How to pay for Nursing school: Student Nursing Scholarship + Financial Aid Links

College Grants

A grant is free money usually based on financial need. These awards do not have to be paid back. Read more

School Scholarships

Scholarships are considered gift aid, which do not have to be repaid, and are often awarded for merit in academics, athletics, or a particular field of study. Scholarships may also be awarded based on ethnic background, religious affiliation, and special interests. Read more

Education Loans

Student loans are long-term, low-interest loans made directly from the federal government or by private lending institutions such as banks, savings and loan associations, and credit unions.

Students from across the nation also have a number of discounted student aid options they can explore. 

Read stories about Student Loans

Work-Study Programs

Work-study provides you with employment opportunities both on and off campus to help pay for school costs. Participation in a work-study program is based on your financial need.

Read Your Guide To The Federal Work-Study Program

Additional links

Complete the FAFSA® Form

8 Steps to Completing the FAFSA® Form

Financial Aid Timeline

Glossary of Terms for Financial Aid Offers

Estimate Your Federal Student Aid

[VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN]

Apply to the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program

You are eligible if you:

• Are a U.S. citizen (born or naturalized), a national, or a lawful permanent resident
• Are an accepted or enrolled student in a nursing degree program at a United States accredited school of nursing
• Begin classes no later than September 30
• Don’t have any federal judgment liens
• Don’t have an existing service commitment
• Aren’t overdue on a federal debt

If you receive an award, you’ll get a monthly stipend—and we’ll pay your

• tuition;
• eligible fees;
• reasonable costs (e.g., books, clinical supplies/instruments, and uniforms).

[br00klyn66]

Hi all,

I've applied to the accelerated BSN program at Drexel (BSN in 11 months) and am wondering if anyone has any tips on how to find private money to pay for school? I was lucky enough to have parents who were able and willing to pay for my first bachelor's degree so have no experience with scholarship money. There is no financial aid available for this program due to its unique length so I *believe* I'm looking for private scholarship money, but any and all advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I have 1 more class to go with my prerequisites and I currently have a 4.0 GPA so I'm hoping my grades will help me find some financial assistance?

Thanks to all!

Br00klyn66

[sooperdooper]

Apply for the Stafford loan. Its government backed and guaranteed no matter your credit or income. If you want a private loan, there is always Sallie Mae.

The whole good grades getting financial assistance thing really only works out of high school. Believe me, I've tried. lol

[captncourageous98]

With a 4.0 I should think there would be plenty of scholarships that you can apply for at your school. Visit the financial aide office. If your interested there is always the military. The Navy's Nurse Candidate Program offers $1000 per month for the last 24 months of a BSN program, but must have at least 6months left bf graduation. Also $10K sign on bonus split in two increments. Upon acceptance into a program and five or six mo. afterward. Plus they will help pay up to 38K for student loan repayment. There are a lot of choices for a 4.0 student.

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

With drexel you 'could' be eligible for up to 12.5k stafford...based on an 11month program as a '5th year undergrad'..... you can finance the rest through 'private loans'.

If you are interested in the military and monetary incentives you'd be better off finishing school and then joining... army can repay up to 115k in loans... and a 10k bonus to you.

Are you starting in spring or fall 09?

[br00klyn66]

If I'm accepted I'll start in Fall of 09. Thanks for the info! Not really interested in military but hoping to apply to the foreign service once I've got my RN. I'm really just looking for tips on how to find private loans/scholarships, but I'll definitely look into the Stafford loan. Was hoping to find something I don't have to pay back, of course. :) Thanks again~

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

On Drexel's financial aid website - check out the link to 'simpletuition' it's pretty good overview of private loans available! Congrats and good luck~

[XLFord]

Check with local hospitals. A fellow ACEer told me she got the information at an open house. UPenn had some openings for current ACEers to apply for their program about a month ago. If you keep a 3.0 GPA throughout the program and work for them for (I think) 3 years when you graduate, they will pay for your tuition in full.

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

UPenn had some openings for current ACEers to apply for their program about a month ago.

Wow, really? Do you have any more information on this? I'm not having luck with the site.

[readyforsuccess99]

I need some advice and HELP!!! I do not know how to pay for my nursing school! I cannot get a bank loan; I am no longer eligible for a grant, and I do not qualify for a pell grant b/c I already have a BS and am going for an Associate's Degree. I know that I can sign a contract, but I do not want to stay in the area I currently live in for more than a few months after I get my license. Will other hospitals "buy out" your contract? Any advice would be grately appreciated!!!

[geocachingRN]

As I understand it, you can buy yourself out of your contract. I know one nurse who did that after a year. She hated her hospital and wanted to work closer to home. Good luck to you.