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With the nation facing a serious nursing shortage, now is more important than ever to recruit and train nurses, particularly in communities of color. More nurses of color diversify the nursing workforce, helping provide medical access to those who may otherwise feel unwelcome in the healthcare system.
If you’re interested in nursing school and belong to a racial or ethnic minority or another underrepresented group, explore the various scholarships available.
Nursing Scholarships for Students of Color
The following is a list of nursing scholarships for minority students. In addition to more specially tailored opportunities, students of color should also consider general scholarships for nursing school.
Many scholarships award students with high academic, extracurricular, or service-related achievements. Many organizations prefer students who demonstrate financial need and/or a dedication to the nursing and health field.
Scholarships for Black and African American Nursing Students
Who Can Apply: Applicants for this nursing scholarship for Black nurses who are members of the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA). The application is based on scholastic achievement, financial need, and community service. Applicants must be enrolled in a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program or higher and represent leadership and commitment to service.
Who Can Apply: Qualified NBNA members who are enrolled in a BSN or advanced nursing degree program and have good scholastic standing. Students must have at least one more academic year to complete. It is one of many financial aid awards offered by the NBNA, an association representing 308,000 Black and African American RNs, LPNs, nursing students, and retired nurses from the U.S., Africa, and the Eastern Caribbean region.
Who Can Apply: All applicants must be an official member of BNR, an organization representing over 174,000 African American nurses and students from the U.S., Canada, Eastern Caribbean, Japan, and Germany. You must be enrolled in a nursing program and have an established financial need for the award. Candidates must provide transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume or CV, and a demonstration of community service involvement.
Who Can Apply: Applicants must be graduating African American high school seniors who plan to attend a two or four-year university or technical school. Scholarships must be used for tuition, books, fees, or other academic needs. Applications are accepted online and must include a cover letter and resume, personal essay, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a college acceptance letter, if available.
Who Can Apply: ABNF’s mission is to promote and widely disseminate the research and scholarly work of minority nurse academics. The association offers several scholarships, including the Undergraduate Student Scholarship. Applicants must be members of ABNF, enrolled in an undergraduate nursing program, and committed to service in the Black/African American community.
Scholarships for Hispanic and Latino/a Nursing Students
Who Can Apply: Each year 30 students receive financial aid for nursing school to finance college tuition on three tiers. More than $33 million has been awarded to more than 17,000 Hispanic students across the country. Applicants must have at least one parent of Hispanic or Latino/a heritage and are selected based on community involvement, personal statement, academic achievement, and financial need.
Who Can Apply: Every year, these awards go to about 10,000 students of Hispanic heritage who plan to enroll full-time in an accredited four-year university or graduate school in the U.S. High school applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, while college and graduate students need a 2.5 minimum GPA. Applicants must be US citizens, permanent legal residents, or protected under the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Who Can Apply: The purpose of this research grant is to support a Latino/a Ph.D. student who is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) and is conducting research to improve health outcomes among Latino/a populations. Applicants must be RNs with a current license and enrolled in a Ph.D. program. They must complete their research project within one year of funding and submit a final report to the NAHN Board of Directors.
Who Can Apply: The foundation established this scholarship program to help medical, nursing, dental, pharmacy, and public health students who have outstanding records and are committed to serving Hispanics. The scholarship is open to full-time students with at least two years left before graduation. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA with an exceptional performance and leadership record and must submit a personal statement, a resume or CV, letters of recommendation, citizenship or immigration documentation, and an academic transcript.
Who Can Apply: Awards are given to Hispanic or Latino/a U.S. citizen with a minimum GPA of 2.80 who are enrolled full-time in a bachelor program at an accredited four-year college. Applicants must demonstrate participation in community service and extracurricular activities and have a letter of recommendation from a community leader or faculty member. Of the five national scholarships, two are awarded to students with permanent residence in New York State.
Scholarships for Indigenous American Nursing Students
Who Can Apply: The federal Indian Health Service awards these scholarships to American Indian and Alaska Native students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate health professions programs. Recipients must be members of federally recognized tribes and enrolled in an eligible health professions degree program. In exchange for financial aid, scholarship recipients must fulfill service commitments in full-time clinical practice upon completion of training.
Who Can Apply: This scholarship program began in 1928 and is awarded to American Indian students each semester for as long as they remain in good academic standing. Awarded funds must be used for tuition and other academic expenses. The program benefits men and women who are going into any healthcare or health education career, including nursing.
Who Can Apply: The American Indian College Fund offers three scholarships to American Indian students: one for high school students, one for students enrolled in a tribal college or university, and one for students attending non-tribal institutions. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and submit necessary documentation, including a digital photo, tribal affiliation, and academic records.
Who Can Apply: The scholarship offers four awards to American Indian students and is open to Indigenous Americans living in the U.S. who are pursuing a college education. Eligibility requirements include a legal connection to a tribal community and a demonstration that the student is an active part of and contributor to that community.
Who Can Apply: Applications must include a tribal eligibility certificate, financial needs form, and the applicant’s most recent academic transcript, essay, reference, and one reference from a community leader. Native Forward Scholars Fund has more than 30 scholarships and fellowships available for those seeking a professional degree. They offer awards to American Indians and Alaska Natives enrolled in federally or state-recognized tribes.
Scholarships for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Nursing Students
Who Can Apply: The scholarship program is open to AANHPI undergraduate students with a minimum 2.7 GPA. They must be a citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the U.S. and must describe their ethnicity, heritage, or ancestry in relation to the countries, territories, or lands in Asia or the Pacific Islands. Students must also have applied for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Who Can Apply: The award is open to AANHPI students who are currently enrolled in an accredited graduate, undergraduate, or pre-licensure nursing program and have at least a 3.5 GPA. Applicants must submit a personal essay addressing leadership potential and commitment and two letters of recommendation.
Who Can Apply: Since 1989, this scholarship has awarded more than $2 million to students of East, South, Southeastern Asian, or Pacific Island heritage who have citizenship or permanent residency status in the U.S. Each year, 10-20 scholarships are awarded to high school seniors who must include a photo, two essay responses, high school transcript, copy of the most recent household tax return, two letters of recommendation, and information on the post-secondary school the student plans to attend.
Who Can Apply: This scholarship was created by Against the Grain Productions, a nonprofit seeking ways to promote leadership, awareness, positive identity, unity, artistry, and more in the Asian American community. Funds provide financial assistance for Asian American high school and college students of all majors who have demonstrated leadership, vision, and passion for changing lives in Asian American communities. Applicants must be at least 25% Asian and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity; a U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the U.S.; and either a high school senior or college student enrolled full-time in an accredited post-secondary program. Students must have a cumulative 3.5 GPA and submit a video presentation showcasing their work and qualifications.
Who Can Apply: APCF partners with various donors to provide several scholarships each year to AANHPI students pursuing higher education. Awards are based on academics, merit, community involvement, and leadership. Many of the scholarships support low-income students, while others encourage students to attend college locally or in-state. Scholarship opportunities change frequently, so check the website for updates.
Who Can Apply: The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is dedicated to helping exceptional students with financial needs. Students can pursue any area of study in an undergraduate program in one of the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities. Of those who have received this award, 93% held a leadership role and participated in civic or community service, and the average unweighted high school GPA was 3.97. Students do not need to be U.S. citizens but must live in the U.S.
Who Can Apply: TheDream.US describes itself as the nation’s largest college and career success program for undocumented youth. The organization characterizes its National Scholarship as the equivalent of the “Pell Grant” for highly motivated undocumented students. Application is available to undocumented immigrants with or without DACA or TPS status who arrived in the U.S. before age 16 and before November 1, 2018. The selection committee considers an applicant’s GPA but emphasizes service and a commitment to success. The award is renewable yearly as long as the recipient meets continuing eligibility requirements.
Who Can Apply: The Opportunity Scholarship was designed for undocumented students living in so-called “locked out” states, where undocumented individuals face bans on enrollment or pursuing financial aid, among other restrictions. This scholarship covers tuition, fees, on-campus housing, and meals for students who wish to complete a bachelor’s degree. The funds are renewed each year if recipients meet continuing eligibility criteria.
Who Can Apply: Eligible applicants must meet four specific criteria: be born outside the U.S. or have two parents who were born outside the U.S.; be a graduating high school senior or GED recipient within the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia; plan to enroll full-time in an accredited, public two- or four-year school; and have a household income of less than $100,000. There are no citizenship requirements.
Who Can Apply: The scholarships are provided for students who are undocumented, are part of DACA, have temporary protected status (TPS), have a U-1 visa, or have a pending asylum or refugee status application. Scholars meet monthly with a coach to support their academic success and receive ongoing professional development and career planning after graduation. Applicants must demonstrate high financial need, be a high school senior or a recent high school graduate, and have lived in the U.S. for at least four years. The award can only be used at Golden Door Scholars partner school.
These scholarships and grants offer underserved students opportunities to become nurses and advance their education. Eligibility varies for each of the awards listed, so be sure to check the website of the scholarship you’re interested in for all the details.
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