What Types of Grants are Available for Nursing School?
Many of the grants for nursing school available aim to encourage nurses to keep pursuing their higher education. Federal and state funded grants as well as grants for minorities and military students are available. Students enrolled in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree nursing program may be qualify for nursing grants. You may need a graduate degree and extra licensure if you are pursuing advanced practice (APRN) roles. For instance, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives and nurse anesthetists require advanced degrees.
A 2018 survey conducted by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) found that 363,433 full time students were enrolled in nursing programs leading to a bachelor’s degree (BSN). That may seem like a lot. But demand for nurses is growing at a faster than average rate and there are critical shortages in some areas.
The BLS.gov reports that by 2029, there should be 221,900 openings for registered nurses (RNs). APRNs could expect a 45% job outlook or about 117,700 new jobs. Also, nurse educators should see 17,000 new jobs.
Federal Grants for Nursing Students
The federal government offers the Pell Grant. It may be ideal for undergraduate students pusuing a LVN or bachelor of science in nursing degree at an accredited school. To apply, you submit a FAFSA on studentaid.gov. Amounts may vary but go up to $6,495 for the 2021 to 2022 award year.
The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services also administers grants from the National Health Services Corps. These may be available to qualified candidates in a variety of healthcare fields including nursing.
State Funded Grants for Nursing Programs
Many states offer need based Tuition Assistance Programs for residents. For example, New York State offers the TAP program. These help eligible NY residents attending public state colleges.
Minority Grants for Nurses
Are you a minority student looking for nursing school grants to help pay for your nursing education? There are several organizations that support this goal.
The National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) is one. They partnered with the University of Alabama’s Capstone College of Nursing with a $1.7 million grant from HRSA. There’s the BAMA-Latino Project. Its goal is to boost the number of baccalaureate prepped Latino nurses.
The National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) also provides scholarships and grants to students at all levels (LPN to doctorate). You must be a member to apply for both the FIGS Nursing Grant and BAND AID program.
Grants from Nursing Organizations
Associations that represent nurses may be a great resource for annual scholarships and nursing school grants. One is the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Another, the National Student Nurses’ Association (through the FNSNA) offers grants through school chapters. You could also check by nursing niche. If you’re planning on a career in emergency nursing, check the ENA.
Some companies also offer grants for nursing school and professionals. For example, Johnson & Johnson QuickFire Challenge is for nurse innovators. Those with the best ideas for new devices, health tech, protocols or treatment may receive up to $100,000 in funding.
Military Nursing Grants
Several branches of the military also offer nursing school grants and scholarship opportunities. The Army ROTC Four Year college Scholarship is for high school students who plan to attend a four year college nursing program. In return for the financial aid, you agree to accept a full time, 4 year commission and serve in the Army on active duty, Army Reserve or Army National Guard.
10 Grants for Nursing School You Should Apply for in 2021
Here are a list of grants for nursing school you should check out. If you meet the eligibility requirements apply now!
Johnson and Johnson’s QuickFire Challenge
Emergency Nurses Foundation EMF/ENAF Health Disparities Research Grant
Oncology Nursing Foundation Research Grants
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Education Advancement Grants
ENA Foundation/Sigma Theta Tau International, Inc. (Sigma)
National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) FIGS Nursing Grant
National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Band Aid Grant
American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) Research Grant
Josh Gottheil Bone Marrow Transplant Career Development Award
Sigma/Association of Nurses in AIDS Care Grant
How Do You Receive and Apply for Nursing Grants?
If you’re a full time nursing student with unmet financial need and solid GPA you may qualify for a grant for nursing school. Grant providers may also specify which level of nursing degree program (LVN / LPN, BSN, MSN, DNP) the funds are for. Grants for graduate level doctoral degree research are also available. These tend to be for nursing graduate students and current nurses with a solid proposal.
Grants could come from your state, the federal government, an accredited college with a school of nursing, nonprofits and businesses. Many national association of nurses also offer grants to members. If you’re eligible, you fill out an application which could include a brief essay on how you plan to use the money and support your profession.
Do You Have to Pay Back Nursing Grants?
The intention of a nursing school grant is to provide financial assistance that you don’t have to repay. That’s what makes a grant useful if you need help paying for an accredited nursing program. If you withdraw early or change enrollment status, then your grant may turn into a loan.
What Other Financial Aid Could Help Pay for Nursing School?
Nursing students should look into scholarships, federal and private student loans, and other financial aid. Similar to grants, nursing scholarships could provide funds that you don’t have to repay. You could start applying in high school if you qualify for them. The Tylenol Future Care Scholarship fund offers 40 awards totaling $250,000 each year.
Student loans are also available from the U.S. Department of Education and reliable private lenders. Worried about loan debt? HRSA or the Health Resources and Services Administration, offers an incentive to think about. It’s called the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment program. It helps RNs and APRNs repay their loans in exchange for full time service either at an eligible Critical Shortage Facility (CSF) or school of nursing.
While HRSA only offers grant funding to accredited nursing schools, they do offer a Nurse Corps Scholarship Program in return for full time service. If you receive an award, you may get a monthly stipend. It covers tuition, eligible fees, books, clinical supplies, tools and uniforms.
List of Grants for Nursing School
There are 22 awards worth $168K below. Apply now to our list of nursing grants.
In the first sentence, mention # of awards and total award amount or range): As part of the National Black Nurses Association programs, FIGS sponsors $45,000 worth of grants. Three grants of $15,000 each go to eligible nursing students pursuing a BSN degree or higher.
As part of the National Black Nurses Association programs, Band Aid sponsors $50,000 worth of grants. Five grants of $10,000 each go to eligible nursing students pursuing a BSN degree or higher.
The University of Alabama’s Capstone College of Nursing received a $1.7 million grant over four years to increase the number of baccalaureate-prepared Latino nurses.
The Oncology Nursing Foundations offers four grants of awards starting at $2,000 for nurses who want to to further their knowledge and skills in bone marrow transplant for patients with cancer.
Purpose of Grant: To support rigorous scientific oncology nursing research. Research projects may include investigator-initiated research, pilot or feasibility studies, supplements to current funded projects, or developing a new aspect of a program of research. Funding preference is given to projects that involve nurses in the design and conduct of the research activity and that promote theoretically based oncology practice. Competitive applications will address the ONS Research Agenda See “Research Agenda of the Oncology Nursing Society: 2019-2022,” published in the Oncology Nursing Forum, November 2019, Volume 46, No. 6.
The following three (3) key areas in need of oncology nursing research articulated in the ONS Research Agenda are
• Symptom Science in Immunotherapy and Emerging Therapies in Precision Health and Biosignatures
• Health Disparities
• Palliative and Psychosocial Oncology Care
