Nursing School Grants

Students who receive nursing school grants can use them to pay tuition costs, buy books, and apply toward living expenses. Advanced nursing students may be interested in research grants. Some nursing school grant funding organizations may allow you to use grants to pay down what you already owe on your college education.  Grants are an excellent resource for students who need additional financial assistance.

There are many ways to get grants and the following below are examples of sources that offer grants for nursing school.

National Grant Programs

Many grants are available from federal and national sources. Grants specifically for nursing school are limited so they are highly competitive. Since grants generally do not have to be paid back, nursing students try to get these before applying for student loans which do have to be repaid.  Following is an example of national organizations that offer grants for nursing school.

National Association of School Nurses

Individuals currently employed as a school nurse and enrolled in an accredited advanced nursing program can apply for the General Research Grant or the Directed Research Grant offered by the Association. Only current Association members are eligible to apply for financial assistance. Research must focus on school nursing topics such as improving delivery of nursing care in a school setting. Grant awards range between $2,500 and $5,000.  Applications are due to the Association by the end of February annually. These grants are ideal for graduate and post-graduate nursing students who may be required to complete a research project as part of their degree requirements. For grant applications, contact the Association at 8484 Georgia Avenue, Suite 420, Silver Spring, MD 20910 or by calling (240) 821-1130.

Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission

The Commission, in partnership with the National Association of Nephrology Technicians/Technologists (NANT), offers the Career Mobility Scholarship to nursing students who are currently certified nephrology nurses and plan to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Students must be enrolled in accredited nursing programs to qualify for this education grant.  Awards are made based on academic potential, commitment to the field of nephrology, work history, personal essay, and letters of recommendation. Typical award amount do not exceed $2,000. Applications are due to the Commission by the end of July annually. For applications, contact NANT at P.O. Box 2307, Dayton, OH 45401.

State Grant Programs

Additional grant resources are available from state government and state-wide organizations including foundations. State grants that are funded by the federal government may have more restrictions than grants offered by foundations. But both can significantly lower your education costs if you are fortunate enough to receive a grant.  The following is an example of a grant program administered by a state organization.

West Virginia Health Sciences Scholarship Program

Students who are residents of West Virginia and enrolled in accredited nursing programs in the stay may be eligible for education grants offered through the Program. Nursing students must commit to work as a nurse in a rural community in the state determined to be underserved. Scholarships are awarded based on academic scores, financial need, and letters of recommendation. Only students in their final year of study to become a nurse practitioners or physician assistant are eligible for this opportunity. Award amounts are $10,000.  Applications are typically due by mid-October annually.  For applications and guidelines, contact the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission at (304) 558-0530.

Educational Institute Grants for Nursing

There are various grant opportunities available through colleges and universities. Grants are more frequently available to graduate nursing students than undergraduate students.  You can easily find out if your school offers grants by visiting the financial aid office or the nursing department.  The following is a school that offers grants to nursing students.

La Salle University (Pennsylvania)

Students enrolled in the University’s nursing programs are eligible to apply for various grants including the Pennsylvania Higher Education Nursing Education Grant and the Supplemental Nursing Education Grant.  Students must be enrolled full-time to qualify for these grants. To be considered, students are required to submit a copy of their Student Aid Report (SAR) and complete a Common Scholarship Application. Award amounts vary. Students can get the applications from Student Financial Services.

Employer-Sponsored Grants for Nursing

Healthcare companies may offer grants for nursing school to employees, their dependents, and community members.  Large hospital systems are an excellent source of grant opportunities. You can find out if a local employer administers a grant program for local residents interested in attending nursing school by contacting their human resources department.  The following is an example of a grant program sponsored by an employer.

Tri-City Hospital Foundation

The Foundation offers education grants for nursing school to employees of the Tri-City Medical Center who are currently involved in nursing in some capacity.  Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and potential for success. Award amounts vary. Employees can submit applications at any time.  For applications and guidelines, contact the Foundation at 4002 Vista Way, Oceanside, CA 92056.

Community-Based Grants for Nursing

Students interested in nursing school may be able to obtain grants from local sources such as nonprofit healthcare organizations or foundations. If you are attending school in the same community you live, you have a higher chance of receiving grants for nursing school from local organizations.  Following is an example of a funder that offers grants to local nursing students.

McFarland Charitable Foundation

The Foundation’s Grant Program is only open to graduating high school seniors planning to pursue a nursing career. Applicants must enroll in accredited nursing programs in Illinois.  Grants are awarded based on academic potential, financial need, and willingness to work in the community after graduation. Grant awards can cover three years of study so students are obligated to work at least three years in Havana. Award amounts vary. Applications can be submitted any time.  For applications and guidelines, contact the Foundation, c/o Havana National Bank – Trust Department, P.O. Box 200,112 South Orange Street, Havana, IL 62644.  If you have questions, you can contact the Trust Department at (309) 543-3361.

Nursing school grants are a must with the high cost of education. Grants can help supplement scholarships and loans so that you can get as much of your education paid for without breaking the bank.