Are you looking for ways to lower the cost of your nursing degree? With tuition, clinical fees, books, and living expenses continuing to rise, nursing students increasingly rely on scholarships and grants to support their education. For 2026, there are several opportunities from national organizations, foundations, government programs, and professional associations that offer financial awards to undergraduate, graduate, and professional nursing students.
Below is a comprehensive overview of nursing scholarships and grants available for 2026, with eligibility details and timing where available.
March of Dimes Nursing Scholarships
The March of Dimes is a nonprofit focused on improving the health of mothers and babies. It awards scholarships to nursing students whose careers focus on maternal and infant health care.
Undergraduate Nursing Scholarships
- Open to students enrolled in accredited undergraduate nursing programs.
- Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to maternal and infant health.
- Awards are typically up to $10,000 per recipient.
Expected 2026 Deadline: Most March of Dimes nursing scholarships have deadlines in March 2026.
Graduate Nursing Scholarships
- Open to registered nurses enrolled in accredited master’s or doctoral nursing programs.
- Awards are commonly up to $10,000.
- A top graduate recipient may receive the prestigious Dr. Margaret Comerford Freda Award.
Expected 2026 Deadline: Graduate nursing scholarship deadlines typically fall in late March 2026.
These scholarships help support students dedicated to improving maternal-child health outcomes.
Major Nursing Grants for 2026
In addition to scholarships that directly fund students, there are grant programs that provide financial support for research, service, or educational projects in nursing.
Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
- A federal program that pays tuition, fees, and a monthly stipend for nursing students.
- Recipients agree to work in a Critical Shortage Facility after graduation.
- While the application cycle for 2025 has closed, the 2026 cycle is expected to open soon and is a major avenue for funding nursing education through service.
This program directly covers educational costs in exchange for service commitments in underserved areas.
NCSBN Research Grants
- The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) offers research grants to support nursing policy and regulatory projects.
- Grants may be awarded up to $300,000.
- Submission due dates for 2026 include April 3 and October 2, 2026.
These grants are ideal for nurses involved in research rather than traditional student aid.
NLN Nursing Education Research Grants
- The National League for Nursing (NLN) offers multiple grants ranging from $2,500 to $30,000.
- Available to graduate students and nurse educators conducting research or contributing to nursing education innovation.
ENA Foundation Grants
- The Emergency Nurses Association Foundation provides implementation grants of around $500 and larger research grants up to $30,000 for emergency nursing research projects.
NASN Research Grants
- The National Association of School Nurses offers small grants ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 to support school nursing research or related projects.
These grant opportunities may not be traditional “tuition support,” but they provide valuable funding for nurses engaged in research or education projects.
Additional Scholarships and Grants for Nursing Students
Beyond March of Dimes and major federal programs, numerous organizations offer nursing scholarships or grant funding:
Federal and National Programs
- FNSNA Scholarships: The Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association offers awards (up to around $10,000) based on academic performance, leadership, and financial need.
- Nurse.org & Bold.org Scholarships: Comprehensive lists of hundreds of scholarships and grant opportunities for nursing students at various levels.
- Uniform Advantage/AACN Nursing Scholarships: Partnership scholarships for graduate nursing students.
- Sigma Foundation Scholarships: Provides funding for students and nurses enrolled in advanced nursing programs through scholarship grants.
- DAR Nursing Scholarships: The Daughters of the American Revolution offers multiple nursing scholarships for students demonstrating financial need and academic commitment.
- Tylenol Future Care Scholarship Program: A national healthcare scholarship that includes nursing students among its recipients.
Specialty Grants and Organizational Support
- Many professional nursing organizations list grants for nurse educators, researchers, and practitioners (e.g., research grants, leadership awards).
- Some state nursing associations and local foundations also provide regional or need-based grants for nursing students.
Tips for Applying Successfully in 2026
- Apply early for federal and national scholarships, as many deadlines fall in March, April, or May 2026.
- Complete the FAFSA early to qualify for federal aid and to help determine eligibility for need-based grants and scholarships.
- Tailor personal statements to reflect your commitment to nursing, leadership skills, and professional goals.
- For research or project grants, ensure your proposal clearly articulates objectives, methodology, and impact.
There are robust options for nursing students seeking financial support through scholarships and grants in 2026. From nationally competitive awards like those from March of Dimes and federal programs, to research and project grants supporting nurses in academia and clinical settings, aspiring nurses have multiple pathways to funding their education and professional development.
Early preparation and careful review of eligibility requirements will help applicants maximize their financial support.
