Why get an RN to BSN scholarship?
Should you wish to pursue certain full-time jobs in the nursing profession and qualify for higher hospital positions, you will generally need a BSN, otherwise known as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
There are two primary ways to get your BSN: if you have no experience, you can complete a 4-year bachelor of science in nursing program. Or, if you’re already a registered nurse, you can enroll in a RN-to-BSN program.
If you find yourself needing financial aid for your studies (who doesn’t?) there are nursing scholarships that can help you achieve your goals.
Keep in mind that this list is by no means comprehensive or final. New nursing scholarships and grants become available all the time to keep up with the fast growing demand for registered nurses.
Below you will find each scholarship along with the location, value, deadline, qualifications, a short description, and a link so you can apply right away.
Check back each semester for an updated list.
Also, if you're pursuing an undergraduate nursing program other than the RN to BSN - check out the scholarships for undergraduate nursing students blog.
Location: Nationwide
Amount: $500
Deadline: September 1
Qualification: Students working towards a BSN or MSN who hold a 3.5+ GPA
RegisteredNursing.org offers an annual $1,000 scholarship to help nurses continue their education. The deadline is September 1st. If you are a registered nurse working towards a BSN or MSN with at least a 3.5 GPA, head over to their site to apply now.
Location: Nationwide
Amount: $2,500/quarter
Deadline: March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31
Qualification: Students working towards a bachelor’s, masters, or doctorate in nursing.
The AfterCollege-AACN Scholarship Fund supports students who are seeking a baccalaureate, master’s or doctoral degree in nursing. Special consideration will be given to students in a graduate program with the goal of becoming a nurse educator; students completing an RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MSN program; and those enrolled in an accelerated program.
Location: Selected regions of the U.S.
Amount: Up to $7,500
Deadline: January 15
Qualification: Students currently enrolled in a state approved nursing program leading to an associate degree, baccalaureate, diploma, generic pre-licensure doctorate or generic pre-licensure master’s degree; or enrolled in an RN to BSN completion, RN to MSN completion, or LPN/LVN to RN program.
Since 1969, the FNSNA has sought to promote the nursing profession through scholarship, leadership and development. Individuals and organizations with an interest in nursing education have established scholarships within the FNSNA.
Location: Nationwide
Amount: $500
Deadline: N/A
Qualification: 18 years or older and actively enrolled in an RN-BSN program with a 3.5+ GPA
Reserved specifically for registered nurses enrolled in an RN to BSN program, this nursing scholarship goes to a nurse that has demonstrated commitment to the Institute of Medicine’s call for BSN education nurses and understands the importance of increased education in improved patient outcomes.
Location: Nationwide
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: May 1
Qualification: Must be a permanent resident of the US or Canada and currently enrolled in an accredited college or university.
The Senior Care Scholarship offered by A Place for Mom is available to students enrolled in a bachelor's degree or graduate level program in nursing at an accredited four-year university. A scholarship in the amount of $1000 each will be awarded based on their letter of introduction and a 400 to 700 word essay on life lessons they have learned from a senior.
Location: Nationwide, preference given to Lowell, MA residents
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: January 31
Qualification: Nursing students in financial need who can provide a transcript or acceptance letter
A one-time $2,000 scholarship for two students who are in financial need and who have been accepted or are currently enrolled in an accredited school of nursing. A letter of acceptance into a nursing program or the transcript stating that the applicant is in the nursing program must be enclosed with the application. Preference will be given to candidates from the Lowell, MA area.
Location: Nationwide
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: February 15
Qualification: Nursing students in financial need who can provide a transcript or acceptance letter
A one-time $2,500 award is given to three students who are in financial need and who have been accepted or are currently enrolled in an accredited school of nursing. A letter of acceptance into a nursing program or a transcript stating the applicant is in a nursing program must be included with the application.
Location: Nationwide
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: January 15
Qualification: Students attending a 4-year college or university in the spring of 2021 who have played a role in caregiving for a friend or relative
SeniorAdvice.com is offering a $2,000 scholarship to an eligible student who has been a caregiver for a senior friend or relative. One student, who will be attending a college or university in the Spring of 2021, will receive $2,000 for tuition and/or books.
Location: Nationwide
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: May 4
Qualification: U.S. based full-time or part-time student in an accredited nursing program OR work as a nursing professional
DiversityNursing.com was founded in 2007 as a career job board, community, and an information resource for nurses regardless of age, race, gender, religion, education, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or physical characteristics. The winner’s name is drawn in May during Nurses Week.
Location: Nationwide
Amount: N/A
Deadline: N/A
Qualification: American Indian or Alaska Native enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program.
The Indian Health Service (IHS) offers three scholarships for American Indian and Alaska Native students in order to educate and train health professionals to staff Indian health programs.
Location: Nationwide, preference given to Rhode Island students
Amount: $500-$1,000
Deadline: June 1
Qualification: Students enrolled in a nursing program who demonstrate financial need and have maintained a GPA of at least 3.0
The scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in a nursing program who demonstrate financial need, have maintained a 3.0 GPA , and have demonstrated clinical proficiency, enthusiasm, and motivation in their studies of nursing. Preference will be given to students who are full-time and in the latter half of their nursing program.
Location: Nationwide
Amount: Depends on the type of scholarship or grant
Deadline: November 1
Qualification: NAHN members enrolled in a nursing program
NAHN Scholarships are awarded annually during the NAHN Annual Conference to NAHN members enrolled in accredited LVN/LPN, associate, diploma, baccalaureate, and graduate nursing programs. Scholarships are available to NAHN members who have been in good standing for at least 6 months before the scholarship application deadline.
Location: Nationwide
Amount: Tuition, fees, annual payment for books, supplies, and other costs, and a monthly stipend of $1,383
Deadline: N/A
Qualification: Must be a US citizen or lawful permanent resident, be enrolled at an accredited school of nursing, have no federal judgement liens, and not be overdue on a federal debt.
The Nurse Corps Scholarship program offered by the U.S. Department of Health covers most of your education-related expenses and even provides a tidy monthly allowance on top. After you complete your degree, you must work at a Critical Shortage Facility, or a medical/health facility that has a shortage of nurses.
Location: Residents of Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, Wilmington, Winchester, or Woburn, MA.
Amount: Up to $4,000
Deadline: N/A
Qualification: Enrolled at an accredited nursing or medical school
The Doctor Thomas P. and Edwina H. Devlin Medical Scholarship Fund was created in 1962 to assist worthy medical and nursing school students with financial grants which may be applied to the cost of tuition, books, and equipment.
Location: Nationwide
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: March 31
Qualification: Students enrolled in an accredited nursing program, who are: serving in a branch of the U.S. Army OR have family with current or previous service in a branch of the U.S. Army
One of the Army Nurse Corps Association’s major initiatives is the Scholarship Program. Its purpose is the support of nursing education through scholarship funding to worthy students who are U.S. citizens in an accredited baccalaureate or graduate nursing or anesthesia program.
Location: Nationwide
Amount: $1,000-$5,000
Deadline: April 15
Qualification: Must be a member of NBNA and a member of a local chapter; must also be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate nursing program with at least one full year of school remaining
One of the Army Nurse Corps Association’s major initiatives is the Scholarship Program. Its purpose is the support of nursing education through scholarship funding to worthy students who are U.S. citizens in an accredited baccalaureate or graduate nursing or anesthesia program.
Location: Nationwide
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Not accepted prior to April 1 or after April 31
Qualification: Enrolled in a full-time undergraduate nursing program working toward an associate or bachelor’s degree
The Barbara Rhomberg Excellence in Nursing Scholarship, sponsored by B4 Brands, is awarded each year to a non-traditional, full-time student pursuing undergraduate degrees in nursing. Scholarship winners receive a non-renewable scholarship of $1,000 payable directly to the institution in which they are enrolled.
Location: Nationwide
Amount: $4,000
Deadline: November 1
Qualification: Hispanic students enrolled in a 2-year associate degree program and a member of NAHN for 6 months in good standing
NAHN Past President and founding member Hector Hugo Gonzalez has funded a scholarship for nursing students. This scholarship is awarded to Hispanic nursing students enrolled in a two year associate degree nursing program.
Location: Nationwide
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: The end of January, April, July and October
Qualification: At least a 3.2 grade point average in current program or at last school attended.
Winners must be in good academic standing at their institutions. Awarded to two nursing students from an AACN member institution or those who have applied to a nursing school using NursingCAS. Two $5,000 scholarships will be distributed to top nursing school applicants four times each year.Location: Nationwide
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: N/A
Qualification: College juniors, seniors, and graduate students with an active RN license who are members of the AACN.
AACN’s Continuing Professional Development Scholarships help you continue your professional and personal growth. This opportunity is available to AACN members exclusively.
Location: Massachusetts
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: The application will be available in February.
Qualification: Must be a registered nurse or health care professional and a member of the MNA, must be enrolled in an accredited school, must have at least one year of experience in nursing or healthcare
The FHSON Alumnae Memorial Scholarship provides $1,000 to two students every year who are pursuing their ADNs or BSNs. First priority is given to alumnae and descendants of alumnae of the school.
Location: Nationwide
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: N/A
Qualification: Anyone enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate academic program, with preference given to students in a healthcare field.
The National CPR association offers a $3,000 scholarship to the author of the winning essay and one (1) complimentary pass each to the CPR Certification program of their choice, valued at $275, to the second and third place winners.
Location: Nationwide
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: August 1
Qualification: Undergraduate nursing student or aspiring nursing students in high school (accepted into a college program) with a 3.0 GPA
The Nurses Make a Difference Scholarship is an annual $1,000 scholarship awarded to an aspiring nurse who is currently enrolled in an undergraduate nursing program at a college or university or is a high school student who has been accepted into a school with an undergraduate nursing program. The winning applicant will provide the best 200-300 word essay on each year’s essay topic. The application deadline is August 1 each year.
Location: Nationwide
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: January 31
Qualification: Nursing students who are accepted or enrolled in an accredited nursing program, be members, OR a descendant of members or be eligible for membership in NSDAR.
The Madeline Pickett (Halbert) Cogswell Nursing Scholarship, in the amount of $2,500, is awarded to two students who are accepted or enrolled in an accredited school of nursing. Applicants must be members, descendant of members, or be eligible for membership in NSDAR.
Location: Nationwide
Amount: Up to $2,000
Deadline: April 15
Qualification: Registered nurses enrolled in an RN-BSN program demonstrating financial need and are in their second semester or more of nursing school.
NFP’s The Florence (Madden) Grady-Fasick Scholarship Fund exists to provide scholarships to students demonstrating financial need in the pursuit of a nursing degree. Funds are for nursing students in their second semester or more of nursing school.
Location: Nationwide
Amount: Two $5,000 awards (one undergrad & one grad)
Deadline: January 15
Qualification: Students working towards a BSN or MSN who hold a 3.0+ GPA
FHE Health will be accepting applications for one $5,000 undergraduate-level scholarship and one $5,000 graduate-level scholarship. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and an academic focus in the area of mental and behavioral health or psychiatric nursing as demonstrated by a major or minor course of study.
Location: Nationwide
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: May 1
Qualification: Any student that is currently enrolled in a healthcare related undergraduate, graduate or Doctorate level program who hold GPA (min 3.2 on a 4.0 scale)
Healthgrad.com is offering a bi-annual Healthcare Leadership Scholarship to be awarded every spring and fall. Open to any student who is currently enrolled in undergraduate, graduate or Doctorate level healthcare-related programs with a minimum 3.2 GPA.
Location: Nationwide
Amount: Two $1,500 awards
Deadline: March 31
Qualification: Applicant must be a high school graduate or have earned a G.E.D.
The MedicalFieldCareers.com Healthcare Scholarship awards $1,500 to one lucky applicant who is interested in studying for a career in the medical field. Applicant must currently attend, or have applied to, a nationally-accredited healthcare education program for the Fall 2019 semester, be a U.S. citizen and must be a high school graduate or have earned a G.E.D.
Location: Nationwide
Amount: From $1,000 to $7,000 awards
Deadline: April 15
Qualification: Applicant must be a high school graduate or have earned a G.E.D.
The Health Occupations Students of America is a wonderful organization that offers annual scholarships to those interested in nursing degrees.
Location: Delaware
Amount: $5,000 per academic year.
Deadline: June 4
Qualification: Full-time students enrolled in an accredited program leading to certification as an RN or LPN.
The Division provides national leadership to assure an adequate supply and distribution of qualified nursing personnel to meet the health needs of the nation. Is offering an annual Nursing Incentive program to be awarded every year. Renewable for up to three additional years. Loan forgiveness provision at a rate of one year of employment at a state-owned hospital or clinic, or Delaware public hospital for one year of loan. Open to any student who is currently enrolled in undergraduate, graduate or Doctorate level healthcare-related programs with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Location: Arizona, California, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas & Washington
Amount: From $1,000 to $7,500 per academic year.
Deadline: N/A
Qualification: Registered nurses enrolled in graduate level, degree-granting colleges and universities holding a baccalaureate degree in nursing.
The PON Fellowship is designed to assist RN’s who are preparing for the nurse educator role to achieve their degrees. Application is available on a rolling basis. Applicants may apply for up to three (3) semesters at a time.
Location: Delaware
Award: One award/year Full tuition, required fees, room, board, and books at Delaware State University.
Deadline: February 26
Qualification: High school seniors with an unweighted cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and a combined score of at least 1000 on the SAT or the equivalent score on the ACT
In honor of the first African-American State Senator in Delaware. You can apply online by completing the application on the Delaware Higher Education Office's secure Student Account Access site.
Location: New Jersey
Award: Several ranging from $500 to $1000
Deadline: March 15
Qualification: Scholarships will be awarded to nursing students who are pursuing one of the following levels of nursing education: Entry Level RN (Diploma, Associates, or Baccalaureate), RN to BSN, MSN, Doctorate in Nursing holding a GPA of 3.0 or better
The Institute for Nursing was founded in 1988 as the charitable affiliate of the New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA). All applicants must be New Jersey residents and must be enrolled in a diploma, associate, baccalaureate, or masters nursing program located in the State of New Jersey or in a nursing doctoral program or a related field, preferably located in the State of New Jersey. RN's must be members of the New Jersey State Nurses Association. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, grade point average, and leadership potential.
Location: National
Award: $2,000
Deadline: March 31
Qualification: N/A
In the spirit of inspiring the exceptional caregivers of the future, Cherokee Uniforms has kept the A Nurse I Am scholarship an annual tradition for over ten years. Each year, a prompt is provided for nursing students to submit a 300-word essay.
There are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing scholarships to apply for:
Here are some advantages to getting your BSN even after you’ve reached your RN:
One reason hospitals prefer nurses with baccalaureate degrees is that they have more “life experience.” This is something they can tap into while engaging with patients. As a nurse, knowing how to relate and provide compassionate care to patients is a crucial skill that many medical facilities look for during the hiring process.
According to nursinglicensure.org, a growing number of U.S. hospitals are now only hiring nurses who have a BSN degree. In addition, New York lawmakers have held hearings on this very topic, discussing the possibility of requiring a BSN within the first 10 years of practice.
Nurses who have received a BSN have more opportunities and higher pay. Nurses with a BSN can earn 22% more per year than their ADN counterparts. Also, many private hospitals have now put in place incentives or bonuses for nurses who have their BSN.
Completing an LPN program is the minimum requirement for entering the nursing profession, but if you really want to turn it into a career, a BSN is a must. It’ll give you more clinical rotations, on-the-job experience, and exposure to higher levels of medical and hospice care.
If you need financial assistance toward earning your BSN degree, getting a BSN scholarship is an excellent place to start. With the plethora of different grants and opportunities that can accommodate incoming students, you only need to put in the work. There’s a clear demand for more skilled nurses – and with so many paths toward becoming one, there has never been a better time to chase your dream!
Looking for a list of the best scholarships for undergraduate nursing students? Look no further - we have you covered with this extremely detailed, up-to-date list.
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