Nursing Scholarships 2024 You Need to Consider

Nursing is a vital and growing field with a high demand for qualified professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by an aging population and a greater focus on preventive care. However, nursing school can be expensive, which is why scholarships are so important.

Our expert paper writer provides a comprehensive list of scholarships for nursing students available in 2024. This article also includes various opportunities tailored for different needs and backgrounds, along with practical tips to help you improve your chances of winning a scholarship. Whether you're just starting your nursing education or looking to advance your career, this guide will support you through the application process.

A Brief Look at Scholarships for Nursing Students

Nursing is a rewarding career with strong job security, yet a nursing shortage poses a public health risk. To combat this, the AACN is pushing for more federal funding for nursing education, promoting nurse residency programs to improve retention, encouraging fast-track nursing programs, and highlighting nursing careers, including those requiring advanced degrees.

Despite the promising job market, the cost of nursing education can be a barrier. For the 2023-24 academic year, average tuition is $11,260 for in-state public four-year colleges and $29,150 for out-of-state public four-year colleges. So, scholarships can help manage these costs and reduce student debt.

Nursing scholarships are not only for undergraduate students. Many scholarships are available for those pursuing advanced degrees, such as Master's or Doctoral programs in nursing. For example, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) offers scholarships for students in advanced practice nursing programs, helping to ensure that higher-level nursing roles are filled with well-educated professionals.

Moreover, minority nursing students can find tailored scholarships aimed at increasing diversity within the nursing workforce. The National Black Nurses Association, for instance, provides multiple scholarships to African American nursing students at various levels of their education. Similarly, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund offers financial aid to Latino students pursuing nursing degrees. Let's check out the best options available this year with our nursing essay writing below.

List of the Best Nursing Scholarships 2024

In the following sections, we'll dive into a detailed list of scholarships available for nursing students in 2024. We'll cover eligibility, application deadlines, and tips to help your application shine. Whether you're beginning your nursing education or aiming to advance your career, these scholarships can help you reach your goals!

WGU Loves Nurses Scholarship

Valued at up to $4,000, this scholarship is applicable towards earning a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing from WGU. With flexible 24/7 online access, you can study and test at your convenience. WGU's competency-based programs allow progression at your own pace, measuring knowledge over time spent in class. 

You can also benefit from low, flat-rate tuition as WGU's average annual bachelor's tuition is 48% lower than the national average, with savings possible due to per-term charges. This scholarship is credited at $1,000 per six-month term, renewable for up to four terms. The application deadline for the 2023-24 aid year is June 30, 2024. To qualify, you should apply for admission to WGU and then for scholarships through the Scholarship Portal. 

Link: WGU Loves Nurses Scholarship

Sunshine Behavioral Health's Opioid Awareness Scholarship

Sunshine Behavioral Health offers the Opioid Awareness Scholarship, providing a $500 award to the lucky winner. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens enrolled or planning to enroll in accredited colleges or universities pursuing fields related to substance abuse. Applicants must be under 18 years old, in good academic standing, and have parental consent. The deadline for essay submissions is December 1st. To apply, candidates must provide their personal information and submit an essay addressing the opioid epidemic in the U.S. The essay can focus on personal experiences with opioid addiction or provide insights from recent research on combating the epidemic.

Link: Sunshine Behavioral Health's Opioid Awareness Scholarship

Hurst Review Services Nursing AACN Scholarship

The Hurst Review Services scholarships for nursing students are designed to support nursing students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. This scholarship is a collaboration between Hurst Review Services and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). It aims to recognize and reward entry-level nursing students for their dedication and achievements.

To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled in an AACN member institution and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2 in their current program or the last school attended. Prospective applicants can verify their institution's membership by consulting the AACN member directory.

The scholarship awards $2,500 and is distributed twice a year, with two application deadlines: September 1 and February 1. This program provides valuable financial assistance to nursing students, helping them to focus on their studies and advance their nursing careers.

Link: Hurst Review Services Nursing AACN Scholarship

FNSNA

Undergraduate scholarships are available for students enrolled in state-approved nursing programs, including various degree pathways. Eligibility requires graduation after July 1, 2024, and U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status. Action items include faculty and financial aid certifications, transcript submission, and a $10 fee via Stripe. 

NSNA members must provide membership numbers, excluding board members. LPN/LVN to RN or RN to BSN/MSN completion program entrants must submit acceptance letters. RNs must include resumes and licenses. Funds cover tuition, fees, and books, returned if unused. 

Link: FNSNA

American Association of Men in Nursing Scholarships (National)

Valued at $1,000, these scholarships are specifically designated for undergraduate students who are active members of AAMN (American Association for Men in Nursing). AAMN aims to promote and support male representation in the nursing profession, fostering diversity and inclusivity within the field.

In addition to the personal statement, volunteer history, academic status, resume, and reference letter, applicants may also be required to demonstrate their commitment to advancing the mission and values of AAMN. This could involve highlighting involvement in initiatives or activities that align with the organization's goals, such as promoting gender diversity in healthcare or participating in AAMN-sponsored events or projects.

By offering these nursing scholarships 2024, AAMN not only provides financial assistance to deserving undergraduate students but also reinforces its commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive nursing workforce.

Link: American Association of Men in Nursing Scholarships

Clarice Kanouse Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship offers $2,000 to high school or undergraduate students accepted into nursing programs, with residency in Michigan. Preference is given to low-income, first-generation students, and individuals from single-parent households.

To apply, candidates must submit a 400- to 600-word essay detailing the adversities they have overcome in their journey towards pursuing a nursing degree. This requirement not only highlights the resilience and determination of the applicants but also aligns with the scholarship's mission to support individuals facing unique challenges in accessing higher education.

By providing financial assistance and recognizing the obstacles faced by aspiring nurses, this scholarship strives to create opportunities for deserving students in Michigan to pursue their educational and professional goals in nursing.

Link: Clarice Kanouse Memorial Scholarship

David L. Burns Memorial Scholarship

Valued at $2,500, the program not only provides financial support to aspiring healthcare professionals but also encourages reflection on the significance of supporting individuals grappling with addiction, fostering compassion and commitment within the next generation of nurses and allied health professionals. It is open to undergraduate students residing in Missouri who are enrolled in degree programs for nursing and allied health fields.

To apply, candidates must submit a compelling 400- to 600-word essay explaining why assisting individuals struggling with addiction is personally significant to them. This requirement underscores the importance of empathy and dedication to addressing a critical healthcare issue affecting communities across Missouri and beyond.

Link: David L. Burns Memorial Scholarship

Good Samaritan Foundation Nursing Scholarships

These scholarships for nursing students 2024, ranging from $500 to $1,000, are designed for nursing students currently enrolled in accredited programs within Texas. Preference is given to low-to-moderate-income students who demonstrate good academic standing.

Applicants must complete an application form and submit a letter of intent outlining their academic and career goals. They are also required to provide a letter of recommendation, an unofficial transcript demonstrating their academic achievements, a professional resume highlighting their experiences and accomplishments, and a color photo.

Link: Good Samaritan Foundation Nursing Scholarships

NurseThink American Association of Colleges of Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship offers $5,000 to nursing students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in nursing. Eligible candidates must be enrolled at an institution that is a member of the AACN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing) and demonstrate a dedication to becoming a future nurse educator or faculty member.

Applicants must complete an online application form and provide demographic information along with details about their academic achievements. Also, they are required to submit a short essay outlining their intentions and plans to pursue teaching opportunities after completing their degree program.ї

Link: NurseThink American Association of Colleges of Nursing Scholarship

Emergency Nurses Association Foundation Scholarships

With varying amounts awarded, this opportunity is accessible to undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students who are active members of the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA). To qualify, applicants must be enrolled in an institution accredited by either the ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) or CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education), maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Candidates are required to complete application forms and provide two letters of recommendation, one of which must come from an ENA member. Additionally, they must submit official transcripts, an acceptance letter from their institution, verification of the educational institution's accreditation, and proof of payment for a minimum of three credit hours.

Link: Emergency Nurses Association Foundation Scholarships

Donald E. Pizzini Memorial Nurse Scholarship

Offering $2,500, this scholarship is available to two categories of individuals: college students enrolled in nursing programs or other fields contributing to long-term care, and professionals already working in long-term care who are transitioning to a career in nursing or pursuing further nursing education.

Eligible candidates must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher in previous studies, be U.S. citizens or hold permanent resident visas, and reside in Montana with a commitment to working or continuing to work in long-term care within the state.

To apply, candidates must submit an application form along with official transcripts, proof of acceptance into their nursing program or related field, and two recommendation letters. Additionally, applicants will undergo a qualifying interview as part of the selection process.

Link: Donald E. Pizzini Memorial Nurse Scholarship

Black Nurses Association of Greater Washington, D.C., Felicia C. Brady Scholarship

This scholarship, with varying amounts awarded, targets African American individuals with permanent residency in Washington D.C. or adjacent counties in Maryland. Eligible applicants must hold licensure as RNs or LPNs in Maryland or D.C., currently enrolled in an accredited ADN, MSN, or DNP program, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and must be U.S. citizens.

Moreover, candidates must be members of both the National Black Nurses Association and the Black Nurses Association of Greater Washington, D.C., Area, ensuring a commitment to and involvement in the respective nursing communities.

To apply, candidates are required to submit an application form, a current official transcript, a copy of their nursing license, along with one letter of recommendation from a former employer or clinical supervisor and another from a current nursing faculty. Additionally, applicants must furnish a 300-word written essay detailing their aspirations and motivations. Any relevant awards, certifications, or achievements should also be included in the application.

Link: Black Nurses Association of Greater Washington, D.C., Felicia C. Brady Scholarship

Alabama Nurses Foundation Scholarships

The scholarship offers $3,000 to LPN, ADN, BSN, MSN, and DNP/PhD students enrolled in a recognized nursing program in Alabama. To be eligible, applicants must be residents of Alabama, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and have completed at least one semester of study.

To apply, candidates need to submit application forms along with a letter from their school confirming their current enrollment. Additionally, they must provide two reference letters from faculty, an official transcript, and responses to essay questions. A high-resolution headshot is also required.

By fulfilling these requirements, eligible students can seize the opportunity to support their nursing education in Alabama.

Link: Alabama Nurses Foundation Scholarships

How to Find Nursing Scholarships

Finding medical school scholarships isn't always a breeze, but with the right approach, you can discover numerous opportunities to support your education. Here are some effective strategies to help you locate the best options:

1. Online Scholarship Databases: Websites like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and College Board offer comprehensive databases of scholarships, including those specifically for nursing students. You can search for scholarships based on your personal background, academic achievements, and career goals.
2. Nursing Organizations: Organizations such as the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA), and state nursing associations often provide information about scholarships available to their members. Explore their websites and reach out to local chapters for potential opportunities.
3. Financial Aid Offices: Your school's financial aid office is a valuable resource for finding scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial assistance. Schedule a meeting with a financial aid advisor to discuss your options and learn about any scholarships offered by your institution.
4. Healthcare Facilities: Many hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations offer scholarships and tuition reimbursement programs for nursing students. Research facilities in your area and inquire about available opportunities for financial support.
5. Community Foundations and Nonprofit Organizations: Community foundations and nonprofit organizations often administer scholarships for local students, including those pursuing careers in nursing. Check with organizations in your community to see if they offer any scholarships for aspiring nurses.

Full Ride Nursing Scholarships

Full ride nursing scholarships are coveted opportunities that cover the entirety of your tuition and fees, as well as other educational expenses such as books, supplies, and sometimes even room and board. These scholarships are highly competitive and typically awarded to exceptional students with outstanding academic achievements, leadership qualities, and a strong commitment to the nursing profession.

To secure one, you'll need to distinguish yourself academically and demonstrate your passion for nursing through extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and relevant experiences. Here's how you can increase your chances of obtaining this type of scholarship:

1. Maintain High Grades: Academic excellence is often a primary criterion for full ride scholarships. Focus on achieving top grades in your nursing coursework and related subjects to demonstrate your commitment to academic success.
2. Engage in Leadership and Extracurricular Activities: Participate in leadership roles and extracurricular activities related to nursing and healthcare. Join student organizations, volunteer at healthcare facilities, and take on leadership positions to showcase your dedication to the field.
3. Gain Relevant Experience: Seek out opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the nursing field through internships, clinical placements, and shadowing experiences. These experiences will not only strengthen your scholarship application but also provide valuable insights into the nursing profession.
4. Write a Compelling Personal Statement: Craft a compelling personal statement that highlights your passion for nursing, your academic achievements, and your future career goals. Use specific examples to illustrate your dedication and commitment to making a difference in healthcare.
5. Obtain Strong Letters of Recommendation: Request letters of recommendation from professors, mentors, or healthcare professionals who can attest to your academic abilities, character, and potential as a future nurse.

When applying, carefully review the eligibility criteria, application requirements, and deadlines for each scholarship opportunity. Here are several prestigious full ride nursing scholarships 2024 to consider:

• Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program
• Tylenol Future Care Scholarship
• National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program
• Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
• American Indian Nurse Scholarship Program

10 Tips on How to Win a Nursing Scholarship

Winning nursing scholarships and grants requires more than just submitting an application; it involves strategic planning, preparation, and a compelling presentation of your qualifications. Here are some essential steps to increase your chances:

1. Research Carefully: Start by researching various nursing scholarships available. Look into local, national, and international scholarship opportunities. Pay attention to eligibility criteria, including GPA requirements, citizenship status, and field of study.
2. Organize Your Materials: Create a folder or digital document to keep track of all the necessary materials for each scholarship application. This may include transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements, resumes, and any other required documents.
3. Customize Your Applications: Tailor each scholarship application to the specific requirements of the scholarship provider. Highlight relevant experiences, achievements, and goals that align with the scholarship's mission and values.
4. Start Early: Begin the application process well in advance of the deadlines to avoid last-minute stress. Give yourself plenty of time to gather materials, draft essays, and obtain letters of recommendation.
5. Write a Compelling Essay: Craft a well-written, engaging essay that tells your unique story and showcases your passion for nursing. Be concise, articulate, and authentic in your writing. Use concrete examples and personal anecdotes to illustrate your points.
6. Request Strong Letters of Recommendation: Reach out to teachers, professors, employers, or mentors who can speak to your academic abilities, character, and dedication to nursing. Provide them with ample time to write thoughtful, personalized recommendations on your behalf.
7. Proofread Everything: Before submitting your applications, carefully proofread all documents for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors. Ask a trusted friend, family member, or mentor to review your materials for feedback and suggestions.
8. Submit Early, but Not Rushed: Aim to submit your applications well before the deadline to allow time for any unforeseen issues. However, don't rush the process at the expense of quality. Take the time to ensure that your applications are thorough and polished.
9. Follow Up as Needed: After submitting your applications, follow up with the scholarship providers if you have not received confirmation of receipt within a reasonable timeframe. Express gratitude for the opportunity to apply and inquire about the timeline for notification of awards.
10. Stay Positive and Persistent: Remember that scholarship applications can be competitive, and rejection is a normal part of the process. Stay positive, learn from any feedback or setbacks, and continue to pursue other opportunities.

See also the best jobs for nursing students, along with valuable advice for landing these positions!

The Bottom Line

In 2024, nursing students have a wealth of scholarship opportunities at their fingertips to ease financial strains and fuel career ambitions. Not only that, but you can also use our scholarship essay writing help and boost your odds of securing the financial backing necessary to thrive in your education. From prestigious full ride scholarships to specialized grants, the options are plentiful. With dedication and perseverance, these scholarships can open doors to a rewarding career in nursing.

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