These are just a few of the many scholarships available for nursing students that cover not only tuition but also living costs. In the following sections, we’ll explore more unique nursing scholarships and delve deeper into the application processes and eligibility requirements.
3. Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
Another excellent scholarship that covers both tuition fees and living costs is the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program. This program is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The scholarship is designed for students who are accepted or enrolled in a diploma, associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degree nursing program at an accredited school located in the U.S.
What is unique about this scholarship is that it also provides a monthly stipend to help with living costs. In return, students are required to work at a Critical Shortage Facility (CSF) upon graduation. This is a great opportunity not only to have your education funded but also to gain valuable experience in a high-need area.
4. AfterCollege/AACN $10,000 Scholarship Fund
The AfterCollege/AACN $10,000 Scholarship Fund is another fantastic scholarship opportunity that nursing students should consider. This scholarship is a partnership between AfterCollege and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The scholarship is open to students who are seeking a baccalaureate, master’s or doctoral degree in nursing.
One of the unique features of this scholarship is that special consideration is given to students pursuing a career as a nurse educator. They offer four $2,500 scholarships annually, which can be used for tuition fees and living expenses. This is a great opportunity for students who are interested in teaching the next generation of nurses.
5. Tylenol Future Care Scholarship
The Tylenol Future Care Scholarship is an annual scholarship program that provides financial assistance to students pursuing health-related studies, including nursing. This scholarship is sponsored by Tylenol, a well-known healthcare product company.
The scholarship offers ten $10,000 scholarships and thirty $5,000 scholarships annually. The scholarship can be used for tuition, books, supplies, and living expenses. The selection is based on academic performance, community involvement, and the content of a personal essay.
6. Hurst Review/AACN Nursing Scholarship
The Hurst Review Services and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) have partnered to offer the Hurst Review/AACN Nursing Scholarship. This scholarship is open to students who are pre-licensure students at AACN member institutions.
They offer two scholarships annually, each worth $2,500. This scholarship can be used for tuition fees, books, and living expenses. The scholarship is awarded twice yearly and the selection is based on academic achievement, financial need, and involvement in extracurricular activities.
7. March of Dimes Dr. Margaret C. Freda Graduate Nursing Scholarship Award
The March of Dimes Dr. Margaret C. Freda Graduate Nursing Scholarship Award is designed for registered nurses who are currently enrolled in graduate education with a focus on maternal-child nursing at master’s or doctorate levels.
The March of Dimes offers one $5,000 scholarship annually. The scholarship can be used for tuition fees, books, and living expenses. The selection is based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, and involvement in maternal-child nursing.
8. Indian Health Service Scholarships
The Indian Health Service (IHS) offers three scholarships each year for American Indian and Alaska Native students interested in health profession careers. These scholarships cover tuition, eligible living expenses, and an annual stipend for living costs. In return, recipients agree to fulfill a service commitment in full-time clinical practice upon completion of their academic or post-graduate clinical training.
These are just a few examples of the numerous nursing scholarships available that cover tuition fees and living costs. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria and application process. Therefore, students are encouraged to research each scholarship thoroughly and apply for as many as possible to maximize their chances of receiving financial aid.
Remember, every bit of financial help counts when it comes to funding your nursing education. So start your search today and take the first step towards a rewarding career in nursing!
The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program is another excellent opportunity for nursing students needing financial assistance. This is a federal program administered by the Bureau of Health Workforce (BHW) in the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The program offers significant funding in return for a commitment to serve in eligible Critical Shortage Facilities in high need areas across the country. The scholarship pays for tuition, eligible fees, other reasonable costs such as books, clinical supplies/instruments and uniforms and also provides a monthly stipend for living expenses.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals or lawful permanent residents, be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a professional nursing degree program at an accredited school located in the U.S., and begin classes no later than September 30.
The March of Dimes Dr. Margaret C. Freda Graduate Nursing Scholarship Award
For those pursuing a graduate degree in nursing, the March of Dimes Dr. Margaret C. Freda Graduate Nursing Scholarship Award might be the perfect fit. Named in honor of long-serving March of Dimes National Nurse Advisory Council Chair, volunteer, and nurse educator, Dr. Margaret Comerford Freda, this scholarship is awarded to registered nurses who are currently enrolled in graduate education with a focus on maternal-child nursing.
The award is $5,000 and applicants must be a member of one of the following professional organizations: the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses; the American College of Nurse-Midwives; or the National Association of Neonatal Nurses.
The Barbara Rhomberg Excellence in Nursing Scholarship
The Barbara Rhomberg Excellence in Nursing Scholarship, sponsored by B4 Brands, is awarded each year to non-traditional, fulltime students pursuing undergraduate degrees in nursing. The term “non-traditional” is defined as any student that did not immediately continue their education after high school (at least a 3-year gap between high school and enrollment in a college or university).
The scholarship amount is $1,000 and five scholarships are awarded each year. Applicants must be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate nursing program working toward an associate or bachelor’s degree.
The Tylenol Future Care Scholarship
The makers of Tylenol offer the Future Care Scholarship to students pursuing careers in healthcare, including nursing. Each year, they award ten $10,000 scholarships and thirty $5,000 scholarships to outstanding students based on leadership qualities and academic performance.
The scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students who have completed at least one year of undergraduate or graduate course of study at an accredited two or four year college, university or vocational – technical school. You must also be a resident of the 50 United States, Puerto Rico or the District of Columbia.
The AfterCollege/AACN Scholarship Fund
The AfterCollege/American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Scholarship Fund supports students who are seeking a baccalaureate, master’s or doctoral degree in nursing. Special consideration is given to students in a graduate program with the goal of becoming a nurse educator; students completing an RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MSN program; and those enrolled in an accelerated program.
The scholarship amount is $2,500 and scholarships are awarded four times per year. The deadline for application is the end of March, June, September and December each year.
These are just a few of the many scholarships available to nursing students. Each one provides valuable financial assistance, allowing you to focus on your studies and training. The application process may seem daunting, but the potential rewards are certainly worth it. So, start researching, get those applications in, and good luck!
Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Scholarships
The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) offers several scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate nursing students. These scholarships aim to promote the professional growth of emergency nurses and to improve patient care in emergency settings. The scholarships are divided into two categories: academic scholarships and conference scholarships.
The academic scholarships are intended to support students who are pursuing degrees in emergency nursing. These scholarships generally cover tuition and other educational expenses, but some also provide funding for living costs. To be eligible, applicants must be ENA members and must be enrolled in an accredited nursing program. The application process typically involves submitting an application form, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation.
The conference scholarships, on the other hand, are designed to provide financial assistance to ENA members who wish to attend the association’s annual conference. These scholarships cover the cost of conference registration, travel, and accommodations. Applicants are usually required to submit a statement of purpose explaining how attending the conference will benefit their career in emergency nursing.
Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program is a federal program that provides scholarships to nursing students in exchange for a commitment to work in eligible critical shortage facilities upon graduation. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and other reasonable educational costs, as well as a monthly stipend for living expenses.
To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals, must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a professional nursing degree program at an accredited school of nursing in the U.S., and must begin classes no later than September 30 of the year in which they apply. The application process involves submitting an online application, academic transcripts, and two recommendations.
Recipients of the Nurse Corps Scholarship are obligated to work at a critical shortage facility after graduation for a minimum of two years for full-time students, or for a minimum of four years for part-time students. This service commitment can be a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a high-need setting and to make a meaningful contribution to public health.
Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania (NAP) Scholarships
The Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania (NAP) is a non-profit foundation that provides scholarships to Pennsylvania residents who are pursuing a nursing degree. The scholarships are intended to recognize and promote excellence in nursing, and they cover tuition and other educational expenses.
To be eligible, applicants must be Pennsylvania residents, must be enrolled in an accredited nursing program in Pennsylvania, and must demonstrate financial need. The application process typically involves submitting an online application, an essay, and letters of recommendation.
The NAP offers several different scholarships, including the Nursing Student Scholarship for students who are pursuing a diploma, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree in nursing; the Graduate Nursing Scholarship for students who are pursuing a master’s degree or doctoral degree in nursing; and the Returning to School Scholarship for nurses who are returning to school to advance their education and careers.
AfterCollege/AACN Scholarship Fund
The AfterCollege/AACN Scholarship Fund is a partnership between AfterCollege, an employment website for recent college graduates, and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The fund provides scholarships to students who are seeking a baccalaureate, master’s or doctoral degree in nursing.
Special consideration is given to students in a graduate program with the goal of becoming a nurse educator; students completing an RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MSN program; and those enrolled in an accelerated program. Each quarter, one $2,500 scholarship is awarded. In addition to covering tuition and educational expenses, this scholarship can also be used to cover living costs.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many scholarships available to nursing students that cover both tuition and living costs. To find more opportunities, students can consult with their school’s financial aid office, search online scholarship databases, and join professional nursing associations. With proper research and diligence, students can find scholarships that can help relieve the financial burden of their nursing education.
