Nursing School Grants 2026: HRSA, Pell Grants & Loan Forgiveness Guide

Nursing is one of the few majors where the government offers full-tuition scholarships plus a monthly stipend.

Last Updated: February 2026 | Author: Munir Ardi

The United States is currently facing the largest nursing shortage in its history. Hospitals are desperate. The government is worried. And for you, this panic is a golden opportunity.

Unlike other majors (like History or Art) where you have to struggle to find scholarships, in Nursing, the government will often pay you to go to school.

Because a shortage of healthcare workers is considered a national security risk, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has allocated billions of dollars specifically to pay tuition for future nurses.

This guide is your roadmap to accessing that money—from the standard federal Pell Grant to the massive “Full-Ride + Stipend” contracts offered by the Nurse Corps.

Phase 1: The Foundation (FAFSA & Pell Grants)

Before you dream of full-ride scholarships, you must lay the first brick: The Pell Grant.

Many nursing students skip this because they think, “I’ll just get student loans.” This is a mistake. Loans accumulate interest immediately. Grants do not.

The 2026 Numbers:

• Maximum Award: $7,395 per year.

• Eligibility: Based on financial need (SAI Score from FAFSA).

• Usage: Can be used for tuition at any accredited nursing school (ADN, BSN, or LPN programs).

• The “Stacking” Strategy: The Pell Grant is usually the base. Other scholarships (like state grants) are added on top of this. If you don’t file your FAFSA, you disqualify yourself from almost everything else.

Pro Tip for Nursing Students: Nursing textbooks and clinical gear (scrubs, stethoscopes, shoes) are expensive. If your Pell Grant exceeds your tuition cost, the school will cut you a “refund check.” Use this check to buy your Littmann stethoscope and textbooks. Do not spend it on non-essentials.

Phase 2: The “Holy Grail” – HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship

If there is one section of this article you memorize, make it this one.

The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program is the most valuable nursing grant in America. It is not just a “discount.” It is a complete financial takeover.

What they pay for:

1. 100% Tuition: Paid directly to your school.

2. Required Fees: Lab fees, library fees, registration.

3. Other Costs: Books, clinical supplies, and uniforms.

4. Monthly Stipend: They pay YOU a living allowance of approximately $1,599 per month (2025-2026 adjusted rate) while you are in school.

The HRSA Nurse Corps pays your tuition in exchange for 2 years of service in underserved communities.

The “Catch” (Service Commitment): This is a contract, not a charity. In exchange for paying for your school, you must sign a contract to work at a Critical Shortage Facility (CSF) for 2 years after graduation.

• Where are these facilities? Usually in rural areas or inner-city clinics serving poor populations.

• Is it worth it? You graduate with ZERO debt. You get a guaranteed job instantly. You help people who desperately need care. For most, the answer is a screaming “YES.”

Who is Eligible?

• US Citizens or Nationals.

• Enrolled in an accredited nursing program (Diploma, Associate, Baccalaureate, or Graduate).

• Priority: HRSA gives “Funding Preference” to students with the highest financial need (EFC/SAI 0).

Application Window: Usually opens in March and closes in May. Mark your calendar now.

Phase 3: The NHSC Scholarship (For Nurse Practitioners)

Often confused with the Nurse Corps, the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship is slightly different but equally lucrative.

• Target Audience: Primary Care providers. This is mostly for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs).

• The Deal: Similar to Nurse Corps (Tuition + Stipend + Service Commitment).

• The Difference: NHSC is stricter about Primary Care focus. If you want to be a specialized ER Nurse or Anesthetist, this might not be for you. But if you want to be a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), this is your ticket.

Phase 4: State-Specific Nursing Grants (The Big Three)

While the Federal Government (HRSA) has the biggest pot of money, individual states are also desperate for nurses. They have created their own mini-scholarships to keep talent local.

Here are the top opportunities in the states with the highest nursing student populations:

1. California: Health Professions Education Foundation (HPEF) California pays well, but school is expensive. The state helps bridge the gap.

• Bachelor of Science Nursing Scholarship (BSNP): Awards up to $10,000 for students pursuing a BSN.

• Vocational Nurse Scholarship (VNSP): Awards up to $4,000 for LVN students.

• Requirement: You must agree to practice in a medically underserved area of California for 1 year.

2. New York: “Nurses For Our Future” Scholarship New York has launched massive initiatives to rebuild its healthcare workforce post-pandemic.

• The Deal: This scholarship covers tuition for 1,000 new nursing students at SUNY or CUNY colleges.

• Excelsior Scholarship: Don’t forget the standard NY free-tuition program. If your family earns under $125,000, you can attend CUNY/SUNY tuition-free.

3. Texas: Nursing Students Scholarship Program Everything is bigger in Texas, including the need for nurses.

• How to get it: This is not a direct application. The state gives money to the colleges, and the Financial Aid Office picks the winners.

• Action: You must explicitly tell your financial aid officer: “I want to be considered for the Nursing Students Scholarship Program.”

For Other States: Google “State Nursing Board Scholarships [Your State]”. Every state from Florida to Ohio has a similar program hidden on their .gov website.

Phase 5: The “Golden Handcuffs” (Hospital Tuition Reimbursement)

Major hospital networks are now paying for nursing degrees upfront to recruit talent. Systems like HCA Healthcare and Mayo Clinic offer generous tuition reimbursement in exchange for work commitments.

What if you don’t qualify for government grants? There is another way: Let your future employer pay for it.

Major hospital systems are so short-staffed that they are now paying for nursing school before you even graduate. We call this “The Golden Handcuffs” because it locks you into a job, but the benefits are worth it.

1. HCA Healthcare (The Giant) HCA is the largest hospital system in the US.

• The Program: They offer up to $5,250 per year in tuition reimbursement for eligible employees.

• The Galen Partnership: HCA owns a majority stake in Galen College of Nursing. If you work for HCA, you can often attend Galen with little to no upfront cost.

2. Mayo Clinic “Career Advancement” One of the most prestigious names in medicine.

• The Offer: They offer tuition support for employees pursuing a BSN or MSN.

• The Catch: You must work part-time for them (even as a CNA or admin) while in school to qualify.

3. The “Work Commitment” Contract Many local hospitals offer a simple deal: “We will pay off $20,000 of your student loans if you sign a 2-year contract to work the Night Shift.”

• Warning: Read the fine print. If you quit early, you have to pay the money back with interest.

Phase 6: Muslim Applicants in Nursing (Navigating the Ward)

The nursing field is increasingly diverse, but Muslim applicants often face unique questions regarding uniform codes and religious observances.

1. The “Bare Below the Elbows” Rule In the US, infection control policies vary. Some units (like NICU or Surgery) require “Bare Below the Elbows” (short sleeves) for hygiene.

• The Solution: Most US hospitals are accommodating. You can usually wear disposable sterile sleeves (oversleeves) that cover your forearms during procedures while maintaining sterility.

• Advocacy: If a school tells you “Long sleeves are banned,” cite the OSHA and CDC guidelines which allow for PPE accommodations.

2. The Surgical Hijab In the Operating Room (OR), standard cloth hijabs are often restricted due to shedding particles.

• Innovation: Companies now produce Medical-Grade Sterile Hijabs.

• Scholarship Angle: When applying for grants, mention your desire to be a role model for “Cultural Competence” in healthcare. Hospitals need staff who understand Muslim patients (e.g., gender preferences for care). This makes you a more valuable candidate than a generic applicant.

Diversity in healthcare is vital. Scholarships exist to support Muslim and minority applicants.

3. IMANA Scholarships The Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA) offers scholarships for allied health students.

• Merit-Based: They look for students active in their community.

• Link: Check the IMANA website annually for their scholarship cycle.

Phase 7: The “Back-End” Grant (Loan Forgiveness)

Sometimes, you cannot get the money upfront. Maybe your parents make too much money for a Pell Grant.

Do not worry. In Nursing, you can get the money after you graduate. We call this a “Back-End Grant” or Loan Forgiveness.

1. Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program (LRP) This is the big brother of the scholarship we discussed earlier.

• The Deal: If you work in a Critical Shortage Facility (CSF) for 2 years, the government will pay off 60% of your unpaid nursing student loans.

• The Bonus: If you sign up for a 3rd year, they pay off another 25%.

• Total: That is 85% of your debt vanished in just 3 years.

• Tax-Free: Unlike some forgiveness programs, this money is NOT taxed as income.

2. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) This is the federal standard.

• The Rule: Make 120 qualifying payments (10 years) while working for a non-profit (501c3) or government employer.

• The Secret: Almost ALL hospitals are non-profits. So, just by working your normal job at a standard hospital, you qualify for this.

3. The PERKINS Loan Cancellation This is an older program but still active for some.

• Benefit: Up to 100% cancellation for full-time nurses after 5 years of service.

Phase 8: Grants by Specialty (Pick Your Lane)

Generic nursing scholarships are competitive. Specialized ones are easier to win. Organizations want to fund specific types of nurses.

1. Emergency Nursing (ENA Foundation) If you crave the adrenaline of the ER.

• The Donor: Emergency Nurses Association (ENA).

• Awards: Multiple scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.

• Target: They love students who are already working as EMTs or Paramedics transitioning to Nursing.

2. Oncology Nursing (Cancer Care) If you have a heart for cancer patients.

• The Donor: Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Foundation.

• Why apply: The burnout rate in Oncology is high. They are desperate for committed nurses.

• Degrees: They fund BSN, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees.

3. Critical Care (AACN) For ICU and Trauma nurses.

• The Donor: American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.

• Focus: Continuing education (getting your CCRN certification).

4. Perioperative Nursing (AORN) For the Operating Room (OR).

• The Donor: AORN Foundation.

• Amount: They award over 100 scholarships annually.

• Tip: Mention your interest in “Patient Safety” and “Sterile Technique” in your essay.

Phase 9: Men in Nursing (The Other Minority)

Nursing is one of the few fields where men are a “diversity” category. Only about 12% of nurses are men. Because schools want to balance their gender ratio, being a male applicant is a massive advantage.

1. AAMN Foundation Scholarships The American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN) is the main hub.

• Awards: They offer several $1,000 to $5,000 grants sponsored by companies like Stryker.

• Essay Topic: Focus on “breaking stereotypes” and providing diverse care perspectives.

2. The “Strength” Myth Do not write your essay about “being strong enough to lift patients.” That is a cliché.

• Write about: How male patients often feel more comfortable discussing sensitive issues (like prostate health) with a male nurse. That is your value proposition.

Phase 10: Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Funding

This is a specific pain point. Many students are “Career Changers” (e.g., a 30-year-old Accountant wanting to become a Nurse). They take Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs which are fast (12-18 months) but VERY expensive and intense (no time to work).

The Funding Problem:

• If you already have a Bachelor’s degree (in Accounting), you DO NOT qualify for Pell Grants. (Pell is for 1st Bachelor’s only).

The Solution:

1. HRSA Nurse Corps: Still works for ABSN!

2. Scholarships for Second-Degree Students: Look for “New Careers in Nursing” (NCIN) scholarships funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. They specifically target accelerated students from underrepresented groups.

3. Private Loans (The Last Resort): Because you cannot work during an ABSN (it’s too hard), you might need living expense loans. Look for lenders like Sallie Mae that have specific “Health Professions” loans with deferred payments during residency.

Phase 11: The “Bridge” Grants (LPN to RN / ADN to BSN)

A huge portion of nursing students are not 18-year-olds. They are working Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who want to become Registered Nurses (RNs) to double their salary.

This is called a “Bridge Program.” Because you are already working, you have access to specific funds that regular students do not.

1. Union Training Funds (1199SEIU) If you work in a hospital or nursing home, check if you are part of a Union (like 1199SEIU or CNA).

• The Benefit: These unions have massive “Training and Employment Funds.” They often pay 100% of tuition upfront for members upgrading their license.

• The Process: You must usually work full-time for 1 year before qualifying. Contact your Union Delegate immediately.

2. The “Grow Your Own” Initiative Many rural hospitals have stopped trying to hire expensive RNs from the city. Instead, they pay for their local LPNs to go back to school.

• Action: Ask your Human Resources (HR) director: “Does this facility have a ‘Grow Your Own’ tuition assistance program for LPN-to-RN bridge?”

3. State-Specific Bridge Grants

• Maryland: Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant.

• Illinois: Nursing Education Scholarship Program (NESP) specifically prioritizes lower-income staff upgrading degrees.

Phase 12: WARNING – Avoid “Predatory” Nursing Schools

In 2024-2025, a massive scandal rocked the nursing world (“Operation Nightingale”). The FBI shut down several Florida nursing schools selling fake diplomas.

You must be extremely careful. Getting a grant for a “Fake School” is useless because you will never be allowed to take the NCLEX (Licensing Exam).

How to Spot a “Red Flag” Nursing School:

1. “No Clinicals Required” If a school promises you an RN degree but says you can do 100% of it online/simulation without touching a real patient, RUN. State Boards require hundreds of hours of hands-on clinical experience.

2. Lack of Accreditation (ACEN or CCNE) This is the most critical check.

• ACEN: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

• CCNE: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

• The Rule: If the program is not ACEN or CCNE accredited, you cannot get federal financial aid (FAFSA) and many hospitals will NOT hire you. Even if the school is “State Board Approved,” without ACEN/CCNE, your degree is weak.

Always check for ACEN or CCNE accreditation. Without it, your degree might be worthless.

3. The “NCLEX Pass Rate” Test Legitimate schools are proud of their pass rates.

• Check: Go to your State Board of Nursing website. Look up the school’s “First Time NCLEX Pass Rate.”

• Danger Zone: If the pass rate is below 80%, the school is failing its students. Do not spend your grant money there.

Phase 13: The “Nursing Narrative” (How to Write the Essay)

Winning a nursing scholarship is different from winning a generic scholarship. Judges do not care about your “passion.” They care about your Clinical Empathy and Resilience.

The Trap to Avoid: “The Florence Nightingale Cliché” Do NOT write: “I want to be a nurse because I love helping people and holding babies.” Judges read this 1,000 times a day. It shows you don’t understand the job (which involves blood, vomit, and death).

The Winning Strategy: “The STAR Method” Use a specific story from your life or clinical rotation.

• S (Situation): “While volunteering at the hospice center…”

• T (Task): “I noticed a non-verbal patient seemed agitated despite having pain meds.”

• A (Action): “I realized his lips were dry. I performed oral care and adjusted his pillows, staying with him until his breathing slowed.”

• R (Result): “He passed away peacefully an hour later. This taught me that nursing is not just about curing, but about dignity in suffering.”

Why this wins: It shows you are observant, hands-on, and emotionally mature enough to handle death. That is who they want to give $10,000 to.

Phase 14: The Timeline (When to Apply)

Timing is everything. Nursing money runs on a strict cycle.

The “Pre-Clinical” Gap Most BSN programs are 4 years. The first 2 years are “Pre-reqs” (Biology, Chemistry). The last 2 years are “Clinicals.”

• Reality: Most high-value scholarships (like HRSA or Tylenol Future Care) are ONLY for students in the Junior/Senior (Clinical) years.

• Strategy: Use Pell Grants and Community College for your first 2 years to save money. Save your “Big Scholarship” applications for when you are officially accepted into the Nursing Program (Junior Year).

The Annual Calendar:

• October 1: FAFSA Opens (Apply immediately for Pell).

• March: HRSA Nurse Corps Application Opens.

• May: National Nurses Week (Many brands launch small contests this week).

• July: Deadline for many Fall semester state grants.

Phase 15: Conclusion – Your Badge Awaits

Becoming a nurse is one of the hardest things you will ever do. Paying for it shouldn’t be.

The money is there. The US government has practically written a blank check via HRSA because they need you on the front lines. Hospitals like HCA and Mayo Clinic are bidding for your contract before you even graduate.

Your Action Plan:

1. File FAFSA (Get the $7,395 Pell).

2. Check HRSA (Aim for the Full-Ride + Stipend).

3. Ask your Employer (If you are an LPN/CNA).

4. Write the “Clinical” Essay (Focus on resilience, not just kindness).

The scrubs, the stethoscope, and the life-saving skills are waiting for you. Don’t let a price tag stop you from answering the call.

One Last Resource: Are you looking for Advanced Degree funding? If you are aiming for Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Master’s level, the funding sources change completely.

• Read Next: Nurse Practitioner Scholarships: Funding Your MSN/DNP.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I get a scholarship if I have bad credit? A: Yes. Grants (Pell, HRSA) and Scholarships are not loans. They do not check your credit score. They only look at your financial need (income) and your academic potential.

Q: Is the HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship taxable? A: Yes and No. The tuition portion is tax-free. However, the monthly stipend ($1,599) is considered taxable income by the IRS. You should set aside a small portion for tax season.

Q: Can international students get nursing grants in the US? A: Federal aid (FAFSA/HRSA) is strictly for US Citizens or Permanent Residents. However, many private hospital systems will sponsor visas and pay for training if you sign a long-term contract. Look for “International Nurse Recruitment” agencies.

Q: Does WIOA pay for nursing school? A: Yes! Just like trucking and cosmetology, Nursing (LPN and ADN-RN) is a top “In-Demand Occupation.” WIOA grants can often pay for the entire LPN program at a community college or vocational school. Visit your local American Job Center.

Important Disclaimer: StartGrants.com is an independent information portal. We are not a government agency and do not provide direct grants or products. Always verify the current status of programs with the providing organization.