Nursing Scholarships for Minorities

Ways to Locate Nursing Scholarships for Minorities
Nursing scholarships for minorities are designated for specific student populations.  Scholarships typically help cover expenses of nursing school tuition and other expenses such as books and fees.  Each scholarship program has its own eligibility and submission guidelines.

Following below are examples of scholarships for minority nursing students.

National Programs for Minority Nursing Students

Multiple scholarship programs are available from national organizations, including the federal government, designated for minority nursing students.  Programs are intended to encourage qualified students who are members of underrepresented groups to enter the nursing profession. Nursing students who meet these characteristics have many career opportunities available to them after obtaining their nursing degrees.  The following are examples of national organizations that offer nursing scholarships to minority students.

National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations

The Coalition offers scholarships to ethnic minority nurses and nursing students enrolled in accredited nursing programs across the country.  While scholarships are available from the Coalition headquarters, there may be additional opportunities at the chapter level.  Coalition scholarships are awarded based on academic scores and potential, leadership ability, and financial need.  Awards are generally around $1,000.  Undergraduate and graduate students can apply for financial assistance.  For applications and guidelines, students can contact the Coalition at 6101 West Centinela Avenue, Suite 378, Culver City, CA 90230 or by calling (310) 258-9515.

The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America

Nursing students who are of American Indian descent are eligible to apply for the Society’s American Indian Nurse Scholarship. The Society is interested in supporting nursing students who plan to work in healthcare organizations that serve American Indians.  Students may work in hospitals or on reservations to qualify. This scholarship opportunity is open to female and male nursing students who meet all eligibility requirements.  Typical awards are $1,000 per semester.  Students interested in this program can contact the Society for applications.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing

Through the Association, minority nursing students who are interested in teaching nursing can apply for the Minority Nurse Faculty Scholarship. Scholarships are awarded based on academic scores, teaching potential, financial need, and letters of recommendation. Preference is given to full-time students enrolled in an accredited doctoral program.  Award amounts vary.  For applications and guidelines, students can contact the Association at One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036 or by calling them at (202) 463-6930.

State Programs for Minority Nursing Students

Most states have scholarship programs that target minority students in order to attract qualified individuals into the nursing profession.  This is in response to the need for minority nurses in underrepresented areas.  In addition to government programs, there are organizations that offer nursing scholarships to minority students on a state-wide basis. The following is an example of a state-funded scholarship program that is designated for minority students.

Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship Program

The Kansas Board of Regents administers this program which is for economically disadvantaged students who are members of specific ethnic and racial groups including American Indian or Alaskan Native, African American, Hispanic, or Asian.  Applicants must be freshmen at the time of application.  Minority nursing students who meet all eligibility criteria are eligible to apply.  Scholarships are awarded based on excellent academic scores and documented financial need.  Because this program is state-funded, scholarship recipients are required to attend public colleges or universities in Kansas.  Typical award amounts are less than $2,000 and are renewable.  Applications are due by the end of April annually. Students must complete the State of Kansas Student Aid Application to be considered. For additional information, contact the Board of Regent’s Student Financial Assistance office at (785) 296-3518.

Educational Institute Scholarships for Minority Nursing Students

Minority students accepted to or already enrolled in a nursing program can check with their school to determine if there are scholarships available for their nursing education.  Remember there are general scholarships open to all majors that may be available.  Students can contact the financial aid office or the nursing department to learn about these resources.  Following is an example of nursing scholarships designated for minority students.

De Anza College (California)

This community college offers the Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship to eligible nursing students. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need.  Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered.  Award amounts are $2,500.  Deadlines change each year. Interested students can contact the Financial Aid Office at (408) 864-8718 for additional information.

Employer-Sponsored Scholarships for Minority Nursing Students

Employers may offer scholarships to minority nursing students in order to have a pool of qualified individuals to recruit from for employment purposes.  This is common when health care employers prefer to hire employees who are representative of their patient population.  The following is an example of a minority nursing scholarship program sponsored by an employer.

Mary Rutan Foundation

Minority nursing students who are residents of Logan County in Ohio are eligible to apply for Foundation scholarships. All scholarships are awarded based on academic scores, letters of recommendation, documented financial need, and association with the Mary Rutan Hospital. Award amounts vary.  The deadline for submission is the end of March annually. For applications and guidelines, interested students can contact the Foundation at 205 Palmer Avenue, Bellefontaine, OH 43311.

Community-Based Scholarships for Minority Nursing Students

There are resources at the community level for minority students.  Of particular interest are family and community foundations that offer scholarships.  Many of these scholarships are designated for minority students.  They may be open to all majors or specific to nursing.  Following is an example of a foundation that offers scholarships for minority students.

The Howard Baker Foundation

The Foundation awards scholarships to minority undergraduate nursing students enrolled in the nursing program at Wayne State University.  Applicants must be residents of Detroit, Michigan to be considered.  Scholarships are awarded based on academic scores, letters of recommendation, and demonstrated financial need.  Award amounts vary and there are no deadlines for submissions.  For applications and guidelines, students can contact the Foundation at 4057 Pioneer Drive, Suite 500, Walled Lake, MI 48390 or the Office of Scholarship and Financial Aid at Wayne State University. If you have general questions, you can call (313) 577-3378.

There are plenty of resources students can use to locate nursing scholarships for minorities.  Financial assistance is important for just about every college student today.  The more opportunities you have to get scholarships the less money you will have to pay for your education.