Pennsylvania Nursing Scholarships: Eligibility and Opportunities
Nursing is a vital profession, and scholarships play a crucial role in enabling aspiring nurses to pursue their education. In Pennsylvania, a variety of scholarships are available to nursing students, each with specific eligibility requirements. This article provides a comprehensive overview of these opportunities, focusing on eligibility criteria and application processes.
The Importance of Nursing Scholarships
Many Americans lack access to essential health care services due to a shortage of healthcare professionals in their communities. Scholarships like the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program address this issue by supporting nursing students and encouraging them to work in underserved areas after graduation. These scholarships not only alleviate the financial burden of education but also contribute to improving healthcare access for vulnerable populations.
Federal Scholarship Programs
Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program is a federal initiative that provides financial support to students pursuing nursing degrees.
Eligibility and Benefits:
- In exchange for a commitment to work at a critical shortage facility upon graduation, the program covers:
- Tuition
- Eligible fees
- Reasonable costs, including books, clinical supplies/instruments, and uniforms
- Recipients also receive a monthly stipend.
- A critical shortage facility is defined as a public or private healthcare facility located in, designated as, or serving a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA). A HPSA is an area with a lack of sufficient primary care or mental health professionals.
Application Process:
- When an application cycle is open, carefully read the Application Program Guidance (PDF).
- Apply through the Nurse Corps Scholarship section of My BHW by logging in or creating an account.
Tax Implications:
- The entire scholarship award is taxable, and the program reports all awarded funds to the IRS.
- It is recommended to consult a tax professional for assistance with tax-related questions.
Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)
The Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) is designed to address the shortage of qualified nursing faculty in the United States. It is a loan opportunity program for graduate students who intend to take a full-time teaching position in a school of nursing immediately following graduation. The program is administered by the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA).
Eligibility and Loan Cancellation:
- Students who fulfill the full-time employment requirement may have up to 85% of their loan cancelled.
- For each complete year of full-time employment, 20% of the principal and interest on the unpaid loan amount is cancelled.
- To apply for loan cancellation, students must submit a "Request for Partial Cancellation" form to the University Collections Office at the end of each year of employment.
Important Note:
- New NFLP funding was cancelled by the federal government for the academic year 2025-2026. The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing has a limited amount of funding available for new students to the program.
Pennsylvania-Specific Scholarships
The Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania Scholarship Program
The Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania is a non-profit organization that offers scholarships to Pennsylvania residents pursuing nursing education.
Read also: Undergraduate Admissions at UPenn
Eligibility:
- Must be accepted/enrolled in an accredited nursing school in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
- Must demonstrate financial need.
- Must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Applicants can be pursuing basic (LPN, Diploma, ADN, BSN, BSN Completion) or advanced degrees in nursing (Masters, Doctoral), and PhD education in a Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing approved program.
Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation Careers in Care Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship supports individuals committed to practicing nursing in Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA).
Eligibility:
- Must have had a permanent address in Lackawanna, Luzerne, or Wyoming County for the last three years.
- Must commit to remaining in NEPA to practice nursing.
- Students graduating in Spring 2026 are not eligible to receive this award.
- Application deadline is March 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
St. Michele Campbell Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship is for hard working and dedicated nursing student at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
Eligibility:
- Career in nursing and intend to practice in Northeastern Pennsylvania (July 1, 2026 - July 31, 2027).
- For Second Year or higher post-secondary student that are graduates of Elk County Catholic, Johnsonburg, Ridgway, or St.
University of Pittsburgh Scholarships and Financial Aid
The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing offers various scholarships and financial aid opportunities to its students.
Academic Scholarships
The Office of Admissions and Financial Aid (OAFA) reviews incoming first-year applicants for academic scholarships at the point of admission.
Pitt2Pitt Scholarship
The Pitt2Pitt program assists University of Pittsburgh seniors or alumni in completing a master’s degree or certificate program.
Read also: Decoding UPenn Transfer Admissions
Eligibility:
- Must have received a bachelor’s, graduate, and/or professional degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
- Must be in good academic, disciplinary, and financial standing with the University.
- Some programs offer Pitt2Pitt Scholarships to part-time students.
Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)
The Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) is a loan opportunity program for graduate students who intend to take a full-time teaching position in a school of nursing immediately following graduation. The program, from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), aims to increase the number of qualified nursing faculty nationwide.
David C. Funding Opportunities
Funding opportunities are available for students engaged in research and additional projects through the university.
K. Leroy Irvis Fellowships
Established in 1994, the K. Leroy Irvis Fellowships aim to enhance the academic excellence and diversity of the University of Pittsburgh's graduate student body and prepare doctoral students for academic and research careers.
External Nursing Scholars Programs
Pitt Nursing has partnered with Nursing Scholars programs offered by several health systems for BSN, ABSN, and Nursing Anesthesia students. These programs are available at any point during the course of your nursing education.
Additional Scholarship Resources
National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Scholarships
The NBNA provides scholarships to students at all levels, from LPN to Doctorate.
Read also: Navigating the English Major
Eligibility:
- Must be a member of NAHN and enrolled in accredited LVN/LPN, associate, diploma, baccalaureate, and graduate nursing programs.
American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
The AANP offers funding opportunities to advance the NP profession and enhance patient care.
National League for Nursing (NLN)
The NLN offers funding for nursing education research, furthering the scholarship of teaching and promoting evidence-based nursing education.
keepgoingforward.org
This organization offers several awards to increase opportunity and foster connection by fundraising for disadvantaged youth, advocating for sustainable, ethical travel, and amplifying other philanthropic organizations.
Undergraduate Scholarship Program
Open to all currently enrolled nursing students across the country, this program awards scholarship funds based on criteria established by the scholarship sponsor. These scholarships often reflect specific areas of specialization within nursing or support underrepresented populations within the nursing profession.
General Eligibility Considerations
When applying for nursing scholarships in Pennsylvania, keep the following general eligibility considerations in mind:
- Accreditation: Ensure that the nursing school you are attending or plan to attend is accredited.
- GPA: Many scholarships require a minimum GPA, often 3.0 or higher.
- Financial Need: Demonstrating financial need is a common requirement for many scholarships.
- Residency: Some scholarships are specifically for Pennsylvania residents.
- Commitment to Practice: Certain scholarships may require a commitment to work in a specific region or type of healthcare facility after graduation.
Application Tips
- Start Early: Begin researching and applying for scholarships well in advance of deadlines.
- Read Instructions Carefully: Pay close attention to the eligibility requirements and application instructions for each scholarship.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and financial aid forms.
- Write a Strong Essay: Craft a compelling essay that highlights your passion for nursing, your qualifications, and your financial need.
- Proofread: Carefully proofread your application materials for any errors before submitting.
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