Obtaining Funding for Nursing Degrees: Affordable Paths into a High-Demand Career

Earning a nursing degree opens the door to one of the most stable, meaningful, and in-demand careers in healthcare. However, many prospective nurses hesitate because of the cost of education, which can range from several thousand dollars for an associate degree to over $80,000 for a bachelor’s program at a private institution. Fortunately, numerous funding options—grants, scholarships, tuition reimbursement, and government aid—are available to help students cover the cost of nursing school and reduce reliance on student loans.

The growing shortage of nurses across the United States has fueled major investments in nursing education. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the U.S. will need more than 275,000 additional nurses by 2030, prompting public and private organizations to expand financial support for nursing students. Whether you’re pursuing an associate degree in nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or an advanced degree, understanding the range of funding opportunities can make nursing education far more accessible.

Federal Financial Aid and Grants

The most common starting point for nursing students seeking financial support is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). By completing the FAFSA, students may qualify for grants, work-study, and federal loans. Grants are especially attractive because they do not require repayment.

One of the most significant federal grants is the Pell Grant, awarded to low-income students. For the 2024–2025 academic year, eligible students can receive up to $7,395. Another opportunity is the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), which provides between $100 and $4,000 annually to students with exceptional financial need. Pell-eligible nursing students often qualify for both.

Graduate nursing students may also qualify for Nurse Faculty Loan Programs (NFLP), which offer partial loan forgiveness for those who pursue careers as nursing educators—a field that is experiencing its own shortage.

State-Based Nursing Grants and Aid

Many states offer additional grants specifically for healthcare or nursing students to address regional workforce shortages. These programs often require recipients to work in the state after graduation. Examples include:

1. California’s Health Professions Education Foundation, offering scholarships of up to $13,000 for nursing students committing to work in underserved communities.
2. New York’s Nursing Faculty Loan Forgiveness Incentive Program, designed for BSN and MSN students who plan to teach in nursing programs.
3. Texas’s Professional Nursing Shortage Reduction Program, which awards funds directly to schools to lower tuition for nursing students.

Students should check their state’s higher education website for available grants and scholarship programs.

Nursing Scholarships from Schools and Organizations

There are hundreds of nursing-specific scholarships offered by universities, nonprofits, and healthcare employers. Some of the most notable include:

1. The Hurst Review Services Nursing Scholarship, supporting pre-RN students preparing for licensure.
2. The Johnson & Johnson Our Race to Health Equity Scholarships, designed for nursing students from underrepresented communities.
3. The American Red Cross and American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) scholarships for students pursuing specialized roles.

Schools of nursing also frequently offer institutional scholarships based on academic performance, financial need, or clinical interest areas such as pediatrics, mental health, or gerontology.

Workforce Service Programs and Loan Forgiveness

Programs that exchange service commitments for financial support are among the most effective ways to fund a nursing degree. The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program, run by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), covers full tuition, books, fees, and a monthly stipend—over $1,400 per month—for students who agree to work in a high-need area after graduation.

For those who already have student loans, the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program can repay up to 85% of nursing education debt. Similarly, nurses working in nonprofit hospitals or government facilities may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) after 10 years of service and consistent repayment.

Employer Tuition Assistance and Reimbursement

Healthcare employers increasingly offer tuition reimbursement to attract and retain nursing talent. Hospitals such as Kaiser Permanente, Mayo Clinic, and HCA Healthcare provide annual tuition assistance ranging from $3,000 to $10,000, which can be used toward nursing programs. Some hospitals even offer full sponsorships for employees pursuing RN or BSN degrees in exchange for multi-year work commitments.

Conclusion

Funding a nursing degree is more achievable than many students realize. With federal and state grants, nursing-specific scholarships, service-based financial programs, and employer tuition reimbursement, future nurses can significantly reduce their out-of-pocket costs. As the demand for skilled nurses continues to grow nationwide, so does the availability of financial support. By exploring these diverse funding avenues, aspiring nurses can take meaningful steps toward a rewarding and impactful career in healthcare without being overwhelmed by educational expenses.