CNA certificate or nurse practitioner degree, start here. We list the federal programs, service scholarships and association awards that actually exist, each linked to its official page with the date we checked it.
Each card shows what the official page said on November 7, 2026. Amounts and deadlines appear only where the sponsor publishes them. Filter by credential:
Service scholarshipVerified Nov 7, 2026
Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
HRSA, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services
RN (ADN)BSNNP & grad
Who it's for
Students accepted to or enrolled in a nursing degree program at an accredited U.S. school of nursing. Open to U.S. citizens, nationals and lawful permanent residents; HRSA gives preference to applicants with the greatest financial need.
What it pays
Tuition, eligible fees and reasonable costs (books, clinical supplies, uniforms), plus a monthly stipend. HRSA says the entire award is taxable.
The catch
After you graduate, you work at an eligible health care facility with a critical shortage of nurses.
Timing
The 2026 cycle is closed. HRSA says 2026 applicants will hear by September 30, 2026; the page offers email alerts for the next cycle.
Licensed RNs, advanced practice registered nurses (such as nurse practitioners) and nurse faculty with qualifying nursing school debt, working full time at an eligible critical shortage facility or accredited school of nursing.
What it pays
60% of your outstanding qualifying nursing loans over a two-year contract, with a possible third year for another 25% (up to 85% in total), per the sponsor's site as of Nov 2026. Payments are taxable.
The catch
Two years of full-time work at a critical shortage facility, or as faculty at an eligible nursing school.
Timing
The 2026 cycle is closed; HRSA notifies 2026 applicants by September 30, 2026.
Full-time students in primary care disciplines, including nurse practitioner tracks (adult, family, geriatrics, primary care pediatrics, psychiatric mental health, women's health) and nurse midwifery. U.S. citizens or nationals only; a green card does not qualify.
What it pays
A scholarship for your primary care training, paid in exchange for service.
The catch
Scholars serve in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) after training.
Timing
For 2026-27, HRSA only considered students whose classes began by September 30, 2026.
American Indian and Alaska Native students in health professions programs, including nursing.
What it pays
Financial support for your health professions education. IHS says nearly 7,000 American Indian and Alaska Native students have received awards since 1978.
The catch
A minimum two-year service commitment in an Indian health program in your discipline.
Timing
See the program's Apply page for the current cycle.
Licensed clinicians in an eligible discipline who work full time in substance use disorder treatment at an approved facility. HRSA lists it among its programs for nurses.
What it pays
Up to $250,000 in education loan repayment, per the sponsor's site as of Nov 2026.
The catch
Six years of full-time work at a STAR-approved facility.
Timing
The 2026 cycle is closed; the page offers alerts for the next one.
Undergraduates with exceptional financial need who don't already have a bachelor's degree. The page notes that students in an eligible workforce program might also receive one.
What it pays
Up to $7,395 for the 2026-27 award year, per the sponsor's site as of Nov 2026. It does not have to be repaid except in certain cases.
The catch
Nothing to repay. You file the FAFSA every year you're in school to stay eligible.
Adults looking for training toward a good job. When funds are used for training, American Job Centers must give priority to people on public assistance and other low-income individuals.
What it pays
Job search help and training opportunities, delivered by local American Job Centers. Services vary by state.
The catch
Eligibility rules are set locally; ask your American Job Center which nursing programs are approved.
Timing
Year-round, through your local American Job Center.
NAHN members in good standing. The 2026 awards covered BSN, nurse practitioner (MSN or DNP) and PhD students, plus a scholarship for students at partner school campuses.
What it pays
For 2026, the Abbott Scholarship Fund offered eight $10,000 awards, per the sponsor's site as of Nov 2026.
The catch
Membership is required before the deadline.
Timing
Applications are closed for 2026; check back for the next cycle.
Employees whose employer runs a written educational assistance program. Many hospitals and health systems offer tuition help.
What it pays
Up to $5,250 a year tax-free for tuition, fees, books and supplies, and payments on your own qualified student loans. The 2026 IRS guide says the loan provision is now permanent.
The catch
Your employer sets the rules; some require you to stay for a period after.
Yes. The main one for individuals is the Federal Pell Grant, which the Department of Education says does not have to be repaid except in certain cases; the maximum is $7,395 for 2026-27. Many HRSA "nursing grants" go to schools and hospitals rather than students, so ask your school which HRSA-funded aid it holds.
What is the best scholarship for nursing students?
It depends on your level and whether you can commit to service. The Nurse Corps Scholarship covers tuition, fees, costs and a monthly stipend, in return for working at a critical shortage facility. Association scholarships are smaller but have no work commitment.
Do I have to be accepted to a nursing program before I apply?
For most programs, yes. Nurse Corps requires you to be accepted or enrolled in a nursing degree program at an accredited school, and NHSC requires full-time enrollment or acceptance.
Is a nursing scholarship taxable?
Some are. HRSA says the entire Nurse Corps Scholarship award is taxable and that it reports awards to the IRS. Ask a tax professional about any other award.
How do I spot a fake nursing scholarship?
The FTC's rule of thumb: never pay to apply, and be wary of guarantees, requests for bank details, and notices for awards you never entered.
