External Nursing Scholarships

Often, outside organizations or institutions send out scholarship opportunities that appeal to nursing students. A list of external scholarships can be found listed below. Students should check back often, as this is a fluid list that changes frequently. You will need to apply directly to each scholarship individually by following the directions given by the organization offering the award.

If you are the recipient of an external scholarship, checks should be sent to:

MU Financial Aid Office
11 Jesse Hall
Columbia, MO 65211

Please make checks payable to the University of Missouri and include the student’s name, MU student ID number and address. Any questions or concerns regarding a particular external scholarship should be directed to the organization associated with the award.

AACN Scholarships & Financial AidThe American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) provides information regarding a variety of scholarship and financial aid options.
ACLS Training AssociationA listing of numerous scholarships with varying requirements.
AcruxKC Nursing ScholarshipsAcruxKC awards nursing scholarships each year to students enrolled in a traditional program leading to RN certification. Accelerated students may also apply with certain restrictions. The scholarships are awarded to full-time students who have and maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA, who have completed their prerequisite courses, and are in their last two years of their program. 
American Academy of CPR and First AidThe American Academy of CPR and First Aid offers the “Save a Life” Scholarship for $1500 every fall and spring semester.
American Association for Men in NursingThe American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN) Foundation offers varying scholarships dependent upon the generosity of their members and donors.
Baron & Budd Mesothelioma Cancer Victims Memorial ScholarshipsTwo $2500 scholarships for best video and essay submissions about how cancer has impacted your life.
Coursey Enterprises    Offers scholarships each fall and spring for first-year nursing students. Applications are accepted between September 1 and June 1 for the spring scholarship and between February 1 and May 1 for the fall scholarship.
Diversity Nursing Education AwardVisit DiversityNursing.com and register for their annual $5000 education award. DiversityNursing.com is a is a Career Job Board and Information Resource for all Nurses.
Drug Rehab USA Mental Health ScholarshipA $2000 award to support aspiring mental health professionals, including psychiatric nurses. Applicants must be committed to making a difference in the field of mental health and demonstrate a passion for improving the lives of others. 
EduMed Scholarships  Provides scholarship resources for students pursuing careers in healthcare.
EduMed Scholarship Resources for Women  Provides a list of scholarship resources specifically for women pursuing careers in healthcare.
F.A. Davis Nursing ScholarshipF.A. Davis offers scholarships each year to students studying nursing and health sciences.
Greater Lee’s Summit Health Care Foundation For students who have lived for five years in Lee’s Summit, or graduated from a Lee’s Summit high school, with at least three semesters of college-level health care studies.
Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) – U.S.  ArmyThe U.S. Army can help pay for nursing degree programs for active duty and reserve members.
Heart of Healthcare Nursing ScholarshipThis award is offered by BestNursingDegree.com. One student will receive a $1000 scholarship that can be used toward all educational expenses. Recently accepted or currently enrolled students in any BSN, MSN, or DNP program (any specialty) are eligible to apply.
Illinois Farm Bureau Rural Nurse Practitioner Scholarship  Award recipients must agree to practice in a rural area of Illinois for two years as a part of the ongoing effort to increase health care services in rural areas. Requires Illinois residency, must be a registered nurse in the state of Illinois, and have current acceptance in a university nurse practitioner program.
Kansas City Area Health Care Recruiters Association (KCAHCRA) Scholarship$1000 and $500 scholarships for students enrolled in an accredited nursing program.
The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, LLC Healthcare Professional ScholarshipA $1000 Healthcare Professional Scholarship to support the education of a student pursuing a career in healthcare that requires a professional license.
Mesothelioma.com ScholarshipAwards $4000 annually to a student whose life has been impacted by cancer.
Missouri League for NursingThe MLN recognizes the need to help qualified students achieve their nursing career goals.  The amount of scholarships vary, depending on the criteria outlined in the “Rules and Regulations.”  Note to Students:  All scholarship applications MUST come from your dean.  Applications submitted directly from a student will not be considered. Students must be enrolled full-time.
National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners The Foundation Research Grant Program application is available to NAPNAP members. Other awards are available as well. See website for details
National CPR AssociationIn recognition of your commitment to helping others through practice of a medical profession, National CPR Association invites you to join their Healthcare Training Scholarship Plan to aid you in your endeavors to become a qualified professional in your chosen field. Anyone enrolled in a college program (undergraduate or graduate track) can enter.
National Health Service CorpsThe NHSC provides a scholarship program to graduate nursing students who are committed to primary care and accepted to or enrolled in a fully accredited training program.  The scholarship pays tuition, fees, other educational costs and provides a living stipend in return for a commitment to work at least 2 years at an approved outpatient facility in a medically underserved community.  The Scholarship Program accepts applications once each year
Nurse.orgThe Healthcare Leaders Scholarship is offered to students entering or currently pursuing an educational program related to nursing or medicine. Students must be at least 17 years of age and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Nurse Practitioner Healthcare FoundationThe Nurse Practitioner Healthcare Foundation (NPHF) seeks funding to support NP graduate students as well as NP clinicians through scholarship and award programs for research, advances in clinical practice, and patient education.  Encouraging research and innovation in NP practice, in addition to helping NP graduate students attain their degrees, are key focal points of the NPHF.
Nursing License Map-scholarship ListsProvides lists of scholarships, grants, and fellowships for undergraduate and graduate Nursing students.
P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship FundThe P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund provides scholarships for selected international women for graduate study in the United States and Canada. Maximum $12,500 annually, depending on need. Visit peointernational.org to learn more about eligibility and request an application.
The Recovery VillageRecovery Village is a mental health organization with locations across the country, dedicated to helping those struggling with substance abuse into recovery. Their website provides a list of scholarship opportunities for students pursuing careers related to substance abuse and mental health.
Health Professional Loan Repayment Program – MO Dept. of Health & Senior ServicesHealth Professional Nursing Student Loans: Offers forgivable loans to students pursuing careers as licensed practical nurses or professional nurses in exchange for service in an underserved area in Missouri upon completion of education. For Missouri residents. Applications accepted between January 1 and March 1 each year.
Office of Rural Health and Primary Care – MO Dept. of Health & Senior ServicesNurse Loan Repayment Program:
Provides loan repayment assistance to licensed professional nurses, advanced practice nurses, and registered nurses who agree to practice in a Health Professional Shortage Area of Missouri. Applications accepted between January 1 and March 1 each year.
Saint Francis Healthcare Scholarship ProgramThe organization offers 22 scholarships of up to $2000 annually to students pursuing careers in health care.
Specialized Training Assistance Program (STRAP)Army and National Guard Program: All MSN STRAP applicants must provide proof of unconditional acceptance into the education program for which they’re seeking funding. Participants receive a monthly stipend (around $2000). HPLRP loans may additionally be offered. For every six months’ stipend, the recipient will incur a one-year service obligation.
The Foundation of the National Student Nurses AssociationThe Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association (FNSNA) was created in 1969 to honor Frances Tompkins, the Association’s first Executive Director. Organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, FNSNA awards scholarships to qualified nursing students annually.
Travel Nurse Across AmericaTravel Nurse Across America, a travel nurse staffing agency, offers a $2500 scholarship for students seeking a BSN degree.
University HQA free educational resource for helping students find the best scholarships available.
8 and 40 Nurses ScholarshipThe 8 & 40 is rooted in supporting the medical community, specifically those professionals directly involved in respiratory illnesses in children. The organization offers the National Nurses & Respiratory Scholarship: Applications are accepted between January 1 and May 15 each year.

Please note: The above awards are not affiliated with MU or the Sinclair School of Nursing. The University is not responsible for the contents or reliability of any other websites to which we provide a link or download, and does not necessarily endorse the views expressed within them. Students should always use caution when providing personal information to any third party and should never pay money to secure a scholarship.

Personal Essay

Chances are pretty good that you are going to need to write an essay or personal statement to include with your application. How you tell your story can really make or break your chances of winning. Read through SuperCollege.com’s “How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay” to take the guess work out of writing. When you’re ready to work your writing magic, be sure to make an appointment at the MU Writing Center for help along the way and gather feedback.