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Nurse practitioner scholarships

Scholarships for Nurse Practitioner Students

Graduate nursing students lose access to Pell Grants, so the money shifts to service scholarships, association awards and loan repayment once you're practicing.

A nursing student studying at a kitchen table at night with a stethoscope beside her textbook
Verified options

Funding for NP, DNP and graduate nursing students

Service scholarshipVerified Nov 7, 2026

National Health Service Corps Scholarship

HRSA, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services

NP & grad
Who it's for
Full-time students in primary care disciplines, including nurse practitioner tracks (adult, family, geriatrics, primary care pediatrics, psychiatric mental health, women's health) and nurse midwifery. U.S. citizens or nationals only; a green card does not qualify.
What it pays
A scholarship for your primary care training, paid in exchange for service.
The catch
Scholars serve in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) after training.
Timing
For 2026-27, HRSA only considered students whose classes began by September 30, 2026.
Source: nhsc.hrsa.govOfficial page
Service scholarshipVerified Nov 7, 2026

Nurse Corps Scholarship Program

HRSA, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services

RN (ADN)BSNNP & grad
Who it's for
Students accepted to or enrolled in a nursing degree program at an accredited U.S. school of nursing. Open to U.S. citizens, nationals and lawful permanent residents; HRSA gives preference to applicants with the greatest financial need.
What it pays
Tuition, eligible fees and reasonable costs (books, clinical supplies, uniforms), plus a monthly stipend. HRSA says the entire award is taxable.
The catch
After you graduate, you work at an eligible health care facility with a critical shortage of nurses.
Timing
The 2026 cycle is closed. HRSA says 2026 applicants will hear by September 30, 2026; the page offers email alerts for the next cycle.
Source: bhw.hrsa.govOfficial page
Graduate scholarshipVerified Nov 7, 2026

AANP Scholarships

American Association of Nurse Practitioners

NP & grad
Who it's for
AANP members enrolled in an accredited NP-track master's, DNP or nursing PhD program.
What it pays
$2,500 to $5,000 toward tuition, paid to your school, per the sponsor's site as of Nov 2026.
The catch
Membership is required.
Timing
The 2026 cycle closed in March.
Source: aanp.orgOfficial page
Graduate scholarshipVerified Nov 7, 2026

Nurses Educational Funds (NEF)

Nurses Educational Funds

NP & grad
Who it's for
Nurses pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice or research.
What it pays
Graduate scholarships. NEF reports 34 awards for the 2026-2027 cycle.
The catch
Check the application for current requirements.
Timing
Applications are open with a deadline in February 2027, per the sponsor's site as of Nov 2026.
Source: n-e-f.orgOfficial page
Association scholarshipVerified Nov 7, 2026

NAHN Scholarships

National Association of Hispanic Nurses

BSNNP & grad
Who it's for
NAHN members in good standing. The 2026 awards covered BSN, nurse practitioner (MSN or DNP) and PhD students, plus a scholarship for students at partner school campuses.
What it pays
For 2026, the Abbott Scholarship Fund offered eight $10,000 awards, per the sponsor's site as of Nov 2026.
The catch
Membership is required before the deadline.
Timing
Applications are closed for 2026; check back for the next cycle.
Source: nahnnet.orgOfficial 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
After graduation

Paying down graduate debt

Loan repaymentVerified Nov 7, 2026

Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program

HRSA, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services

RN (ADN)BSNNP & grad
Who it's for
Licensed RNs, advanced practice registered nurses (such as nurse practitioners) and nurse faculty with qualifying nursing school debt, working full time at an eligible critical shortage facility or accredited school of nursing.
What it pays
60% of your outstanding qualifying nursing loans over a two-year contract, with a possible third year for another 25% (up to 85% in total), per the sponsor's site as of Nov 2026. Payments are taxable.
The catch
Two years of full-time work at a critical shortage facility, or as faculty at an eligible nursing school.
Timing
The 2026 cycle is closed; HRSA notifies 2026 applicants by September 30, 2026.
Source: bhw.hrsa.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
Loan repaymentVerified Nov 7, 2026

STAR Loan Repayment Program

HRSA, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services

RN (ADN)BSNNP & grad
Who it's for
Licensed clinicians in an eligible discipline who work full time in substance use disorder treatment at an approved facility. HRSA lists it among its programs for nurses.
What it pays
Up to $250,000 in education loan repayment, per the sponsor's site as of Nov 2026.
The catch
Six years of full-time work at a STAR-approved facility.
Timing
The 2026 cycle is closed; the page offers alerts for the next one.
Source: bhw.hrsa.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

Things to check before you apply

  • Your NP track. NHSC only takes primary care disciplines: adult, family, geriatrics, primary care pediatrics, psychiatric mental health and women's health NPs, plus nurse midwives.
  • Citizenship. NHSC requires U.S. citizenship or nationality; a permanent resident card is not accepted. Nurse Corps accepts lawful permanent residents.
  • Membership dates. AANP and NAHN require membership in good standing before their deadlines.
  • Full-time status. NHSC requires full-time enrollment, which matters if you plan to keep working while in school.

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 nurse practitioner students get the NHSC scholarship?

Yes, if you're in a primary care NP track (adult, family, geriatrics, primary care pediatrics, psychiatric mental health or women's health) or nurse midwifery, enrolled full time, and a U.S. citizen or national.

How much are AANP scholarships?

AANP says awardees may receive $2,500 to $5,000 for tuition, paid to the school, per its site as of Nov 2026. You must be an AANP member in an accredited graduate program.

Can I get a Pell Grant for an NP program?

Generally no. Pell usually goes to undergraduates who haven't earned a bachelor's degree. Graduate students can still use Federal Work-Study at participating schools.