DiversityNursing Blog

Pursuing a nursing career is an exciting and rewarding journey, but the cost of nursing school can create financial challenges for students at every stage of their education. Whether you're working toward your associate degree, BSN, MSN, DNP, or another advanced nursing credential, finding financial assistance can make a meaningful difference.

Fortunately, there are numerous scholarships available to aspiring and practicing nurses. From general nursing education awards to opportunities offered by professional nursing organizations, these programs can help reduce tuition expenses and support your professional development.

If you're looking for ways to make nursing education more affordable, here are 10 nursing scholarships with upcoming 2026 and 2027 application deadlines worth exploring.

1. DiversityNursing.com $5,000 Education Award

DiversityNursing.com is proud to offer its annual $5,000 Education Award, supporting nursing students and working nursing professionals across the United States.

Unlike many traditional scholarships, this award does not require an essay. It is open to eligible students enrolled full-time or part-time in an accredited nursing program leading to a professional registered nursing credential, including associate, bachelor's, graduate, and diploma programs.

Currently employed nursing professionals may also qualify, including Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), and Nurse Leaders or Administrators working full-time, part-time, or per diem at U.S.-based organizations.

Award Amount: $5,000

Application Deadline: May 7, 2027.

Register at DiversityNursing.com Education Award.

2. Foundation of the National Student Nurses' Association (FNSNA) Scholarship

The Foundation of the National Student Nurses' Association (FNSNA) provides financial assistance to undergraduate nursing students pursuing their education and preparing for professional careers in healthcare.

The foundation has awarded millions of dollars in scholarships since its establishment. Its annual scholarship program supports nursing students pursuing associate, bachelor's, and eligible graduate-level education.

Scholarships are available to students with demonstrated financial need, academic achievement, and an interest in contributing to the nursing profession.

Award Amount: Awards of up to $10,000.

Application Deadline: January 11, 2027.

Explore eligibility requirements and apply at FNSNA Scholarships.

3. Bonnie Fang Foundation Nursing Scholarship

The Bonnie Fang Foundation offers nursing scholarships to students who demonstrate academic achievement, compassion, integrity, leadership, financial need, and a commitment to serving their communities.

The foundation honors Bonnie Fang, a nurse who believed in supporting others and creating opportunities for future generations of healthcare professionals.

For the 2027 scholarship cycle, the foundation may award one $5,000 California Nursing Scholarship and one $5,000 Nevada Nursing Scholarship.

Award Amount: Up to $5,000 per recipient.

Application Deadline: December 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Learn more and apply at Bonnie Fang Foundation Nursing Scholarship.

4. Nephrology Nursing Foundation ELEVATE Scholarships

The Nephrology Nursing Foundation, supported by the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA), offers its ELEVATE education and certification scholarship program.

The 2027 program includes 17 scholarships designed to support nurses interested in advancing their education or obtaining professional certification in nephrology nursing.

Seven education scholarships are available for nurses pursuing their next nursing degree, while 10 certification scholarships support eligible nurses preparing for nephrology nursing certification exams.

Award Amount:

• Education scholarships: $1,500 each.
• Certification scholarships: $1,450 each.

Application Deadline: December 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Learn more at American Nephrology Nurses Association Scholarships.

5. Scrubin Uniforms-AACN Scholarship

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) partners with Scrubin Uniforms to provide scholarship opportunities for nursing students.

This scholarship supports students pursuing undergraduate and graduate nursing degrees at eligible AACN member institutions with a formal affiliation agreement with Scrubin Uniforms.

It is an opportunity for nursing students who are committed to advancing their education and preparing for careers in healthcare.

Award Amount: See the current scholarship application for award details.

Application Deadline: December 1, 2026.

Learn more at AACN Foundation Scholarships.

6. AACN Professional Nursing Scholarship

The AACN Professional Nursing Scholarship provides financial support for graduate nursing students preparing to become Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs).

This opportunity is particularly valuable for nurses continuing their education and pursuing advanced clinical roles that help meet the growing demand for specialized healthcare services.

Award Amount: Varies. Review the current application for details.

Application Deadline: December 15, 2026.

Explore eligibility and application information at AACN Foundation Scholarships.

7. Oncology Nursing Foundation Scholarships

Nurses interested in specializing in oncology may benefit from the educational funding opportunities offered by the Oncology Nursing Foundation.

The foundation provides scholarships for Registered Nurses pursuing additional education and advanced degrees in oncology nursing.

Opportunities are available for nurses working toward bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, helping support professional growth and the advancement of cancer care.

Award Amount: Varies by degree level and scholarship opportunity.

Application Deadline: February 1, 2027.

Learn more at Oncology Nursing Foundation Scholarships.

8. Platinum Educational Group Nursing Scholarship

Platinum Educational Group offers scholarship opportunities to support students pursuing careers in nursing, emergency medical services (EMS), and allied health.

The organization's scholarship program provides financial assistance to students currently enrolled in eligible healthcare education programs across the country. It is a great opportunity for nursing students looking for additional financial support while working toward their educational and career goals.

Award Amount: Three scholarships of $1,500 each are available across the eligible healthcare disciplines.

Application Deadline: December 1, 2026.

Learn more and apply at Platinum Educational Group Scholarships.

9. Nurses Educational Funds (NEF) Graduate Nursing Scholarships

Nurses Educational Funds (NEF) has supported graduate nursing education for more than a century, awarding scholarships to nurses pursuing advanced degrees and professional development.

The organization offers multiple scholarship opportunities for Registered Nurses pursuing master's and doctoral degrees in nursing. These scholarships help support future nurse leaders, educators, researchers, and advanced practice professionals.

Award Amount: Varies depending on the individual scholarship.

Application Deadline: February 1, 2027.

Learn more and apply at Nurses Educational Funds (NEF).

10. Pocket Nurse Scholarship Fund

The Pocket Nurse Scholarship Fund, established through The Pittsburgh Foundation, supports students pursuing education in nursing, allied health, and nursing faculty programs.

This scholarship is an excellent opportunity for students interested in advancing their education while preparing for careers that contribute to the healthcare workforce.

Award Amount: Average awards of $5,000 for graduate students, with undergraduate awards of up to $10,000 over four years.

Application Period: January 6 – February 17, 2027.

Learn more at Pocket Nurse Scholarship Fund.

Investing in Your Future as a Nurse

A nursing education is an investment in yourself, your future, and the communities you will serve. Financial assistance through scholarships can help make that investment more manageable while allowing you to focus on your education and professional goals.

Whether you're just beginning nursing school or returning to the classroom to advance your career, take the time to explore the opportunities available to you.

And don't forget to check out the DiversityNursing.com $5,000 Education Award! With no essay required and opportunities for both nursing students and working nursing professionals, it's an excellent opportunity to explore as you plan your next steps.

Your future in nursing is worth investing in!

Scholarship increase to help educate nurse-midwives and advanced practice nurses amid nationwide healthcare shortages.

Versailles, Ky. — The Frontier Nursing University (FNU) Board of Directors has approved a proposal to utilize $20 million of the university’s unrestricted endowment funds for scholarships. The designation of these funds demonstrates the Board and university’s commitment to providing a high-quality education that prepares nurses to become competent, entrepreneurial, ethical, and compassionate nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners, with an emphasis on rural and underserved communities.

“This is a significant investment in support of our students, and one we are proud to champion,” said Marcus Osborne, Chair of the FNU Board of Directors. “On behalf of the Board, I want to express my gratitude for the work of our Chief Financial Officer Kylie Waters, and her team, as well as our finance committee, led by board member Michael Steinmetz. This was a comprehensive project to identify the best way to support our goal to provide accessible education.”

In keeping with the university’s spending policy, the university will fund the scholarships by spending the annual yield from the $20 million unrestricted endowment funds. The yield is projected to be approximately $800,000 annually.

“This commitment to more scholarship opportunities is a direct reflection of the Board of Directors’ enduring support for our students and our mission,” FNU President Dr. Flinders said.

FNU maintains an average enrollment of 2,800 students from across the country. FNU’s programs lead to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Post-Graduate Certificate, or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). FNU also offers a Post-Master's DNP for certified nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners who already hold a national certification and want to pursue a DNP.

“Our students are already professional healthcare providers when they come to us,” Dr. Flinders said. “Their dedication to advance their knowledge and expertise to better serve their communities is impactful and inspirational. These scholarships support their goals by making advanced nursing education accessible.”

A December 2025 report released by the Health Resources and Services Administration projected an 8% shortage of registered nurses in the United States by 2028. Additionally, the American College of Nurse-Midwives estimates the U.S has a shortage of more than 8,000 nurse-midwives based on the World Health Organization's recommendation of no less than six nurse-midwives per 1,000 live births.

“There is a growing demand for financial assistance,” Waters said. “Our existing scholarship program is substantial, and with this responsible use of our unrestricted endowment funds, we continue to demonstrate commitment to supporting our students. Frontier Nursing University is uniquely positioned to address the nursing shortage through our community-based, and distance education format. This investment will provide critical support to FNU’s students as they prepare to address healthcare challenges in their home communities across the country.”

The Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association is delighted to announce the 2022-23 diversity scholarship awards sponsored by Johnson & Johnson. Funding may be used for tuition, fees, and books. Use the same application to apply for all FNSNA scholarships. Students must complete the race/ethnicity question to qualify. There is $500,000 available in scholarships! Scholarships up to $10,000 each. Students complete one application for over 100 scholarships.

Click here for more information: https://www.forevernursing.org/2022-online-scholarship-application-fact-sheet.html

Click here for the application: https://apply.mykaleidoscope.com/scholarships/fnsna2022

The Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association is delighted to announce a new diversity scholarship award sponsored by Johnson & Johnson. Funding may be used for tuition, fees, and books. Use the same application to apply for all FNSNA scholarships. 

Students must complete the race/ethnicity question to qualify. There is $225,000 available. Awards up to $7,500.

Click here for more information: https://www.forevernursing.org/2021-online-scholarship-applicationinstructional-sheet.html

Click here for the application: https://app.mykaleidoscope.com/scholarship/fnsna2021

Deadline is February 15, 2021

DiversityNursing.com announced the Winner of their 2020 DiversityNursing.com $5,000 Education Award. We are delighted to announce our Winner is Henrietta Buckley of St Louis, MO! Henrietta has enjoyed her career as a Nurse for 19 years and is currently working on her Master’s degree in Nurse Education.

Henrietta plans to use her DiversityNursing.com $5,000 Education Award toward her Master’s degree. Her words of advice to new Nurses “always be open to learning. Every day I’m learning new things. Be open to having students to mentor – you will feel their energy and excitement”.

DiversityNursing.com is particularly honored to provide their Award this year as 2020 is the Year of the Nurse and Midwife. It is also poignant because of the burden the coronavirus has put on our Nurses and Healthcare workers.

This is the 12th year DiversityNursing.com has bestowed their Annual $5,000 Education Award. Pat Magrath, National Sales Director at DiversityNursing.comsaid “Our $5,000 Education Award is our way of giving back to the Nursing community. Our Award can be used to continue Nursing classes, payment toward Nursing school loans, or attendance at a Nursing conference.”

For the past 12 years, many thousands of Nurses have registered on the DiversityNursing.com website for the Award. During Nurses Week in early May, 1 lucky name is drawn out of thousands to win the $5,000 Education Award. Pat said “Registration is quick and there is no essay requirement, which the Nurses love!”.

Past Award Winners can be found here: 
https://diversitynursing.com/past-education-award-winners/

Only 10 days remain for you to apply for a Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association scholarship to support your college tuition, fees and books. This year we are pleased to be offering scholarships of up to $10,000 to diverse nursing students.  There’s still time, but you need to get started now.  For more details and for link to application, click here. The deadline is January 11, 2019.

In addition to our DiversityNursing.com Annual $5,000 Education Award, we thought it would be helpful to provide a list of other scholarships that might be of interest to you.

Good Luck!

AACN Scholarship $2,500- https://www.hurstreview.com/AACN

ACLS Medical Training Scholarship Program $1,000-   https://www.aclsmedicaltraining.com/scholarship/

Advancing Men In Nursing Scholarships- http://www.aamn.org/resources

AfterCollege-AACN Scholarship Fund $2,500- https://www.aftercollege.com/content

American Cancer Society Graduate In Cancer Nursing Practice Scholarship $20,000- https://www.cancer.org/research

Asian American/ Pacific Islander Nurses Association, Inc. Scholarships- http://aapina.org/scholarship-awards/

BestNursingDegree.com Scholarship $2,500- http://www.bestnursingdegree.com

Deloras Jones RN Scholarship Program- https://www.scholarsapply.org/delorasjones/

Elizabeth J Davis Scholarship $3,000- http://vnavt.com/elizabeth-j.-davis-scholarship/

Equality Scholarship $6,000- http://www.equalityscholarship.org/

FNSNA Undergraduate Scholarship Program- http://www.forevernursing.org/undergraduate-scholarships.html

Gladys D Goodson Scholarship $2,500- http://www.lcf.org

Health Careers Scholarship Program $7,500- https://www.gallagherstudent.com/scholarship/

Healthcare Leadership Scholarship $2,000- http://www.healthgrad.com/scholarships

HealthGrad.com Leadership Scholarship $2,000- http://www.healthgrad.com/scholarships

IMPACT Technology Recruiting Scholarship $1,000- http://go-impact.com/payments

Jean Andrews Nursing Scholarship $1,200- http://www.vsac.org/pay

Kentucky Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund $3,000- http://kbn.ky.gov

Kings Daughters Health Foundation Health Career Scholarship $2,500- http://www.kdhealthfoundation.com/scholarships

Madeline Pickett Cogswell Nursing Scholarship $2,500- http://www.dar.org/national-society/scholarships

Medsite Medical Scholarship $5,000- https://www.medsitemedical.com/scholarships/

Mildred Nutting Nursing Scholarship $2,000- http://www.dar.org/national-society/scholarships

NAHN Scholarships- http://nahnnet.org/NAHN/About/Scholarships

National CPR Association Scholarship $2,000- https://www.nationalcprassociation.com/scholarship/

NBNA Scholarships- http://www.nbna.org/content

Nurse Plus Academy $1,000- http://nurse.plus/#scholarship

Nurse.org Healthcare Leaders Scholarship $1,000- http://nurse.org/healthcare-leaders/

Nursing.org Scholarships $2,000- http://www.nursing.org/scholarships/

Oliver Joel And Ellen Pell Denny Healthcare Scholarship $3,000- https://www.wsfoundation.org

Perinatal Graduate Nursing Scholarships $5,000- https://www.marchofdimes.org/nursing

Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. Scholarship $2,000- http://www.mypnaa.org/News

Professional Caretakers Scholarships $1,500- https://professionalcaretakers.com/scholarship/

Sarah Margaret Macdonald Nursing Scholarship $6,000- https://s-caf.org/index.php

The Genvieve Renn Roscher Nursing Scholarship $1,000- http://johnrandolphfoundation.org

The Meland Foundation Nursing Scholarships $2,000-$5,000- http://melandfoundation.org

The Nurses Foundation of Wisconsin, Inc. Scholarship $2,000- http://wisconsinnurses.org/education/scholarships/

The Rick And Sherry Murray Medical Futures Scholarship $5,000- http://webfl.alsa.org/site

Transcultural Nursing Society Scholarships- http://www.tcns.org/Foundationawards.html

Travel Nurse Source Scholarship $2,000- https://www.travelnursesource.com/resources/scholarship/

Western Governors University Scholarships- https://www.wgu.edu/tuition_financial_aid/scholarships/nurses

Click Here to register for our $5,000 Education Award!