Pursuing a nursing degree is a noble and rewarding path, but it often comes with a hefty price tag. Tuition, clinical supplies, and living expenses can add up quickly. Thankfully, a variety of nursing scholarships are available to support aspiring nurses in 2025. Whether you’re a high school graduate entering an undergraduate program or a working professional advancing to a graduate nursing degree, these opportunities can lighten the financial load. This guide covers the top nursing scholarships, how to apply, and tips to secure funding, ensuring you have the resources to focus on your studies.
Top Scholarships and Application Tips
Below is a list of key nursing scholarships for 2025, including their offerings, eligibility, and deadlines. Following the list, we provide practical tips to maximize your chances of success.
| Scholarship Name | Award Amount | Eligibility Criteria | Deadline (2025) | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Corps Scholarship Program | Full tuition, fees, $1,500 monthly stipend | U.S. citizens in accredited nursing programs | May | Comprehensive funding with service commitment in underserved areas |
| National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) Scholarships | Varies | NSNA members, undergraduate nursing students | January/February | Offers multiple categories, such as leadership and research |
| American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Scholarships | Varies | Students in AACN-member schools | Varies | Supports various levels, from undergraduate to doctoral |
| Johnson & Johnson Nursing Scholarship | Up to $2,500 | Nursing students with financial need | March | Provides networking with industry leaders, boosting career prospects |
| National Black Nurses Association Scholarships | $1,000–$6,000 | African American nursing students | April | Supports underrepresented groups, promoting diversity |
| American Nurses Foundation Scholarships | Varies | Registered nurses pursuing further education | Varies | Aids continuing education and professional development |
| Sigma Theta Tau International Scholarships | Varies | Members pursuing graduate studies | Varies | Focuses on research and leadership in nursing |
| Oncology Nursing Society Scholarships | Varies | Nurses in oncology nursing education | Varies | Supports specialization in a critical healthcare field |
| American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Scholarships | Varies | Critical care nurses pursuing further education | Varies | Advances the profession in critical care nursing |
| Texas Nurses Foundation Scholarships | Varies | Texas residents pursuing nursing degrees | Varies | State-specific support for local students |
To apply effectively, start early, check eligibility, tailor your applications to highlight your passion for nursing, seek strong recommendations, and use scholarship search tools like Fastweb, Scholarship America, and the National Scholarship Service to find additional opportunities.
With the right preparation, you can secure the funding needed for your nursing degree in 2025. Remember, every scholarship, no matter the size, brings you closer to your goal. Start applying today and take the first step towards a fulfilling career in nursing.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Nursing Scholarships for 2025
Nursing is a vital and rewarding field, but the cost of education can be a significant barrier. In 2025, a variety of scholarships are available to support nursing students at all levels, from undergraduate to graduate programs. This section provides a comprehensive overview, ensuring you have all the information needed to fund your nursing degree effectively.
Overview of Nursing Scholarships
Scholarships for nursing students in 2025 are designed to cover tuition, fees, and sometimes living expenses, reducing financial stress and allowing focus on studies. These awards can be merit-based, need-based, or tied to specific commitments, such as working in underserved areas. The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program, for instance, is a flagship initiative, while state-specific and private scholarships add further opportunities.
Top Scholarships for Nursing Students
Below is a detailed list of key nursing scholarships, including their offerings, eligibility, and application details, based on research conducted in February 2025:
| Scholarship Name | Award Amount | Eligibility Criteria | Deadline (2025) | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Corps Scholarship Program | Full tuition, fees, $1,500 monthly stipend | U.S. citizens in accredited nursing programs | May | Comprehensive funding with service commitment in underserved areas, easing financial burden |
| National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) Scholarships | Varies ($500–$5,000 typically) | NSNA members, undergraduate nursing students | January/February | Offers multiple categories, such as leadership, research, and specialty awards, enhancing professional development |
| American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Scholarships | Varies (up to $5,000) | Students enrolled in AACN-member schools, all levels | Varies by scholarship, typically spring | Supports various levels, from undergraduate to doctoral, with flexible funding options |
| Johnson & Johnson Nursing Scholarship | Up to $2,500 | Nursing students with financial need, diverse backgrounds | March | Provides networking opportunities with industry leaders, an unexpected benefit for career advancement |
| National Black Nurses Association Scholarships | $1,000–$6,000 | African American nursing students, undergraduate and graduate | April | Supports underrepresented groups, promoting diversity and inclusion in nursing |
| American Nurses Foundation Scholarships | Varies (up to $3,500) | Registered nurses pursuing further education, including graduate degrees | Varies, typically fall/winter | Aids continuing education and professional development, crucial for career progression |
| Sigma Theta Tau International Scholarships | Varies (up to $10,000) | Members of Sigma Theta Tau International pursuing graduate studies | Varies, typically spring | Focuses on research and leadership in nursing, with opportunities for academic excellence |
| Oncology Nursing Society Scholarships | Varies (up to $5,000) | Nurses pursuing education in oncology nursing, all levels | Varies, typically early spring | Supports specialization in a critical healthcare field, addressing growing demand |
| American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Scholarships | Varies (up to $3,000) | Critical care nurses pursuing further education, including certifications | Varies, typically spring | Advances the profession in critical care nursing, with focus on high-demand specialties |
| Texas Nurses Foundation Scholarships | Varies (up to $5,000) | Texas residents pursuing nursing degrees, undergraduate and graduate | Varies, typically summer | State-specific support for local students, reducing regional financial barriers |
Detailed Scholarship Descriptions
Nurse Corps Scholarship Program: This program, administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), offers full funding for nursing students, including tuition, fees, and a monthly stipend of $1,500 in 2025. In return, recipients commit to working in a critical shortage facility for at least two years post-graduation. Eligibility is restricted to U.S. citizens enrolled in accredited nursing programs (ADN, BSN, or graduate-level). The application deadline is typically in May, and information is sourced from the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program official website.
National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) Scholarships: Aimed at supporting undergraduate nursing students, these scholarships vary in amount, typically ranging from $500 to $5,000, with deadlines in January or February. Eligible candidates must be NSNA members, and the program offers multiple categories, such as leadership and research, enhancing professional development. Details are from the NSNA official website.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Scholarships: Offering up to $5,000, these scholarships support students enrolled in AACN-member schools, with deadlines varying by scholarship, typically in the spring. They cater to all levels, from undergraduate to doctoral, providing flexible funding options. Information is sourced from the AACN official website.
Johnson & Johnson Nursing Scholarship: Offering up to $2,500, this scholarship supports nursing students with financial need, emphasizing diversity and leadership. It also provides networking opportunities with industry leaders, an unexpected benefit for career advancement. The deadline is in March, with details from the Johnson & Johnson Nursing official website.
National Black Nurses Association Scholarships: Aimed at supporting African American nursing students, these scholarships range from $1,000 to $6,000, depending on financial need and academic merit. Eligible candidates must be NBNA members or demonstrate a commitment to nursing. The deadline is usually in April, with applications available from the National Black Nurses Association official website.
American Nurses Foundation Scholarships: Offering up to $3,500, these scholarships support registered nurses pursuing further education, including graduate degrees, with deadlines varying, typically in fall or winter. They aid continuing education and professional development, crucial for career progression, with details from the American Nurses Foundation official website.
Sigma Theta Tau International Scholarships: Providing up to $10,000, these scholarships are for members pursuing graduate studies, with deadlines varying, typically in spring. They focus on research and leadership in nursing, offering opportunities for academic excellence, with information from the Sigma Theta Tau International official website.
Oncology Nursing Society Scholarships: Offering up to $5,000, these scholarships support nurses pursuing education in oncology nursing, with deadlines varying, typically early spring. They address growing demand in a critical healthcare field, with details from the Oncology Nursing Society official website.
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Scholarships: Providing up to $3,000, these scholarships are for critical care nurses pursuing further education, including certifications, with deadlines varying, typically spring. They advance the profession in critical care nursing, with focus on high-demand specialties, sourced from the AACN official website.
Texas Nurses Foundation Scholarships: Offering up to $5,000, these scholarships are for Texas residents pursuing nursing degrees, with deadlines varying, typically in summer. They provide state-specific support, reducing regional financial barriers, with information from the Texas Nurses Foundation official website.
Additional Opportunities
Beyond these, state-specific scholarships in Alabama, Michigan, and Georgia are also available, often listed on state higher education websites. For example, Michigan offers the Nursing Scholarship Program through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, with details from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services official website. Additionally, platforms like Fastweb, Scholarship America, and the National Scholarship Service can help identify niche awards for nursing students, with information sourced from their respective official websites.
Eligibility and Application Process
Eligibility typically requires U.S. citizenship or residency for federal programs, enrollment in an accredited nursing program, and sometimes proof of financial need or academic merit. The application process often involves submitting FAFSA forms, essays, letters of recommendation, and transcripts. Deadlines vary, but most fall between January and June 2025, so early preparation is key.
Unexpected Benefits
An unexpected benefit is the networking and professional development opportunities some scholarships offer, such as the Johnson & Johnson program, which connects students with industry leaders, potentially opening doors to future employment.
Conclusion
Funding your nursing degree in 2025 is achievable with the right scholarships. Start by exploring the Nurse Corps Program for comprehensive support, and don’t overlook state-specific and private options. Use online tools like Fastweb to find additional opportunities, and apply early to maximize your chances.
