[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″]The nation’s nurses carry nearly $50 billion combined in student debt.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing students can get grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study support to help pay for their nursing education.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Government loans can offer lower rates, flexible repayment options, and loan forgiveness in exchange for fulfilling specific service commitments.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Are you interested in nursing school but worried about paying for your nursing degree? You’re not alone. More than half of [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/best-rn-programs-by-state/”]registered nurses (RN)[/hen-ui-link] went into debt for their degree, and the nation’s RNs owe a combined $48 billion in nursing school debt, according to the 2022 [hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/Nurse-Survey-Fact-Sheet-2024.pdf” target=”_blank”]National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]But there is good news for current and future nursing students: [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]financial aid for nurses[/hen-ui-link] can help you cover tuition and other educational expenses. These options include private and government-funded [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/nursing-scholarships/”]nursing scholarships and grants[/hen-ui-link], loan repayment programs, and employee tuition reimbursement programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide provides an overview of the many ways you can pay for nursing school, including a listing of scholarship and loan repayment programs that you could use to help reduce and eliminate your student debt.[/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″]Types of Financial Aid for Nursing Students[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Financial aid for nursing comes in various forms. It’s important to understand the different options, along with the application requirements. Creating a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/nursing-jobs-to-pay-off-student-loans/”]nursing school personal budget[/hen-ui-link] can also help you see how far your money will take you while in school.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Financial aid can come from many sources, including federal and state governments, private foundations, professional associations, and higher education institutions. Each funding source will have different rules regarding use and repayment. For example, private loans typically have more conditions than government loans.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Categories of financial aid include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Grants for Nursing Students”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Grants are a great option for students with limited financial resources. Many grants offer need-based funding. Other qualifications may include location, degree type, and GPA. Grants do not require repayment, as long as students adhere to the funding terms.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Scholarships for Nursing Students”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many nursing scholarships are available, including for specific groups including [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/msn-degree-scholarships/”]master of science in nursing (MSN) scholarship programs[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/nursing-scholarships-for-men/”]nursing scholarships for men[/hen-ui-link], and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/financial-aid-for-marginalized-students/”]scholarships for minority students[/hen-ui-link]. These scholarships award funding to learners with exceptional academic records and tend to be competitive. Application requirements vary but usually include academic records, an essay, and reference letters. Like grants, students do not need to repay nursing scholarships.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Work-Study Programs for Nursing Students”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Work-study programs allow students who qualify for federal funding to work part time at their school or a local community organization in exchange for funding. Students can apply through the work-study office at their school, which matches them with roles that fit their schedules. Recipients can apply these funds directly to educational costs or use them for living costs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Loans for Nursing Students”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Federal and private lenders give loans to nursing students. Federal loans offer more repayment options than private loans and lower interest rates. After submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), students may qualify for various government-backed loan options. Unlike other financial aid options, loans require repayment.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Types of Loans[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most nurses take out loans to pay for their degree. In 2022, [hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/Nurse-Survey-Fact-Sheet-2024.pdf” target=”_blank”]51% of RNs[/hen-ui-link] said they borrowed for nursing school, with 45% using federal loans.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Understanding the key differences among loan types can help borrowers avoid costly mistakes and [hen-ui-link href=”https://studentaid.gov/articles/avoid-student-loan-forgiveness-scams/” target=”_blank”]student loan forgiveness scams.[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What types of loans should nursing students choose? Prioritize federal loans first, because they offer lower interest rates and more repayment options. And federal subsidized loans defer interest until after graduation. Here’s what nursing students need to know before taking out loans for their degree.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Federal vs. Private Loans”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The government awards federal student loans, while banks and credit unions offer private student loans. Federal student loans offer fixed interest rates, which are generally lower than those for private loans and far lower than those for credit cards.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students apply for federal loans by submitting the [hen-ui-link href=”https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa” target=”_blank”]FAFSA form[/hen-ui-link]. Federal loans do not require repayment until after borrowers leave nursing school. These loans offer deferment and forbearance options. Private loans typically offer none of these benefits.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The federal government also provides [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/student-loan-forgiveness-for-nurses/”]student loan forgiveness for nurses[/hen-ui-link], such as through the [hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/apply-loan-repayment/nurse-corps” target=”_blank”]Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program[/hen-ui-link]. After graduating, these students must agree to work in a public service role in a high-need area for a set amount of time.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Those who borrow private loans should look for lenders with the lowest interest rates and fair repayment terms. Private loan applications require a credit check, and those with bad or no credit may not qualify. To apply, contact a local bank or credit union.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Subsidized Loans vs. Unsubsidized Loans”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The federal government offers [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]subsidized and unsubsidized nursing student loans[/hen-ui-link]. Nursing students apply for both loan types through the FAFSA application.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Subsidized loans support undergraduate students with financial need. While enrolled in nursing school, the government pays the accumulating interest on subsidized loans. Recipients become responsible for paying interest after leaving school or graduating.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both undergrads and grad students can take out unsubsidized loans. They do not require credit score minimums or evidence of financial need. Interest on the loan amount accumulates during a student’s time in school and becomes their responsibility whenever they leave or graduate school.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Colleges determine the amount of money nursing students can borrow. The institution bases this number on the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/how-much-does-nursing-school-cost/”]nursing program’s cost[/hen-ui-link] and the amount of funding students have already received.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Government Assistance Programs for Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Government assistance programs that help pay for nursing school include those funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the military. Many of these programs include a service component after graduation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to these federal programs for nurses, research nursing school grants and scholarships offered by your state government.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/loans-scholarships/nurse-corps/scholarship” target=”_blank”]Nurse Corps[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The HRSA offers scholarships through its Nurse Corps program. This scholarship covers tuition, eligible fees, and reasonable costs for books and materials. Recipients also receive a monthly stipend.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents enrolled in an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/what-is-accreditation/”]accredited nursing diploma[/hen-ui-link] or degree program. Recipients agree to a minimum of two years working at a critical shortage facility in a health professional shortage area after graduation.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/875″ target=”_blank”]Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]HRSA awards grants to health professions schools to provide scholarships for eligible students, including nursing students.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Eligible students must be U.S. nationals, citizens, or permanent residents, enrolled in nursing degree programs, and considered low or very low income. Funding can be used for tuition, school expenses, and housing. Nursing students apply through their school’s financial aid office.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/specialty-careers/medical” target=”_blank”]Army Nurse Corps[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The U.S. Army’s Health Profession Scholarship program, which includes nursing students, pays for four years of tuition, books and equipment, and school fees. The scholarship also provides a monthly stipend, food and housing allowance, access to low-cost healthcare, and a $5,000 sign-on bonus with officer’s-level pay during school breaks.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In return, scholarship recipients commit to serving in the Army Nurse Corps in critical care, emergency trauma, gynecology/obstetrics, mental health, or perioperative nursing. Applicants must have active duty status, qualification as a commissioned officer, and full-time nursing school enrollment.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Navy Nurse Corps[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Navy Nurse Corps is open to prospective and current nursing students and practicing nurses. College juniors and seniors enrolled full-time receive a monthly stipend. Both students and practicing nurses receive sign-on bonuses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Those participating in the Navy Nurse Corps receive comprehensive health and life insurance, 30 days of paid vacation, and access to military recreational facilities around the world.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Loan Repayment for Nursing School Graduates[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses qualify for state and federal [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/student-loan-forgiveness-for-nurses/”]loan repayment programs[/hen-ui-link]. Eligible nurses teach, conduct research, and work in understaffed areas and facilities in exchange for loan repayment funds. Most repayment programs require a two-year service contract.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing students should research loan repayment programs offered at the state level in addition to these federal programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/loans-scholarships/nurse-corps/loan-repayment-program” target=”_blank”]Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]HRSA’s Nurse Corps Repayment Program pays 85% of the education debt owed by eligible registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, and nurse faculty.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses must work for two years at a critical shortage facility, an area that needs primary care providers or mental health professionals. They can also work at an eligible nursing school. A third year of service awards an additional 25% repayment.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repayment/nhsc-loan-repayment-program.html” target=”_blank”]National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, administered through HRSA, provides loan repayment to licensed primary care clinicians in eligible disciplines, including nurse practitioners and certified-nurse midwives. Awardees commit to working for two years in a health professional shortage area and receive up to $75,000 for full-time service and $37,500 for half-time service.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Loan repayment eligibility requires U.S. citizenship or nationality; caring for Medicare, Medicaid, and state children’s health insurance patients; working at an NHSC-approved site; and completing training and licensure.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/loans-scholarships/flrp” target=”_blank”]Faculty Loan Repayment[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Health professionals, including registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses, can apply for HRSA’s Faculty Loan Repayment Program. Eligibility requires a disadvantaged background, a nursing degree or diploma, and a two-year agreement to serve on the faculty of a nursing school.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The program offers up to $40,000 of loan repayment assistance, plus funding to offset the taxes.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ihs.gov/loanrepayment/” target=”_blank”]Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The federal Indian Health Service repays up to $50,000 of health professionals’ education loans in exchange for a two-year commitment of full-time work at an American Indian or Alaska Native healthcare facility identified as needing staff.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The program does not require membership in federally recognized tribes but does give members priority consideration. Applicants submit college transcripts, current licensure, employment verification, and loan documentation. Participants are eligible to extend their contracts annually until their debt is paid.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nursing School Tuition Reimbursement from Employers[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/nursing-jobs-to-pay-off-student-loans/”]nursing jobs help employees cover education costs[/hen-ui-link], such as tuition or continuing education courses. Tuition reimbursement programs pay back employees for eligible educational costs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Currently, 42% of employers offer education benefits, according to the 2[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/research/employee-benefits-survey” target=”_blank”]024 SHRM Employee Benefits Survey[/hen-ui-link]. This employee benefit, typically administered through the employer’s human resources department, offers up to $5,250 each year in tuition reimbursement.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Individual companies set eligibility requirements, which usually include staying at the organization while enrolled and for a set amount of time after graduating. This money does not require repayment so long as the recipient meets the specific terms.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Financial Aid for Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can FAFSA be used for nursing school?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, FAFSA can be used for nursing school. Nursing students can qualify for grants, scholarships, assistance programs, and loans by submitting the FAFSA. The federal government uses the FAFSA to award federal student aid, including the Pell Grant. States, colleges, and scholarship organizations also use the FAFSA to award financial aid for nurses.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is there a way to get nursing school paid for?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, nursing students qualify for many forms of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and loan repayment programs. Current RNs advancing their education may also qualify for tuition reimbursement through their healthcare employer. Nursing students can research their financial aid options to lower the cost of nursing school.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How do most people pay for nursing school?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Around half of nurses borrow money to pay for nursing school, according to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/Nurse-Survey-Fact-Sheet-2024.pdf” target=”_blank”]National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses[/hen-ui-link]. Nursing students can also use scholarships, grants, and employer tuition reimbursement programs to cover costs. After graduation, nurses qualify for many loan forgiveness programs that can help pay off their student loans.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is the government paying for people to become nurses?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, the government offers several assistance programs to pay for people to become nurses. For example, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/loans-scholarships/nurse-corps/scholarship” target=”_blank”]Nurse Corps[/hen-ui-link] program covers tuition for nursing school, while the [hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/loans-scholarships/nurse-corps/loan-repayment-program” target=”_blank”]Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program[/hen-ui-link] pays off 85% of student loans in exchange for two years working at a critical shortage facility.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]