[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]First-generation nursing students have access to scholarships that help ease financial burdens.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Eligibility varies by program, with some targeting specific groups or those with financial need.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Awards range from $1,000 to full tuition; some require service commitments or GPA minimums.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Paying for nursing school can be hard, especially for first-generation college students. Fortunately, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources//financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]nursing financial aid[/hen-ui-link] through scholarships and grants can make your degree more affordable. Even better, you’ll qualify for various nursing scholarships if you’re the first in your family to earn a degree.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide introduces undergraduate and graduate scholarship opportunities for first-generation nursing students.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Undergraduate First-Generation Nursing Scholarships[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many organizations offer scholarships for first-generation college students. While some of these scholarships are open to all majors, nursing students can still apply.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion variant=”white”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Gates Millennium Scholars”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Amount: Full cost of attendance after other financial aid[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Who Can Apply: Students of color planning to attend college in any major. More than half of all recipients are first-generation college students. Applicants must have a 3.3 GPA and demonstrate financial need. Some students receive full funding.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.thegatesscholarship.org/scholarship” target=”_blank”]Apply for the Gates Millennium Scholars[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Amount: $2,500[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Who Can Apply: Women ages 35 and older with incomes below the poverty level, including first-generation students. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents attending accredited vocational or technical schools, colleges, or universities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://rankinfoundation.org/national-scholar-grant/” target=”_blank”]Apply for the Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Red Thread Foundation for Women”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Amount: $1,000[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Who Can Apply: Women with international backgrounds, including first-generation Americans, who are entering U.S. colleges or universities. Each applicant submits two essays and two recommendation letters. Selected candidates are interviewed by phone.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://redthreadwomen.org/about/apply/how-to-apply/” target=”_blank”]Apply for the Red Thread Foundation for Women[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program for High School Seniors”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Amount: Up to $10,000[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Who Can Apply: Diverse candidates, including those from underserved communities who may also be first-generation college students. Applicants must be enrolled in accredited vocational, technical, or undergraduate degree-granting schools. Offered by Sallie Mae, this scholarship increases access to higher education.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.salliemae.com/about/scholarship-opportunities/” target=”_blank”]Apply for the Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program for High School Seniors[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Completing the Dream Scholarship Program”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Amount: Up to $2,500[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Who Can Apply: Minority and underserved learners, including first-generation students in their final year of postsecondary education. Sallie Mae delivers awards based on financial challenges that threaten students’ ability to finish their degrees.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.salliemae.com/landing/completing-the-dream/” target=”_blank”]Apply for the Completing the Dream Scholarship Program[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Scholarship America Dream Award”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Amount: $10,000[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Who Can Apply: Full-time students who have completed one year of their associate or bachelor’s degree programs with a 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need. High school seniors are not eligible to apply.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://scholarshipamerica.org/scholarship/dreamaward/” target=”_blank”]Apply for the Scholarship America Dream Award[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”The Kim and Harold Louie Family Foundation Scholarship Program”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Amount: Varies[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Who Can Apply: Incoming first-year college students, with a preference for first-generation students. Applicants need a minimum 3.5 GPA.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A total of $100,000 is awarded annually; individual amounts vary.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.louiefamilyfoundation.org/scholarship-application” target=”_blank”]Apply for The Kim and Harold Louie Family Foundation Scholarship Program[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”TIAA First-Generation Scholarship”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Amount: $5,000-$10,000[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Who Can Apply: First-generation college students are those with two parents who do not have a bachelor’s degree. The scholarship considers leadership, work experience, and unique personal or family circumstances.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://scholarshipamerica.org/scholarship/tiaa/” target=”_blank”]Apply for the TIAA First-Generation Scholarship[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”First Generation College of Nursing Scholarship”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Amount: Varies[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Who Can Apply: Offered by the University of Central Florida, this scholarship supports a first-generation Florida resident attending the university’s college of nursing. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://ucf.academicworks.com/opportunities/25862″ target=”_blank”]Apply for the First Generation College of Nursing Scholarship[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Lisa Steffy Montemuro ’81 Nursing Scholarship”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Amount: Varies[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Who Can Apply: West Chester University in Pennsylvania offers a nursing scholarship for first-generation students. Applicants must be at least rising sophomores; recipients can renew their award if they maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.wcupa.edu/wcFirst/scholarship-info.aspx” target=”_blank”]Apply for the Lisa Steffy Montemuro ’81 Nursing Scholarship[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Graduate First-Generation Nursing Scholarships[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A graduate degree in nursing can mean a higher earning potential and greater clinical responsibilities. While graduate scholarships typically do not list first-generation learners among their criteria, many focus on serving underrepresented communities and applicants with financial need.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion variant=”white”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Association on American Indian Affairs Scholarship”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Amount: Varies[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Who Can Apply: Enrolled tribal members with 2.5 GPAs, including first-generation students, may apply for funds that support degree-seeking students in any field who want to serve their tribes after graduation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Scholarships are awarded twice a year until students graduate.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.indian-affairs.org/nativescholarship.html” target=”_blank”]Apply for the Association on American Indian Affairs Scholarship[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Indian Health Service Health Professions Scholarship”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Amount: Varies[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Who Can Apply: Tribal members, including first-generation nursing graduate students, with 2.0 GPAs and demonstrated financial need. Recipients must commit to at least two years of postgraduate service in Indian healthcare.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ihs.gov/scholarship/scholarships/” target=”_blank”]Apply for the Indian Health Service Health Professions Scholarship[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Amount: Full tuition plus stipend[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Who Can Apply: Graduate-level nursing students, including first-generation students, can apply for funding covering tuition and costs and monthly stipends. Criteria include native Hawaiian ancestry and a two-year commitment to work in underserved areas in Hawaii.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/apply-scholarship/native-hawaiian-health” target=”_blank”]Apply for the Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Scholarship Program”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Amount: $1,000-$5,000[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Who Can Apply: NBNA awards several scholarships to its graduate student members, including first-generation learners. Each applicant must have at least one more year of school to complete and submit an essay for consideration.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nbna.org/content.asp?contentid=82″ target=”_blank”]Apply for the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Scholarship Program[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Amount: Full tuition plus stipend[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Who Can Apply: Selected graduate nursing students, including first-generation applicants, receive a full year of funding. Qualifications include pursuing a primary care degree at an accredited program and a commitment to working in underserved communities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/scholarships/overview” target=”_blank”]Apply for the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Nurse Corps Scholarship Program”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Amount: Full tuition, fees, and costs[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Who Can Apply: First-generation students enrolled in graduate nursing programs may apply if they commit to working in a critical shortage facility after graduation. The scholarship program prioritizes applicants with financial need.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/apply-scholarship/nurse-corps” target=”_blank”]Apply for the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Nurses Educational Funds (NEF)”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Amount: Varies[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Who Can Apply: NEF provides scholarships to advanced nursing program enrollees who demonstrate financial need, including first-generation students. Master’s and doctoral nursing students with registered nurse (RN) licenses and 3.6 GPAs can apply for funding to support their training at accredited schools.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.n-e-f.org/how-to-apply.html” target=”_blank”]Apply for Nurses Educational Funds (NEF)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program for Graduate Students”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Amount: $10,000[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Who Can Apply: Minority graduates and professional students from historically underserved communities. This includes first-generation nursing students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.salliemae.com/landing/bridging-the-dream-for-graduates/” target=”_blank”]Apply for the Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program for Graduate Students[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”March of Dimes Nursing Scholarships”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Amount: $10,000[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Who Can Apply: These scholarships support graduate nursing and certified nurse-midwife program students. Applicants must demonstrate a dedication to maternal and infant health.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Apply for the March of Dimes Nursing Scholarships[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What qualifies you for a first-generation scholarship?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most first-generation scholarships require neither of your parents to hold a bachelor’s degree. That means you’re eligible even if your parents attended some college or hold an associate degree. Make sure to check how scholarship programs define “first generation” when applying.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Do you get benefits for being a first-generation nursing student?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can qualify for additional scholarships as a first-generation nursing student. Many foundations and nursing colleges offer scholarships to help first-generation students earn a nursing degree. First-generation students may also receive additional advising or mentoring opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can you get a full scholarship for nursing?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, you can get a full scholarship for nursing school. Some nursing scholarships, such as the [hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/apply-scholarship/nurse-corps” target=”_blank”]Nurse Corps Scholarship Program[/hen-ui-link], cover full tuition in exchange for agreeing to work in a healthcare shortage area or another area. You can also apply for scholarships from professional associations, private foundations, and nursing schools.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Will hospitals pay for nursing school?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, some hospitals pay for nursing school through tuition assistance or reimbursement programs. Hospital employees can receive financial support to advance their education. These programs may require them to work in the hospital after graduating.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]