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LPN scholarships

LPN and LVN Scholarships and Grants

Practical nursing programs qualify for more aid than CNA courses, but fewer national scholarships than RN degrees. Combine federal aid, workforce funds and employer help.

Verified options

Funding for practical nursing students

Federal grantVerified Nov 7, 2026

Federal Pell Grant

U.S. Department of Education

CNALPN/LVNRN (ADN)BSN
Who it's for
Undergraduates with exceptional financial need who don't already have a bachelor's degree. The page notes that students in an eligible workforce program might also receive one.
What it pays
Up to $7,395 for the 2026-27 award year, per the sponsor's site as of Nov 2026. It does not have to be repaid except in certain cases.
The catch
Nothing to repay. You file the FAFSA every year you're in school to stay eligible.
Timing
Apply through the FAFSA for each school year.
Source: studentaid.govOfficial page
Job training fundsVerified Nov 7, 2026

WIOA Adult training services

U.S. Department of Labor

CNALPN/LVN
Who it's for
Adults looking for training toward a good job. When funds are used for training, American Job Centers must give priority to people on public assistance and other low-income individuals.
What it pays
Job search help and training opportunities, delivered by local American Job Centers. Services vary by state.
The catch
Eligibility rules are set locally; ask your American Job Center which nursing programs are approved.
Timing
Year-round, through your local American Job Center.
Source: dol.govOfficial page
Association scholarshipVerified Nov 7, 2026

NBNA Scholarships

National Black Nurses Association

LPN/LVNRN (ADN)BSNNP & grad
Who it's for
NBNA members (through a local chapter if one is within 50 miles) enrolled in LPN/LVN, ADN, BSN, RN-to-BSN, master's or doctoral nursing programs.
What it pays
Several named scholarships that change year to year. Awards start at $1,000, per the sponsor's site as of Nov 2026.
The catch
Membership is required before you apply.
Timing
The 2025-26 cycle deadline was in March, per the sponsor's site.
Source: nbna.orgOfficial page
Part-time jobVerified Nov 7, 2026

Federal Work-Study

U.S. Department of Education

LPN/LVNRN (ADN)BSNNP & grad
Who it's for
Undergraduate, graduate and professional students with financial need, full or part time, at participating schools.
What it pays
A part-time job paying at least federal minimum wage, with an emphasis on community service and work related to your studies.
The catch
Hours are capped at your award and scheduled around classes.
Timing
Funds are limited, so file the FAFSA early and ask your aid office.
Source: studentaid.govOfficial page
Tax-free employer aidVerified Nov 7, 2026

Employer educational assistance (Section 127)

IRS rules for employer plans

CNALPN/LVNRN (ADN)BSNNP & grad
Who it's for
Employees whose employer runs a written educational assistance program. Many hospitals and health systems offer tuition help.
What it pays
Up to $5,250 a year tax-free for tuition, fees, books and supplies, and payments on your own qualified student loans. The 2026 IRS guide says the loan provision is now permanent.
The catch
Your employer sets the rules; some require you to stay for a period after.
Timing
Ask HR before you enroll; rules vary by employer.
Source: irs.govOfficial page
Loan forgivenessVerified Nov 7, 2026

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

U.S. Department of Education

LPN/LVNRN (ADN)BSNNP & grad
Who it's for
Borrowers with Direct Loans who work full time for a government agency or qualifying nonprofit, such as many nonprofit hospitals.
What it pays
Forgives the remaining Direct Loan balance after 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted plan.
The catch
Certify your employment every year and whenever you change employers.
Timing
Year-round; use the PSLF Help Tool to check your employer.
Source: studentaid.govOfficial page

Check accreditation and aid eligibility

Federal aid only goes to students at participating schools. Before you enroll, ask whether the LPN program is eligible for Pell and work-study.

Join before you apply

NBNA requires membership, and its scholarships are open to LPN/LVN students. Check whether your state nursing association offers awards too.

Already a CNA?

Ask your employer about tuition help. Employer educational assistance up to $5,250 a year can be tax-free.

Planning to bridge to RN?

LPN-to-RN students in a degree program can look at the Nurse Corps Scholarship and RN-level association awards.

Studying for the NCLEX? We're putting together a plain-language guide to prep options for RN and PN candidates. Coming soon.

Thinking about the RN degree next?

Nurse Corps pays tuition, fees and a stipend for nursing degree students.

Nurse Corps explained

Before you apply anywhere: the FTC's scam warning signs

  • Fees. The FTC's advice is never to pay to apply for a scholarship. A "processing" or "redemption" fee is a red flag.
  • Guarantees. No legitimate program guarantees you'll win, or offers your money back.
  • Paid FAFSA help. The FAFSA is free. Don't pay anyone to file it, and never share your FSA ID.
  • Bank details "to confirm eligibility." Real sponsors don't need your card or account number to consider you.
  • Surprise "finalist" notices for awards you never applied for, and seminars that pressure you to pay on the spot.

Read the FTC's guide, How To Avoid Scholarship and Financial Aid Scams, and report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

FAQ

Common questions

Can I get a Pell Grant for an LPN program?

Yes, if you qualify and the program is at a school that participates in federal aid. Pell goes to undergraduates with exceptional financial need who don't have a bachelor's degree. File the FAFSA and ask the school's aid office.

Are there national scholarships for LPN students?

A few. The National Black Nurses Association says its scholarships are open to members at all levels from LPN to doctorate, with awards starting at $1,000 per its site as of Nov 2026.

Does Nurse Corps cover LPN school?

The Nurse Corps Scholarship is for students in a nursing degree program at an accredited school. If you're an LPN entering an RN degree program, you can look at it then.