Master of Science in Nursing Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide
For nurses aspiring to advance their careers, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can open doors to advanced clinical practice, leadership, and educational roles. However, the cost of graduate education can be a significant barrier. Fortunately, numerous scholarships and grants are available to help aspiring MSN students finance their education. This article provides a detailed overview of various scholarship opportunities for MSN students, offering a pathway to achieving their academic and professional goals.
Understanding the Financial Landscape of MSN Programs
Pursuing an MSN degree is a significant investment, with costs varying widely and often reaching tens of thousands of dollars. Graduate nursing students may accumulate substantial student loan debt. Scholarships, grants, and other financial resources are essential for alleviating the financial burden and making advanced nursing education more accessible.
General Nursing Scholarships
Several scholarships are available to MSN students regardless of their specialization or background:
The NurseThink® - AACN Scholarship: This scholarship supports students enrolled in master's and doctoral nursing programs at AACN member institutions who aspire to become nurse faculty. The scholarship provides a $5,000 award to students twice a year through 2026, with deadlines on January 31 and July 15. The NurseThink® - AACN Scholarship supports students who desire to become future nurse faculty. The scholarship is open to all students who are members of the Graduate Nursing Student Academy (GNSA) and enrolled in master's and doctoral nursing programs at AACN member institutions.
TYLENOL® Future Care Scholarship Program: The makers of TYLENOL® award more than $200,000 in scholarship funds to 35 undergraduate and graduate students pursuing health care education. Each year, the TYLENOL Scholarship Program awards 35 nonrenewable scholarships to full-time students pursuing an advanced degree in medical, nursing, or pharmacy programs, including MSN programs. Applicants must be graduate students, or college seniors already enrolled in a graduate program. Recipients must use scholarship funds on tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
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Scholarships Without GPA Requirements
Some scholarships focus on factors other than academic performance, providing opportunities for students who may not have a high GPA but demonstrate exceptional potential:
APIC Graduate Student Award: This award supports master’s or doctoral research that advances infection prevention and evidence-based implementation science. Awards go to applicants who demonstrate the value of implementation science and its implications for infection prevention across clinical settings.
Army Nurse Corps Association (ANCA) Scholarships: The Army Nurse Corps Association Scholarship program provides $3,000 to nursing students enrolled in nursing anesthesia programs. This includes master’s (MSN) students. Applicants must be currently enrolled in a nursing program and have a parent, spouse, or child who is or has served in the Army, Army National Guard, or Army Reserve.
ExceptionalNurse.com Scholarships: This site features seven different scholarships that benefit nursing students with disabilities. citizens, whether born or naturalized, who have been accepted or are enrolled in a nursing degree program at an accredited United States school of nursing - including graduate programs.
Nurse Practitioner Health Foundation (NPHF) Scholarships: NPHF scholarships support nurse practitioner graduate students and clinicians by providing funds for research that advances clinical practice and patient education. Tate Scholarship, and the Charles Hamlin Scholarship.
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The Touchmark Foundation Nursing Scholarship: The Touchmark Foundation aims to increase the number of nursing teachers, thereby increasing the number of nurses at a faster rate. The scholarship particularly favors applicants pursuing geriatric nursing studies and is available to students living in one of 11 qualifying states and provinces, including Minnesota, Oregon, and Alberta, Canada.
Washington State Opportunity Graduate Scholarship: The Washington State Graduate Scholarship is open to Opportunity Scholars who plan to earn an advanced nurse practitioner degree. The scholarship program was designed to increase the amount of nurse practitioners who provide healthcare in medically underserved areas and offers pathways to high-demand careers in Washington State for Washingtonians. Most scholarship recipients are first-generation students, students of color, and women.
WOCN Society Accredited Educational Scholarship: This program awards $2,000 to nurses who want to attend one of the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society Accredited Educational Programs. Applicants must be seeking education in wound, ostomy, and continence nursing care and hold membership with the WOCN Society. In addition to completing an application, applicants must submit three letters of recommendation.
Scholarships for Specific Nursing Specializations
Many scholarships cater to students pursuing specific MSN specializations, supporting the development of expertise in critical areas of nursing:
American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Scholarships: These scholarships are designed for students enrolled in accredited graduate schools who are pursuing advanced degrees to become nurse practitioners. Applicants must hold their RN licenses and have at least one semester of classes left to complete in an eligible nurse practitioner program. Scholarship winners receive between $2,500 and $5,000 in funding. The AANP Scholarship is awarded to AANP members enrolled in an accredited graduate school and pursuing an advanced nursing degree, including MSN nurse practitioner, DNP, and Ph.D programs. Applicants must hold RN licensure with at least one semester of classes completed. Awards must be applied towards tuition only.
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ANNA Career Mobility Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to qualified American Nephrology Nurse Association members pursing advanced degrees in nursing. Also open to undergraduate nursing students, this scholarship program includes seven mobility career scholarships to a variety of nursing specializations, including nephrology. Applicants must have been accepted or enrolled in a higher degree program in nursing.
AORN Foundation Academic Scholarship: Awarded by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) Foundation, recipients are nursing students who are pursuing careers in perioperative/surgical nursing. The scholarship is also available to registered nurses, including master’s students, who are continuing their education in perioperative nursing. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and must have an interest in surgical nursing.
Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) Graduate School Scholarship: The ARN Graduate School Scholarship grants financial assistance to nursing students pursuing a master’s degree (MSN) or doctoral degree (PhD, DNP, DNS/DNSc) in rehabilitation nursing. The scholarship is designed for applicants who are enrolled in graduate nursing programs in good standing. Applicants must have completed at least one course in their program and have a minimum of two years of experience in rehabilitation nursing.
Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP): The HPSP program awards financial assistance to students training as nurse practitioners who specialize in mental health. The award pays tuition and approved fees as well as a monthly stipend of $1,302 each month and an additional book stipend that covers the costs of learning materials.
NAPNAP Empowering Diversity Scholarship: The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) Foundation offers $3,000 diversity scholarships for educational expenses in a pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) program. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, be a member of a historically marginalized community, and have earned acceptance into a part-time or full-time accredited PNP program.
Oncology Nursing Foundation Master’s Scholarships: Applicants must be enrolled in, accepted to, or have applied to master’s programs at an accredited intuition while maintaining good academic standing. A commitment to oncology is also required, and applicants must be registered nurses to earn a scholarship.
Nursing Economics Foundation Scholarships: The University of Chicago’s College of Nursing awards scholarships to nursing students in master’s or doctoral programs who specialize in administration or management for the upcoming school year. The scholarship aims to support nursing education for AAPINA members, enhancing the organization’s core mission.
Scholarships for Minority Nursing Students
Several scholarships specifically support minority nursing students, promoting diversity and inclusion in the nursing profession:
Black Nurses Rock Scholarship: The Black Nurses Rock Scholarship aims to empower innovative nursing leaders who will serve and educate vulnerable communities. Applicants must be Black Nurses Rock members and be enrolled in a nursing program with a GPA of at least 3.0 and at least a year of school remaining.
HRSA Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship: The Health Resources and Services Administration gives scholarships to Native Hawaiians pursuing health disciplines, including nursing. The scholarship pays for tuition, provides a monthly stipend and covers school-related costs. Applicants must serve at least two years in a medically underserved area in Hawaii directly after graduation.
NSCDA American Indian Nurse Scholarship Program: Established in 1928 by the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America, the American Indian Nurse Scholarship Program aims to give students of American Indian descent the opportunity to pursue nursing careers. Award winners agree to work to improve healthcare in their communities, including reservations and hospitals in areas largely populated by American Indians.
Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship: Established in 2004 by the National Hispanic Health Foundation (NHHF), the National Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship Program awards multiple scholarships of $5,000 annually for up to four years and individual scholarships, each worth $2,000. Nursing students are one of the five eligible healthcare groups. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic records, leadership, and a commitment to serving Hispanics.
Indian Health Service Scholarships: The Indian Health Service, a federal health program for American Indians and Alaska Natives, offers three scholarships, including the health professions scholarship for eligible graduate students. Scholarship recipients agree to work in a service commitment in a full-time clinical practice in exchange for financial support.
M. Elizabeth Carnegie African American Memorial Award: The M. Elizabeth Carnegie African American Memorial Award gives a $2,000 scholarship for black nurses enrolled in doctoral programs. Academic excellence is given first priority during the selection process. citizenship (or have declared intention of becoming a citizen).
NAHN United Health Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to nursing students who demonstrate promise of professional contributions to the field of nursing. Applicants must also have the potential to act as role models for aspiring nurses. The award amount varies each year because this award amount depends on the amount of money in the scholarship fund.
NBNA Scholarship Database: The National Black Nurses Association offers over two dozen annual scholarships to Black nurses. These awards include the NBNA Social Justic Scholarship, the United Health Foundation for Diversity in Health Care Scholarship, and the Aya Healthcare Nurses of Tomorrow Scholarship. Applicants must be NBNA members to apply.
William K. Schubert Minority Nursing Scholarship: The William K. Schubert Minority Nursing Scholarship awards $2,750 each year to students who are members of underrepresented groups in the nursing profession. Students must be enrolled or accepted into a prelicensure registered nurse program, whether pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Nursing Grants for Online Students
Grants, unlike scholarships, are typically funded by government entities, non-profit organizations, and other private institutions focused on a particular social cause. Grants are typically awarded based on financial need, while scholarships are merit-based.
AANA General Research Grant: Advancing the science of anesthesia through education and research, this grant supports new and seasoned investigators in nurse anesthesia.
AAOHN Grants: The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses aims to advance knowledge in occupational and environmental health by awarding grants and scholarships to occupational and environmental health professionals who conduct ongoing education and research.
Addressing Cancer Health Disparities Through Evidence-Based Cancer Nursing Research: This grant supports oncology nursing research that addresses health disparities in breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer, among other topic areas.
American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Grant Program: Awardees may receive up to $5,000 in grant funding to promote evidence-based resources that support nurse practitioners of all specialties in all practice settings who drive innovation through research.
American Holistic Nurses Association Research Grants: This is a competitive research grant for AHNA members who conduct holistic nursing research that demonstrates advancing holistic nursing practices.
ANNA Clinical Practice Grants: The American Nephrology Nurses Association provides up to three grants to full members of ANNA who are actively involved in nephrology nursing healthcare services.
AORN Research Grants Program: Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) grants aim to promote diverse research topics and support scientifically rigorous investigations that advance perioperative nursing.
Connecticut Nurses’ Foundation’s Nursing Research Grant: The CNF Nursing Research Grant awards up to $1,000 to Connecticut residents who hold an RN, MSN, DNP, FNP, or PhD and are conducting or are developing research that applies to nursing-related issues.
ENA Foundation Research & Implementation Grants: The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Foundation offers multiple scholarships and grants - including research and implementation grants - in the discipline of emergency nursing.
Florida Nurses Foundation Research Grants: Florida nurses can apply to these grants to promote nursing and delivery of health.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
Chamberlain University Scholarships: Chamberlain University offers scholarships for every level of education, from undergraduate to graduate. They also provide external scholarship and grant resources. Chamberlain has the Commitment to Completion Grant: up to $11,000 in savings, plus they reward your progress throughout your program with two no-cost courses.
Georgetown University Scholarships: Georgetown’s Berkley School of Nursing strives to make nursing education accessible and affordable for all aspiring health care professionals. Georgetown is offering a 10% scholarship on base tuition for those applying to master’s programs for the 2026-2027 academic year to support current and recently separated federal civil government employees.
The Conway Scholarship: enables eligible Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students who qualify for and would otherwise need a federally subsidized loan to instead graduate from nursing school with little or no student loan debt. Students do not need to apply for this scholarship.
The DC Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Primary Care Scholarship Program: Any student in the first three to four APRN clinical semesters who is planning to work in primary care may apply. if your placement now or in the future is at a FQHC, School Based Clinic, or Indian Health Service or corrections facility, you may be eligible for a $1,000 stipend. As an AHEC scholar, you must complete 80 hours of clinical (which you will be doing anyway) and 80 hours of didactic.
Magis Scholarship: These awards recognize students who embrace and reflect the Berkley School of Nursing’s commitment to health equity, social justice and service to others. Students need not apply for this scholarship. Awardees will be determined based on information shared during the admissions process regarding previous academic performance and the need for financial support.
The Johnson-Turpin Scholars in Honor of the Class of 1969 Endowed Fund: Any application/application materials sent after this due date will not be accepted. Contact Assistant Dean for APRN Programs, Dr. Lora Greenbaum Drezner and Jeffrey L.
The Lora Greenbaum Drezner and Jeffrey L. Drezner Endowed Graduate Nursing Scholarship Fund: created to support the tuition and fees of Berkley School of Nursing graduate students who demonstrate financial need, who have experience practicing in underserved clinical settings and those who have an interest in working in settings that may improve health equity and access to health care. Any application/application materials sent after this due date will not be accepted. contact the assistant dean for APRN programs, Dr.
Nurse Corps Scholarship Program: Participants in the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program can receive financial assistance for tuition, fees, other education costs, and a monthly living stipend. In exchange, they must fulfill a service commitment at an eligible health care facility with a critical shortage of nurses upon graduation.If you receive an award, you’ll get a monthly stipend-and we’ll pay your:TuitionEligible feesReasonable costs (includes books, clinical supplies/instruments, and uniforms).
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