Online Resources & Scholarships for LPN Students
If you want to elevate your career and become an LPN, you may need some help paying for your education. Learn more about LPN/LVN scholarships, grants, and financial aid types, plus get information on eligibility criteria, application tips, and schools funding as you study for your licensed practical/vocational nurse credential.
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Scholarships and Grants for Nursing Students
Becoming a licensed practical nurse (or licensed vocational nurse in California and Texas) is one of the quickest ways to boost your nursing career. It’s a great option if you want to make a difference as a nurse without earning your associate or bachelor’s degree right away, while still giving you the chance to advance your nursing education and career later. With job growth for LPNs and LVNs looking strong for the foreseeable future, now’s a great time to start your journey, whether through a traditional campus-based program or one of the many online LPN programs available.
To make the most of your education and training, you’ll need to know where to find the right help, whether financial, academic, or professional. This guide will show you where to find some of the best financial aid, scholarships, grants and support resources for LPN and LVN students.
Pickering Manor Licensed Practical Nursing Scholarship
Bucks County Community College provides this scholarship to Practical Nursing Certificate students who are graduates of a Bucks County public high school. Priority is given to Council Rock School District graduates. Students are required to enroll, score a 65% or higher on the National League for Nursing pre-entrance exam, and have an 85% or higher grade average.
Amount: $1,000
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A Nurse I Am Scholarship
Cherokee Uniforms provides this scholarship to assist students who are presently enrolled in a full- or part-time LVN/LPN (or undergraduate nursing) program in the United States. The scholarship will benefit students in their quest to pursue nursing education.
Amount: $3,000
Advantage Medical Staffing Scholarship
Advantage Medical Staffing offers a financial aid program to help individuals pursuing a career in the healthcare profession, mainly nursing students, by funding their education costs. It assists future healthcare professionals, especially nurses, with educational financial support.
To be eligible, students must show current enrollment or application to admission to an accredited nursing program and financial need.
Amount: Varies depending upon chosen scholarship
Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) provides this nursing scholarship to nursing students who have been accepted into or are currently enrolled in an accredited nursing school program. Financial need as well as moral character evidenced by volunteer work are required.
Amount: $2,500
Delaware Department of Education Scholarships
The Delaware Department of Education offers educator support nursing scholarships for students attending a Delaware public or private college who intend to pursue a career in education (in a classroom or as a specialist) in specific certifications such as school nurse.
Amount: $5,000
FNSNA Undergraduate General Scholarship Program
The Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association (FNSNA) presents this scholarship to students with demonstrated financial need enrolled and matriculated in a state-approved school of nursing and actively engaged in community health activities and/or nursing organizations.
Amount: $10,000
Madeline Pickett (Halbert) Cogswell Nursing Scholarship
Presented by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), this scholarship is for students enrolled or accepted in an accredited school of nursing. The applicant must also be a member or descendant of an NSDAR member or be eligible for NSDAR membership.
Amount: $2,500
NBNA Scholarships
The National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) provides scholarships to NBNA members and NBNA chapter members (if there is a chapter in the student’s location) who plan to become an LPN/LVN or RN. The scholarship helps students pursue nursing studies and career aspirations.
Amount: Starting at $1,000
Mary Marshall Nursing Scholarship Program
This scholarship, sponsored by the Virginia Department of Health, is for residents of Virginia who are accepted or enrolled as full- or part-time students in a Virginia-licensed practical nursing program. In return for the scholarship, following licensure and graduation, winners commit to a full-time nursing job in Virginia (one month for every $100 award fund). Financial need is also required.
Amount: Varies, typically $1,200
Mildred Nutting Nursing Scholarship
The DAR awards this scholarship to students with financial need who have been accepted or are already enrolled in an accredited nursing program. Preference is given to applicants from the Lowell, Massachusetts area. Full application details are on the scholarship website. Documentation required includes transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and evidence of acceptance or enrollment in the nursing program.
Amount: $2,000
The Keys to Succeed on Scholarship Applications
There are two main parts to winning scholarships. The first is to seek out and apply for awards you qualify for and second, you must make an exceptional impression with the contents of your application package. You’ll face lots of competition with most scholarships, so here are some specific tips for applying to and winning scholarships for your LPN program.
Key #1: Start early
Get going on your scholarship search as soon as possible, preferably at the same time you start your search for your LPN or LVN training program. Starting early also means working on your application package right away and planning for financial wellness. By allowing plenty of time, you can perfect your application, choose the best writers for your letters of recommendation, and produce the best personal statement or essay possible.
Key #2: Be selective, but not too selective
It’s a balancing act. You want to be choosy when it comes to selecting those scholarship programs that you have a good chance of winning, but not so choosy as to limit yourself to just one or two. Remember what we said about competition and don’t rely on winning the biggest scholarship.
Key #3: Don’t shy away from the work
Some scholarship contests really make you work for them, with lots of required documents, like multiple essays and letters of recommendation. Some even ask for a video. Don’t let all that stuff stop you from applying, though. Remember, if you think the extra work isn’t worth your time, others may think so, too, meaning fewer applicants and less competition.
Key #4: Be passionate and specific when writing your essay
Besides your academic qualifications, the best way to impress the scholarship committee is by writing a great essay or personal statement. And since most LPN students will be enrolled in programs at a college in their local areas, you’ll want to emphasize your passion for working in your community.
Key #5: Be aware of deadlines
When it comes to scholarships, getting your scholarship applications submitted by the deadline is most important. If you miss one, it doesn’t matter how well qualified you are or how compelling your essay is, so pay attention to submission dates.
Essential Funding Resources for Nursing Students
Funding your nursing education requires a comprehensive approach. In addition to scholarships, consider exploring grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Budgeting wisely, saving diligently, and understanding loan forgiveness options are essential for long-term financial stability. Don’t forget to investigate employer tuition assistance programs and potential tax benefits.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Financial Aid Resources
AACN provides a comprehensive overview of financial aid options for nursing students, including information on federal and state programs, loan forgiveness opportunities, and resources for minority students.
Guide to Nursing Student Loan Forgiveness
Explore various loan forgiveness programs available to nurses, including federal programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and state-specific programs.
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Funding Opportunities
The HRSA offers a variety of grants and funding opportunities for nursing students, including programs focused on increasing diversity in the nursing workforce and supporting students in underserved communities.
Indian Health Service (IHS) Loan Repayment Program
This program offers loan repayment assistance to healthcare professionals, including nurses, who work in Indian Health Service facilities.
This website offers personalized guidance on student loan repayment strategies, including income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness options.
“The Broke Millennial” by Erin Lowry
This book offers practical advice on budgeting, saving, and managing finances, which can be particularly helpful for students navigating the costs of nursing education. It covers topics like creating a budget, tackling debt, and making smart financial decisions.
This popular podcast provides guidance on personal finance, including debt management, budgeting, and investing. While not nursing-specific, the principles discussed can help students make informed financial choices during their education and beyond.
This website contains several resources and articles about college savings, student loan management, and wealth creation. It is not specifically for nursing students, but it has useful information on financial decision-making and planning that can benefit them. You can find articles that cover how to pay for nursing school, student loan debt management, and student budgeting.
