Nursing School Financial Aid & Scholarships Guide

Pell Grants

Federal Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need and do not need to be repaid. Across nursing programs, an average of 37.5% of students receive Pell Grants, and 648 schools have more than half their students receiving this aid. The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2024-2025 academic year is $7,395, making it one of the most valuable forms of free financial aid available.

Federal Student Loans

Federal Direct Loans are available to students who complete the FAFSA. Subsidized loans do not accrue interest while you are in school at least half-time, during the grace period, and during deferment. Unsubsidized loans are available regardless of financial need but begin accruing interest immediately. The average nursing graduate carries $16,431 in student debt with a monthly payment of approximately $174.

State Grants and Aid

Most states offer their own grant and scholarship programs for residents attending in-state institutions. Many states also have nursing workforce development programs that provide additional funding specifically for nursing students who commit to working in underserved areas after graduation. Check with your state higher education agency for available programs and deadlines.

Institutional Scholarships

Many nursing schools offer merit-based and need-based scholarships directly to their students. These awards can cover partial or full tuition and are often renewable for multiple years. Contact the financial aid office at your prospective schools early to learn about available institutional awards and application requirements.

Federal Work-Study

The Federal Work-Study program provides part-time employment to undergraduate and graduate students with financial need. Nursing students may find work-study positions in campus health centers, research labs, or administrative offices that complement their clinical training. Work-study earnings help cover living expenses without adding to student debt.

HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Nurse Corps Scholarship Program pays tuition, fees, and other educational costs, and provides a monthly living stipend. In exchange, recipients commit to working at a Critical Shortage Facility or in an eligible nurse faculty position for at least two years after graduation. This is one of the most comprehensive nursing scholarships available.

State Nursing Workforce Programs

Many states fund nursing-specific scholarship and loan repayment programs to address nursing shortages. These programs often target students willing to work in rural or underserved areas, in specialties with high demand, or at public hospitals and community health centers. Some state programs cover full tuition in exchange for a multi-year service commitment.

Hospital and Employer Tuition Programs

Many hospitals and healthcare systems offer tuition assistance or full tuition reimbursement for nursing students. These programs typically require a commitment to work at the sponsoring facility for a set number of years after graduation. Some employers offer these benefits to current employees seeking to become nurses, making them an excellent option for career changers already working in healthcare settings.

Loan Forgiveness Options

Nurses working at qualifying non-profit or government healthcare facilities may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) after making 120 qualifying monthly payments. The NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program repays up to 85% of qualifying nursing education debt in exchange for working at eligible facilities in areas of critical nursing shortage. The average loan default rate across nursing programs is 0.1%, underscoring the importance of understanding repayment options before borrowing.

1. Start at a community college. Complete prerequisite courses like anatomy, physiology, and microbiology at a local community college before transferring to a four-year nursing program. This can save thousands in tuition costs.
2. Attend a public, in-state program. Public nursing schools offer substantially lower tuition for state residents. Explore the schools with the highest Pell Grant rates and lowest debt levels in the tables below.
3. Apply for every scholarship available. Dedicate time to searching for and applying to nursing-specific scholarships, general academic scholarships, and community awards. Even small awards add up.
4. File the FAFSA early. Submit your FAFSA as soon as it opens on October 1. Early filing maximizes your eligibility for both federal and institutional aid.
5. Explore employer tuition programs. If you are already working in healthcare, ask your employer about tuition reimbursement or assistance programs for nursing education.
6. Consider loan forgiveness eligibility. Choose employment at non-profit hospitals or critical shortage facilities to qualify for PSLF or NURSE Corps Loan Repayment after graduation.
7. Borrow only what you need. Just because you are offered loans does not mean you should accept the full amount. Borrow the minimum necessary and use savings, work income, and grants to cover the rest.