Grants for Nursing Students
Nursing students can access federal grants, loan forgiveness programs, scholarships, and service commitment opportunities that reduce or eliminate education costs. With the national nursing shortage creating urgent demand for qualified nurses, numerous programs support students pursuing RN, BSN, MSN, and DNP degrees. Most programs require service commitments in underserved areas or healthcare facilities with critical shortages. Below are 467 verified grant opportunities.
Types of Nursing Grants
NURSE Corps Scholarship
Federal program covering full tuition, fees, and providing monthly stipends for nursing students who commit to working in Critical Shortage Facilities (CSFs) after graduation.
State Nursing Programs
State-specific grants and loan forgiveness for nursing students willing to work in rural areas, public hospitals, or designated shortage areas within the state.
Diversity & Underrepresented Groups
Scholarships for minority nursing students, men in nursing, first-generation students, veterans transitioning to healthcare, and students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Specialty & Advanced Practice
Funding for nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists, and students pursuing advanced nursing degrees (MSN, DNP, PhD).
Major Federal Nursing Programs
NURSE Corps Scholarship Program
Coverage: Full tuition + fees + monthly stipend (~$1,400/mo)
Service: 2 years minimum at Critical Shortage Facility (CSF)
Eligible programs: Diploma, ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP
Eligibility: U.S. citizen, enrolled in accredited nursing program, commit to CSF service
Website: HRSA NURSE Corps
NURSE Corps Loan Repayment
Amount: Up to 85% of qualifying nursing education debt
Service: 2-3 years at Critical Shortage Facility
Payment: 60% in first 2 years, 25% in optional 3rd year
Eligibility: RN or APRN with nursing degree, licensed, employed at CSF
Tax status: Payments are tax-free
Faculty Loan Repayment (NFLP)
Amount: Up to 85% of qualifying nursing education debt
Service: 4 years teaching at nursing school
Eligible degrees: MSN, DNP, PhD in nursing
Eligibility: Advanced degree nurse, faculty position at accredited school
Purpose: Address nursing faculty shortage
State Nursing Workforce Programs
Amount: Varies by state ($5K-$50K typical)
Service: 1-3 years in designated shortage areas or facilities
Funding: State-administered, often with federal matching funds
Eligibility: Nursing license in state, work in approved facility or area
Find programs: Contact state Board of Nursing or Health Department
Eligibility Requirements
General Qualifications
- Enrollment Status: Accepted or enrolled in accredited nursing program (diploma, ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD)
- Citizenship: Most federal grants require U.S. citizenship; some state/private scholarships accept permanent residents
- Academic Standing: Maintain minimum GPA (typically 2.5-3.0) and satisfactory academic progress
- Accreditation: Program must be accredited by CCNE or ACEN for federal funding eligibility
- Licensure: Loan repayment programs require active, unencumbered nursing license in practice state
Service Commitment Requirements
- Critical Shortage Facilities (CSFs): HRSA-designated hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes with documented nursing shortages
- Duration: Typically 2-4 years service obligation (1 year per year of scholarship)
- Full-time status: Usually requires 32-40 hours/week of clinical practice
- Penalty for breach: Early departure triggers repayment of scholarship funds plus penalties
- Deferment options: Some programs allow deferment for active military duty or medical emergencies
Financial Need & Documentation
- FAFSA required: Most federal and state programs require FAFSA completion
- Cost of Attendance (COA): Awards based on school's certified COA minus other financial aid
- Loan documentation: Loan repayment programs require verification of qualifying educational debt
- Employment verification: Working nurse programs require proof of employment at approved facility
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between NURSE Corps Scholarship and Loan Repayment?
The NURSE Corps Scholarship is for current nursing students—it pays for tuition and living expenses during school in exchange for future service. You apply while still in your nursing program. The Loan Repayment Program is for nurses who already graduated and are working—it pays off existing student loans in exchange for continued service at a Critical Shortage Facility. Scholarship = pay for school now; Loan Repayment = reduce debt later.
Can LPNs and ADN nurses get federal grants?
Yes! The NURSE Corps Scholarship accepts diploma, LPN, ADN, BSN, MSN, and DNP students. Many state programs specifically fund LPN-to-RN and ADN-to-BSN bridge programs recognizing the career ladder approach to nursing education. However, loan repayment programs typically require RN or APRN licensure (not LPN). If you're an LPN seeking advancement, look for state workforce development grants for LPN-to-RN programs.
What qualifies as a Critical Shortage Facility (CSF)?
CSFs are healthcare facilities with documented nursing shortages designated by HRSA. These include rural hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Indian Health Service facilities, nursing homes with high Medicaid populations, public hospitals in underserved areas, and community mental health centers. HRSA publishes an updated CSF list annually. Facilities must reapply for designation, so check current status before committing. Urban teaching hospitals typically don't qualify, but their rural satellite clinics might.
Can I get grants for accelerated BSN or second-degree nursing programs?
Yes, NURSE Corps and many state programs fund accelerated BSN and entry-level MSN programs for career changers. These programs are valued because they produce nurses quickly during workforce shortages. However, verify your specific program's accreditation status—it must be CCNE or ACEN accredited. Private scholarships often specifically target non-traditional students like career changers. Note that accelerated programs have compressed timelines, so coordinate scholarship timing with enrollment dates carefully.
Do specialty nursing students (NP, CRNA, CNM) have separate grants?
Yes! Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) students often have dedicated funding through NURSE Corps, specialty nursing organizations, and employer-sponsored programs. Nurse Practitioners (especially primary care NPs) are high priority for NURSE Corps. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) have scholarship programs through the AANA Foundation. Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) can access funding through ACNM and maternal health initiatives. State loan repayment programs often pay significantly more for APRNs ($30K-$50K vs. $20K-$30K for RNs) due to higher educational costs and practice value.
What happens if I can't complete my service commitment?
Failure to complete service obligations triggers financial penalties. For NURSE Corps, you must repay the full scholarship amount plus interest and possible additional penalties (up to 3x the award for unjustified breach). Valid reasons for service release include: active military duty, severe medical conditions preventing nursing practice, facility closure, or facility loss of CSF designation. You must document hardship and request formal release. Working part-time instead of full-time extends your service period proportionally. Plan carefully before accepting service-obligated funding.
How to Apply for Nursing Grants
- Complete FAFSA First: File your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at studentaid.gov. This determines federal grant eligibility and is required for most nursing scholarship programs. Complete annually by your state's deadline (often March 1).
- Verify Accreditation: Ensure your nursing program is accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) or ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing). Federal grants only fund accredited programs. Check your school's website or search the CCNE/ACEN databases.
- Research Critical Shortage Facilities: If considering NURSE Corps or state service programs, review the list of approved Critical Shortage Facilities in your preferred geographic areas. Visit HRSA's NURSE Corps website for the CSF database. Understand where you'd be obligated to work before applying.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare transcripts, letters of recommendation (usually 2-3), personal statement explaining career goals and service commitment, proof of nursing program acceptance/enrollment, FAFSA SAR (Student Aid Report), and resume/CV. Organized application materials significantly improve approval chances.
- Apply to Multiple Programs: Submit applications to NURSE Corps, state nursing workforce programs, specialty nursing organization scholarships, hospital/healthcare system scholarships, and private foundation grants. Deadlines vary (typically March-May for NURSE Corps, rolling for others). Track deadlines carefully in a spreadsheet.
- Follow Up and Respond Promptly: Check application portals regularly, respond to requests for additional information quickly, and maintain communication with program administrators. NURSE Corps notifications typically arrive June-August. If awarded, complete service agreement paperwork promptly and maintain contact with your program coordinator throughout school.
Essential Nursing Grant Resources
HRSA NURSE Corps
Federal scholarship and loan repayment programs for nursing students and working nurses.
State Nursing Workforce Centers
State-specific grants, scholarships, and loan forgiveness for nursing education and retention.
American Nurses Association (ANA)
Professional organization with scholarship opportunities and links to specialty nursing grants.
Nursing Organization Scholarships
Specialty nursing groups (AACN, ENA, AORN, NAON) offer member scholarships and grants.
Available Nursing Grants (467)
Showing 1-20 of 467 grants
Vegetation Interns
National Park Service
Translational Research in Maternal and Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
National Institutes of Health
Translational Research in Maternal and Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)
National Institutes of Health
National Capital Parks- East Shaw Neighborhood Research Interns
National Park Service
Program to End Modern Slavery FY 2022
Office to Monitor-Combat Trafficking in Persons
International Research Experiences for Students
U.S. National Science Foundation
Hispanic-Serving Institutions: Enriching Learning, Programs, and Student Experiences
U.S. National Science Foundation
Vet-LIRN Capacity-Building Project and Equipment Grants (U18)
Food and Drug Administration
International Research Scientist Development Award (IRSDA) (K01) Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed
National Institutes of Health
Natural History of Disorders Screenable in the Newborn Period (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
National Institutes of Health
Innovative Screening Approaches and Therapies for Screenable Disorders in Newborns (R01 - Clinical Trial Optional)
National Institutes of Health
Program to End Modern Slavery FY 2023
Office to Monitor-Combat Trafficking in Persons
Navigator Emergency Department Diversion Models for Non-Urgent Mental Health Concerns (R34 Clinical Trial Required)
National Institutes of Health
Navigator Emergency Department Diversion Models for Non-Urgent Mental Health Concerns (R01 Clinical Trial Required)
National Institutes of Health
Innovative Screening Approaches and Therapies for Screenable Disorders in Newborns (R21 - Clinical Trial Optional)
National Institutes of Health
Program to End Modern Slavery FY 2025
Office to Monitor-Combat Trafficking in Persons
Modern Equipment for Shared-use Biomedical Research Facilities: Advancing Research-Related Operations (S15 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
FY 2021 - 2023 Economic Development RNTA
Department of Commerce
Annual Program Statement for U.S. Presentation at International Art Biennales
Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment
FAA-COE-AJFE