How to find nursing scholarships

In nursing, as you increase your education you’re more likely to have better, more specialized job opportunities as well as higher salaries. For example, there’s about a $20,000 difference in average annual salary between nurses with just Registered Nurse (RN) licensure and those with Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees.^1,2 There’s also about a $10,000 average annual salary difference between BSN holders and nurses who’ve earned a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).^2,3

Even when you know that nursing school is a good investment for your career progression, covering tuition can still feel like a sizable hurdle to get over. To cover costs you first should apply for government funding with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and also check with your school’s financial advisory team to see if there are any internal endowments you qualify for. But once you’ve exhausted the financing opportunities from these sources, how else can you pay for nursing school? The good news is that there’s tons of scholarships available specifically for nursing students as well as scholarships available from any number of organizations that serve different communities that you might qualify for. Read on to get some tips on how to find and apply for scholarships and what resources are available at Oklahoma City University.

Tips for searching for nursing scholarships

Scholarship opportunities are everywhere. While that doesn’t mean you're guaranteed to hit the jackpot, remember that every little bit counts and if you put the time in you’ll likely be able to defer some of your academic costs.

Be Prepared

All scholarships you apply to are likely to require a few of the same materials for application. Be prepared to write a personal statement, potentially provide a letter of recommendation from a professional or academic contact, and have a transcript at the ready.

Think big and small

Many large companies have educational scholarships or academic funds set aside for employees or family members of employees. Some corporations like Tylenol also offer scholarships to students entering a healthcare profession. Even tiny organizations often have some sort of scholarship program. Think about the professional associations you’re a part of and look into their charitable giving to see if they have any resources for you to take advantage of. Check with your manager or look in your employee handbook to see if there’s funding available.

Get personal

Foundations, religious or community organizations, local businesses, or civic groups also occasionally will have scholarships available. Many scholarships are also ethnicity-based and dependent on the field (think healthcare, nursing, STEM) or specific role you’re entering. If you or a close family member is a part of the military you may also have a number of educational funding opportunities.

Plan for the long term

Some scholarships are only available on an annual or semester basis. If you find something that you won’t qualify for until future semesters, you can still plan to apply and could even potentially finish your application early. Put a note on your calendar so you don’t forget to submit an application to fund future terms.

List of nursing scholarships

Use this list as just a starting point for your scholarship search. Pay careful attention to the requirements of each scholarship and whether you and your program qualify.

FNSNA 2023 Undergraduate Scholarship

Deadline: January

Indian Health Services Health Professions Scholarship

Deadline: February

Advancing Indigenous People in STEM A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: May

Cherokee Uniforms Scholarship

Deadline: April

National Hispanic Health Foundation

Deadline: September

American Association of University Women

Deadline: November

Emergency Nurse Association Scholarships

Deadline: Various

National Association of Hispanic Nurses

Deadline: Various

National League for Nursing Scholarships

Deadline: Various

Osage Nation Scholarships

Deadline: Various

TYLENOL® Future Care Scholarship

Deadline: To be announced

Invest in your future with Oklahoma City University

At OCU we understand that you’re making a big investment in your future when you choose to enroll. We have a dedicated Financial Aid team who will help you figure out your options and personalize your financial aid package. Plus OCU and the Kramer School of Nursing offer scholarships and endowments available only to our students.

OCU’s online nursing degrees are designed to be flexible and fit into your life. Presented 100% online, you can access course materials anytime and from any location, so you can learn on your own schedule. Plus, OCU online students don’t have to complete traditional clinicals. With an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, experienced professors with networks that span the country and robust student support available from the application process through graduation, OCU’s online nursing programs are a worthy investment. For more information, visit our tuition page on our website.