Undergraduate Nursing Scholarships

Undergraduate Nursing Scholarships for College Expenses
Students can get undergraduate nursing scholarships from a variety of sources. Each scholarship opportunity details the eligibility and submission requirements including deadlines. Scholarship awards are usually for tuition but some also pay for books and fees.  Undergraduate nursing students often need financial assistance to continue their education.

Following below are examples of scholarship programs for undergraduate students enrolled in nursing schools.

American Association for Health Education

Undergraduate nursing students attending accredited four-year nursing programs throughout the country may be eligible for the Bill Kan Undergraduate Scholarship.  Students must be enrolled on a full-time and have at least a 3.25 GPA to apply.  Freshmen are not eligible for this scholarship.  Scholarships are awarded based on academic scores, leadership potential, work and volunteer record, and a personal essay.  Awards are $1,000 and are not renewable.  Scholarship recipients receive a complimentary Association membership for one year. Applications are due to the Association by November annually. For applications, contact the Association at 1900 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191 or by calling (703) 476-3437.

State Programs for Undergraduate Nursing Students

There are multiple programs available at the state-level that offer nursing scholarships to undergraduate students.  Programs include financial assistance from state governments, state-wide associations, and other organizations that serve an entire state.  Following is an example of a state program that offers scholarships to students pursuing an undergraduate nursing degree.

Alice M. Yarnold and Samuel Yarnold Scholarship Trust

New Hampshire students enrolled in an undergraduate nursing program at an accredited school may be eligible for financial assistance.  The Trust awards scholarships based on academic scores, documented financial need, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay.  Applicants are required to complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered.  Award amounts vary and are renewable.  Applications are generally due to the Trust by mid-April annually.  For applications and guidelines, contact the Trust at 180 Locust Street, Dover, NH 03820.

Specialty Scholarships for Undergraduate Nursing Students

Undergraduate nursing students may be eligible for scholarships in their area of specialized study.  For example, undergraduate pediatric nursing students can apply for general as well as pediatric nursing scholarships.  The following is an example of a scholarship program for undergraduate nursing students specializing in a particular area of study.

Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, Inc.

Registered nurses currently working in gastroenterology and interested in obtaining their Bachelor of Science degree in nursing may be eligible for the RN Advancing Education Scholarship. Scholarships are awarded based on academic scores and a personal essay.  This is a merit scholarship so documented financial need is not required. Applicants must be members of the Society to be considered. Awards are $2,500 for full-time students and $1,000 for part-time students.  Applications are due to the Society by July annually.  For applications and guidelines, contact the Society, Attn: Awards Committee, 401 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 or by calling (312) 321-5156.

Educational Institute Scholarships for Undergraduate Nursing Students

Undergraduate students who have been accepted to or are currently enrolled in a nursing program can contact their school’s financial aid office or nursing department to learn about available scholarships. Each scholarship opportunity will have separate eligibility and submission guidelines.  The guidelines will specify award amounts and deadlines for applications.  Following is an example of school that offers scholarships to undergraduate nursing students.

McNeese University (Louisiana)

Undergraduate students enrolled in the College of Nursing are eligible for a variety of scholarships available through the University. Scholarships are awarded based on academic scores, leadership, financial need, and department recommendation. Awards range from $100 to $3,000 and are generally not renewable. For additional information, students should contact the Scholarships and Testing Office at (337) 475-5140.

Employer-Sponsored Scholarships for Undergraduate Nursing Students

Employers throughout the country, particularly those in the healthcare industry, offer scholarships to undergraduate nursing students.  Many will require scholarship recipients to complete a term of service upon graduation.  This means the student is expected to work for the employer for a predetermined period of time in exchange for the scholarship.  Following is an example of an employer that offers nursing scholarships to undergraduate students.

CGH Health Foundation

The Foundation awards scholarships to nurses and nursing students who live in a five-county area in Illinois. These counties include Carroll, Lee, Bureau, Whiteside, and Ogle.  Scholarships are awarded based on academic scores, documented financial need, and letters of recommendation.  Award amounts vary as do deadlines for submission.  Applications and guidelines are available by contacting the Foundation at 100 East Lefevre Road, Sterling, IL 61081 or by calling (815) 625-0400.

Community-Based Scholarships for Undergraduate Nursing Students

Undergraduate nursing students are eligible for a variety of scholarships sponsored or administered by community groups.  These groups include healthcare nonprofits, chambers of commerce, and foundations that serve specific geographic communities. The following are examples of foundations that provide community-based nursing scholarships for undergraduate students.

Fairfield County Community Foundation, Inc.

Undergraduate nursing students who are just beginning their education following high school graduation from within Fairfield County may be eligible for the Oristano Foundation Scholarship.  Students accepted to 2-year or 4-year programs can apply.  Scholarships are awarded based on academic scores, documented financial need, work and volunteer record, and letters of recommendation.  Award amounts vary.  Applications are due to the Foundation by the end of March annually. For applications and guidelines, students can contact the Foundation at 383 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851 or by calling (203) 750-3200.

Lincoln Community Foundation

The Foundation offers the Norman and Ruth Good Educational Endowment Award for junior and senior undergraduate students with high academic achievement. Students enrolled in a nursing program at a private college in Nebraska and meet all eligibility criteria can apply for this merit-based opportunity. Award amounts vary.  Applications are due to the Foundation by April annually.  For applications, contact the Foundation at 215 Centennial Mall South, Suite 100, Lincoln, NE 68508.  For general questions call (402) 474-2345.

Students who receive undergraduate nursing scholarships benefit by owing less on tuition and other costs associated with their education.  Students can apply for numerous scholarships and receive multiple awards. The more scholarships received, the less out-of-pocket expenses for students.