Federal Nursing Scholarships

Federal nursing scholarships are available for needy students due to the critical shortage of nurses in the US through the Federal Nursing Scholarship Program. If you are interested in the medical field, this is a great career that offers well-paying jobs with flexible scheduling. Why not pursue a nursing degree?

Federal Nursing Scholarship Program

If you need ideas for writing a college essay, check out these Nursing Scholarship Essay Examples.

The Federal Nursing Scholarship Program help needy students complete their registered nurse training, as part of an effort to alleviate the critical shortage of R.N.s (registered nurses) in the U.S. As part of the program, upon graduation the nurses work at designated facilities for under-served populations for at least 2 years.

Federal Nursing Scholarships Application deadline: June 1 each year. Applicants who are selected will be notified in late summer.

Eligibility Requirements:

US citizen, US National, or permanent resident.

Full time or part time student at accredited program for professional nursing

Funding preference is given to qualified applicants with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of zero on their Student Air Report (SAR), and are enrolled (1) full time student in an undergraduate nursing program (2) full time student in a graduate nursing school program, or (3) part time nursing students. In the past years, only full time students in undergraduate programs were funded in this highly competitive program.

A commitment to nursing is expected and demonstrated in the nursing essay, relevant work experience and community service, letters of recommendation and academic performance.

These federal nursing scholarships include tuition, eligible fees, other reasonable costs and monthly stipend.

Federal Nursing Scholarships website: www.hrsa.gov

Also, read more below about paying of student loans for nursing school.

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Scholarships for Nurses - National Health Service Corps

This federal program provides scholarships to students pursuing primary care, including nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, and physician assistant. The National Health Service Corps scholars are committed to one year of service for each year of support (minimum of two years).

The scholarship includes tuition, fees, reasonable expenses and monthly allowance (stipend).

Application due June each year

Federal Nursing Scholarships website: www.hrsa.gov

Federal Nursing Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students - Minority Nurse Scholarships

The funds for these minority nurse scholarships or other disadvantaged students are provided to the nursing schools. The schools provide the scholarships to full time nursing students and students in other health care professions. Students must be financially needy and from disadvantaged background.

To apply, contact the nursing college that you plan to attend. The nursing school determines the need and provide scholarships to cover tuition, expenses and reasonable living expenses.

For more information on these federal nursing scholarships for minority nurse students or other disadvantaged students, see www.hrsa.gov

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Air Force & Navy - Military Scholarships for Nurses

The Air Force and Navy both offer federal nursing scholarships for nursing students who are interested in serving in the US military. This is another great way to receive financial aid for college to cover the cost of nursing school.

For online information about military scholarships for nurses, see:

Air Force Scholarships for Nurses website: www.afrotc.com

Navy Scholarships for Nurses website: www.navy.com

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Paying Off Student Loans Nursing Students

Read advice from one of our readers, Sheri from Kansas, about paying of student loans.

In my research for how to pay for college through scholarships, grants and loans I found programs which offer nursing students a way to pay off their student loans after graduation. These programs were found by searching under student loan repayment program. Several states participate in such programs for nurses since there is such a shortage in nurses in some communities right now.

In my research I found that the state of Kansas offers such a program for paying off student loan debt. This program requires participants to sign a minimum of a 2-year contract to provide health care service in underserved areas of Kansas. In exchange the participant will have 60 % of their student loans paid for with an optional 3rd year of service where participants may receive 25% more paid. In addition to the loan repayment the participant is also paid a salary and benefits through the employing facility.

I have worked with a nurse who took advantage of a similar program through a traveling nurse program. She went to work in Hawaii, which has the highest shortage of nurses in the United States. The organization she worked for paid off her student loans, paid her a significant salary as well as living expenses and a one time sign-on bonus in exchange for a 2-year commitment from her.

I don’t know about you but if someone wants to pay off my student loans, pay my a significant sign-on bonus, a nice salary and living expenses for me to work in Hawaii for a couple of years I don’t think I will be complaining. In fact in my research I found that the top 4 states with a nursing shortage are Hawaii, California, Nevada and Florida. One of those is an island and two others are coastal states. I don’t think you can beat the location possibilities.

You cannot apply for these programs until you have graduated and they only accept participants once a year so you need to plan ahead and make sure you submit your application in a timely manner.

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Paying off Student Loan Debt - Registered Nurse/Graduate Student 

Advice written by Darleen from Illinois

I can remember the day ever so clearly. My parents and friends were in the audience and I was ready to walk the stage at my nursing graduation in 2013. I had a full career ahead of me as a registered nurse. I was excited to earn my first real paycheck as a professional. What I wasn’t ready for was the amount of student loan debt I was left with to start repaying 6 months after graduation.

I was the second in my family to attend college and graduate. Neither of my parents attended college and were unaware of the task behind researching Scholarships and Grants for College. I filled out my FAFSA on my own and was able to receive some aid through them but was left with loans to cover the rest of my tuition bill. The university I graduated from paid my Federal Perkins Loan because I continued a full-time career as an RN for the following consecutive 5 years. It was considered what is called a student forgiveness loan . My Stafford Loan had a low interest rate and I began repayment of this loan 6 months after graduation.

My goal was to pay off my Stafford Loan debt as soon as possible. I doubled and sometimes even tripled my monthly payments no matter what financial crisis came my way. I was able to pay off my student loan debt of $42,000 in 7 years. This may sound like a long time but my brother who graduated in 2008 from college is still paying off his student loans today. In order to receive forgiveness for my Perkins Loan, I had to submit proof every year to the school I graduated from that I was a continued full-time employee as an RN to receive repayment.

I have been an RN for over 8 years now and have never had a regret or doubt about my chosen career path. I do have regrets though about not researching scholarships that could have helped pay for my undergraduate degree. I am currently enrolled in a Graduate Nurse Practitioner Program and plan to do my part this time in looking for assistance to continue my education and career. I have used the Internet to look for graduate nursing scholarships and am amazed at all of the variety of scholarships offered. I have also used my school’s assistance to help me find scholarships and grants that suit myself and my career path. The great part about using the Internet is that you submit everything online so it can be quick and easy.

My advice to students and parents is to sacrifice early on and tackle those student loans. Ask questions about low interest rates and loan forgiveness programs. Make a plan and stick to it and you will see that student loan balance reach $0 before you know it. Also take the time and risk to research and apply for scholarships. There is nothing to lose but instead you have everything to gain. You will be grateful years down the line when you are about to walk that stage student loan debt free and receive that well earned degree.

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