In this guide, we explore Nursing Scholarships 2026–2027 for undergraduate students, graduate students, adult learners, international students, veterans, students with disabilities, and other groups. We also explain how to find additional awards and how to improve your chances of receiving financial aid.
Table of Contents
- Best Nursing Scholarships for 2026–2027
- Scholarships for Undergraduate Nursing Students
- Graduate and Doctoral Nursing Scholarships
- Nursing Scholarships for International Students
- Nursing Scholarships for Adult Students
- Nursing Scholarships for Women
- Nursing Scholarships for Men
- Nursing Scholarships for Veterans
- Nursing Scholarships With No GPA Requirement
- Can Nursing Students Use FAFSA?
- How to Apply for Nursing Scholarships
- Tips to Increase Your Chances
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best Nursing Scholarships for 2026–2027
There is no single scholarship that is right for every nursing student. Some awards are designed specifically for undergraduate nursing students, while others target graduate students, veterans, men in nursing, women, students from specific communities, or students studying in particular locations.
Below are several opportunities and organizations worth researching for the 2026–2027 academic year.
1. Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program, administered by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), can provide substantial financial support to eligible nursing students.
The program can cover tuition, required fees, reasonable educational expenses, and a monthly stipend. In exchange, recipients agree to work after graduation at an eligible healthcare facility with a critical shortage of nurses.
For the 2026 cycle, HRSA states that eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or lawful permanent residents and must be accepted or enrolled in an accredited nursing program in the United States. The 2026 application cycle is currently closed, with award-status notifications scheduled by September 30, 2026.
Check the official Nurse Corps Scholarship information
Important: This is not a scholarship for most international students because citizenship or lawful permanent residency requirements apply.
2. Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association Scholarships
The Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association (FNSNA) provides scholarship opportunities for undergraduate nursing students.
The National Student Nurses’ Association reports that its foundation has awarded more than $12.5 million in scholarships to undergraduate student nurses since 1974. Scholarship criteria can vary depending on the annual sponsors and individual awards.
Visit the National Student Nurses’ Association
3. American Red Cross Jane Delano Student Nurse Scholarship
The Jane Delano Student Nurse Scholarship is associated with the American Red Cross and is designed for nursing students who have a connection to the organization through employment or volunteer service.
Students should review the current eligibility requirements and application period directly through the American Red Cross before applying.
Visit the American Red Cross nursing opportunities page
4. AORN Foundation Scholarships
The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses Foundation offers scholarship opportunities for students pursuing careers related to perioperative nursing.
These awards can be particularly relevant for nursing students interested in surgical and perioperative care. Eligibility requirements may include enrollment in an accredited nursing program and academic requirements.
5. DAR Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship
The Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship is offered through the Daughters of the American Revolution. It is intended for students who have been accepted to or are currently enrolled in an accredited nursing school and demonstrate financial need.
Applicants should verify the current application period, eligibility requirements, and award information before submitting an application.
Visit the official DAR nursing scholarship information
Scholarships for Undergraduate Nursing Students
Undergraduate nursing students can apply for scholarships at several stages of their education, including associate degree, diploma, BSN, and other approved nursing programs.
Some awards are specifically intended for students already enrolled in nursing school, while others are available to students who have been accepted and plan to begin their studies.
When searching for undergraduate nursing scholarships, look for awards offered by:
- Professional nursing associations
- Healthcare organizations
- Hospitals and healthcare systems
- Private foundations
- Universities and nursing schools
- State nursing associations
- Community organizations
- National scholarship foundations
Graduate and Doctoral Nursing Scholarships
Graduate nursing students often face significant costs while pursuing an MSN, DNP, PhD, or another advanced nursing qualification.
Scholarships for graduate students may focus on specific areas such as nurse education, nursing research, leadership, advanced practice nursing, anesthesia, or healthcare administration.
One organization worth researching is Nurses Educational Funds (NEF), which offers scholarship opportunities for graduate-level nursing education. Eligibility can include factors such as U.S. citizenship, GPA, RN licensure, and professional association membership.
Visit Nurses Educational Funds
Nursing Scholarships for International Students
International students should be especially careful when searching for nursing scholarships in the United States. A scholarship that says it is available to nursing students does not necessarily mean that international applicants are eligible.
Some awards require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, while others may be open to international students studying at a U.S. institution.
For example, some nursing-related scholarship databases list opportunities that accept applicants worldwide, while other programs specifically require students to study at a U.S.-based institution.
International students should check these requirements before spending time preparing an application:
- Citizenship or residency requirements
- Visa requirements
- Whether international students are eligible
- Whether the student must attend a U.S. institution
- Whether the nursing program must be accredited in the United States
- Minimum GPA requirements
- English-language requirements
- Whether the scholarship can be used for tuition or living expenses
For students looking specifically for nursing scholarships abroad, international scholarship databases can also provide opportunities in countries outside the United States.
Nursing Scholarships for Adult Students
You do not have to be a recent high school graduate to search for nursing scholarships.
Many adults return to college after working for several years, raising a family, serving in the military, or taking a break from education.
One example is the B4 Brands Barbara Rhomberg Nursing Scholarship, which targets nontraditional nursing students who meet its specific definition of a nontraditional student.
Check the Barbara Rhomberg Nursing Scholarship
Adult learners should also search for terms such as:
- Nontraditional student nursing scholarship
- Adult learner nursing scholarship
- Second career nursing scholarship
- Returning student nursing scholarship
- Scholarships for adults returning to college
Nursing Scholarships for Women
Women represent a large proportion of the nursing workforce, and a number of organizations provide scholarships and educational support specifically for women.
One example is the Steven Bufton Memorial Educational Fund Legacy Scholarship, which has offered scholarships to female students in their freshman or sophomore year of a nursing degree program.
Applicants should verify the current scholarship cycle and requirements directly with the organization.
Visit the Steven Bufton Memorial Educational Fund
Nursing Scholarships for Men
Men interested in nursing can also find scholarship opportunities designed specifically for male nursing students.
The American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN) provides scholarship opportunities for eligible male nursing students, including undergraduate and graduate students.
Visit AAMN scholarship information
Applicants should check membership, enrollment, academic, and deadline requirements because they can change from one scholarship cycle to another.
Nursing Scholarships for Veterans
Veterans, active-duty military members, and military families may qualify for scholarships specifically designed to support education after military service.
Examples of organizations and programs worth researching include:
- Army Nurse Corps Association scholarships
- Military Order of the Purple Heart scholarships
- Veterans of Foreign Wars educational scholarships
- Military spouse and dependent scholarships
- State-level veterans education programs
Military-related scholarships frequently have very specific eligibility rules. Some require a particular military status, while others extend eligibility to spouses, children, or descendants.
Nursing Scholarships With No GPA Requirement
Students with a lower GPA should not assume that scholarships are unavailable to them.
Some scholarships do not specify a minimum GPA, while others place more emphasis on essays, community involvement, financial need, leadership, career goals, or personal circumstances.
For example, the Niche Nursing Scholarship has historically been promoted as a nursing scholarship without an essay or minimum GPA requirement. However, scholarship availability and deadlines can change, so students should verify the current listing before applying.
Check the current Niche Nursing Scholarship
Can Nursing Students Use FAFSA?
Yes. Nursing students may be eligible for federal student aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if they meet the applicable federal eligibility requirements and attend an eligible institution.
FAFSA is not itself a nursing scholarship. Instead, it is an application used to determine eligibility for certain types of federal student aid, and many colleges also use FAFSA information when awarding institutional financial aid.
Some nursing scholarship programs may also ask applicants to demonstrate financial need or provide financial aid information.
Complete or learn more about FAFSA on the official Federal Student Aid website
Why FAFSA matters for nursing students
- It can help determine eligibility for federal student aid.
- Some colleges use FAFSA information when awarding institutional aid.
- Need-based financial aid can reduce the amount students need to pay themselves.
- Some scholarship programs may request financial aid information.
Always check the requirements of your school and the specific scholarship because FAFSA eligibility and scholarship eligibility are not the same thing.
Scholarships for Students With Disabilities
Students with documented disabilities may qualify for scholarships designed to support their education and career goals.
One organization to research is ExceptionalNurse.com, which has offered scholarships for students with disabilities who are pursuing nursing education.
Visit ExceptionalNurse.com scholarship information
Eligibility can vary considerably, so applicants should review the current requirements before applying.
Scholarships by State and Region
State-based nursing scholarships can be especially valuable because many states and healthcare organizations are trying to address nursing shortages.
Some programs may provide financial support in exchange for an agreement to work in a specific state, rural community, medically underserved area, or participating healthcare facility after graduation.
When searching for state-specific opportunities, try searches such as:
- California nursing scholarships 2026
- Texas nursing scholarships 2026
- Florida nursing scholarships 2026
- New York nursing scholarships 2026
- Pennsylvania nursing scholarships 2026
- Georgia nursing scholarships 2026
Also check your state nursing association, state education agency, healthcare foundations, and individual nursing schools.
How Much Can Nursing Scholarships Pay?
The value of a nursing scholarship can range from a few hundred dollars to awards covering a substantial portion of educational expenses.
For example, scholarships may provide:
- $500 or less for smaller awards
- $1,000–$5,000 for many private scholarships
- $5,000–$10,000 or more for larger competitive awards
- Tuition and fees for certain service-based programs
- Additional stipends for eligible recipients
Do not choose scholarships based only on the dollar amount. A smaller scholarship with fewer applicants may be easier to win than a highly competitive national award.
How to Apply for Nursing Scholarships
The application process varies from one scholarship to another, but most applications follow a similar pattern.
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
Before writing an essay, read the eligibility requirements carefully. Check your nursing program, degree level, GPA, citizenship, residency, enrollment status, and any special requirements.
Step 2: Prepare your documents
Commonly requested documents include:
- Academic transcript
- Resume or CV
- Personal statement
- Scholarship essay
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of enrollment
- Financial aid information
- Proof of citizenship or residency when required
Step 3: Write a strong personal statement
Your essay should explain why you chose nursing, what experiences shaped your career goals, and how the scholarship would help you complete your education.
Avoid generic statements that could apply to any applicant. Instead, provide specific examples that demonstrate your motivation, commitment, leadership, volunteer work, employment experience, or connection to the nursing profession.
Step 4: Apply before the deadline
Do not wait until the last day. Some scholarships require recommendation letters, transcripts, or mailed documents, which can take time to obtain.
Step 5: Apply to multiple scholarships
Your chances improve when you submit several strong applications instead of relying on one scholarship.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Nursing Scholarship
1. Start early
Many scholarship deadlines occur months before the academic term begins. Create a calendar containing the opening and closing dates of every scholarship you want to pursue.
2. Apply for smaller scholarships too
A $500 award may not pay for an entire semester, but several smaller awards can add up to thousands of dollars.
3. Customize every essay
Do not send exactly the same essay to every organization. Adjust your response to the scholarship’s mission and explain why you are a good match.
4. Look beyond national scholarships
Local hospitals, community foundations, nursing associations, universities, employers, and state organizations can provide valuable opportunities with fewer applicants.
5. Search according to your personal situation
Instead of searching only for “nursing scholarships,” combine nursing with another characteristic that describes you.
For example:
- nursing scholarships for adults
- nursing scholarships for international students
- nursing scholarships for men
- nursing scholarships for women
- nursing scholarships for veterans
- nursing scholarships no GPA requirement
- nursing scholarships for single parents
- nursing scholarships for graduate students
- nursing scholarships for minority students
Watch Out for Scholarship Scams
Not every scholarship advertisement you find online is legitimate.
Be cautious if an organization promises that you are guaranteed to win money, asks you to pay a large fee simply to receive an award, requests sensitive financial information unnecessarily, or pressures you to act immediately.
Whenever possible, visit the scholarship provider’s official website and confirm the opportunity independently.
Final Thoughts on Nursing Scholarships 2026–2027
Nursing students have many potential ways to reduce the cost of their education. The best strategy is not to search for one perfect scholarship, but to build a list of opportunities that match your education level, career goals, financial situation, location, and personal background.
Start with nursing-specific organizations, then expand your search to state programs, local foundations, universities, healthcare organizations, professional associations, and general scholarships.
For students in the United States, FAFSA should also be part of the financial-aid strategy when applicable. Government programs such as the HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship can provide substantial assistance to eligible students, although some programs come with service commitments and strict eligibility requirements.
For international students, the most important step is to check citizenship, residency, visa, and study-location requirements carefully. A scholarship listed under “nursing scholarships” is not necessarily open to students from outside the United States.
Most importantly, check every scholarship’s official website before applying because award amounts, deadlines, and eligibility requirements can change from year to year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Scholarships
What are nursing scholarships?
Nursing scholarships are financial awards designed to help students pay for nursing education. They may be offered by universities, professional associations, healthcare organizations, private foundations, government agencies, and other organizations.
Can I get a nursing scholarship with a low GPA?
Yes. Some scholarships have no minimum GPA requirement, while others consider factors beyond academic performance. Always check the eligibility requirements for each award.
Are nursing scholarships available to international students?
Yes, some nursing-related scholarships accept international students. However, many U.S. scholarships require citizenship, permanent residency, or enrollment at a U.S. institution. Carefully review the eligibility rules before applying.
Can nursing students apply for FAFSA?
Eligible nursing students can complete FAFSA when attending an eligible institution. FAFSA is a federal student-aid application rather than a nursing-specific scholarship.
Can adults returning to college get nursing scholarships?
Yes. Some scholarships specifically support nontraditional or adult students returning to education, including students pursuing nursing degrees.
Are there scholarships for male nursing students?
Yes. Organizations such as the American Association for Men in Nursing provide scholarship opportunities for eligible male nursing students.
How can I find more nursing scholarships?
Search your university’s financial-aid office, nursing department, state nursing association, professional nursing organizations, local foundations, hospitals, and reputable scholarship databases. Applying to multiple scholarships can increase your overall chances of receiving financial assistance.
Do nursing scholarships have service requirements?
Some do. Certain government and healthcare scholarships provide substantial financial support in exchange for an agreement to work in an eligible shortage area or healthcare facility after graduation. Always read the service agreement before accepting an award.
Disclaimer: Scholarship programs, deadlines, award amounts, and eligibility requirements can change. The information in this guide is provided for educational purposes. Always verify the latest information on the official website of the scholarship provider before submitting an application.
