Planning a Career in Nursing Funding Your Education
About Funding ResourcesSources of Aid

About Funding Resources

There are many opportunities available for students interested in pursuing a beginning nursing career or advancing within the profession. Start your search in your local area, state, region and then move to the national level. Starting at the national level can cause delays in obtaining applications and resources.

Combine opportunities. For example, the local service organization may offer $1,000, but you need $5,000. Apply for the $1,000. Look for other opportunities and put together a "portfolio". Adopt the philosophy that "something is better than nothing". Sometimes success at obtaining a scholarship, loan or grant leads other sources to consider you a good risk. A student who shows initiative and creativity has a better chance at success.

For more information, please go to ANA's FREE publication section to download the "Financial Aid for Nursing Education".

Go to the web site of the Department of Health and Human Services for more information.

Colleges and Universities

Every college and university has a financial aid office. Be aware that the information may not be available until acceptance as a student. There are scholarships, loan and grants available which may be specific to particular programs, ethnic identification, state of residence, age, sex, etc. Do not overlook Work Study opportunities.

Every school has financial aid information. Often, there are scholarships, grants and loans which have been set up by individuals, organizations and/or businesses. Schools of nursing will have the latest information on state and federal programs set aside for nursing.

Service Organizations

Many service organizations have scholarships and grants set aside. Contact local chapters and ask about the availability of student assistance. These are often not advertised, so, asking about opportunities may be the only way to discover what is available.

Examples of service organizations include: American Legion, Eagles, Ruritan, Lions, etc

Healthcare Agencies

Many healthcare agencies offer scholarships, grants and loans. Often, they are associated with a requirement for employment after graduation for a specified time frame. Tuition reimbursement is frequently an employment benefit in healthcare agencies. You could be employed anywhere in the agency and qualify for assistance to attend nursing school.

US Public Health Department

http://hhs.gov/agencies/os.html

Grants and loan forgiveness programs are available for individuals who are willing to serve in rural and under-served areas for a specified period of time after graduation. The Indian Health Service (www.ihs.gov/) offers information on loans and scholarships.

US Military Services

There are opportunities offered by the military services for attending nursing schools and becoming a commissioned officer. Check the branch services for information on ROTC programs. Talk with your local recruiters for information. Colleges and universities can give information as to whether a ROTC program is available.

Businesses

Scholarships, grants and loans can be available to members of employee's families. Do not overlook this resource.

Start your search here: www.estudentloan.com

For more information about financial aid for nursing school and scholarship opportunities:

Federal Student Aid Information Center
1-800-4FEDAID (433-3243)
www.fafsa.ed.gov

Your state departments of Education:
www.recruitingteachers.org/channels/clearinghouse/deptedu.asp

The financial aid office of your school or college.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing:
www.aacn.nche.edu/Education/financialaid.htm

Sigma Theta Tau:
www.nursingsociety.org/career/scholarships_opps.html

Johnson & Johnson:
www.discovernursing.com/scholarship_search.aspx

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