Guide to Online BSN Programs that Offer Financial Aid

Program Profiles: BSN Programs with Financial Aid

Many online BSN programs accept and offer financial aid to make nursing education more accessible. Schools that accept financial aid allow students to use federal and state resources such as FAFSA-based funding; many schools also offer their own scholarships, grants, or tuition discounts. RN to BSN bridge programs are another excellent choice to save costs, allowing you to study part time and continue to work.

Below are top BSN programs that prioritize affordability through financial aid opportunities.

Financial Aid Eligibility & Application Checklist

Understanding the types of financial assistance available can help you make informed decisions and create a plan that works best for your situation. If the world of financial aid feels overwhelming, take a look at the following resources to reduce your educational costs — and maybe even finish college debt-free while obtaining your Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Here are ways to fund your BSN and make smart financial decisions for your education and future career.

Complete the FAFSA Early

Your first step? Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form determines your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Many schools also use FAFSA info to award institutional aid, so submitting it early gives you the best shot at financial support.

Many BSN programs also use FAFSA data to award institutional scholarships and grants, so applying early increases your chances of getting the best aid package. Some funds, like the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Review Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

Each nursing program has its own set of qualifications. Some are need-based, requiring proof of financial need, while others are merit-based, requiring a minimum GPA or extracurricular involvement.

Many BSN scholarships, like the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program, prioritize students who commit to working in underserved or high-need medical areas after graduation. Reviewing these criteria early will help you focus on the best-fit opportunities and avoid wasting time if you don’t qualify.

Check Deadlines and Apply Early

Missing a deadline could mean missing thousands of dollars in nursing school aid. BSN scholarships, nursing grants, and state-based aid often have strict application deadlines that vary by funding source.

Create a financial aid calendar with important deadlines for federal, state, and institutional nursing aid, and aim to submit applications well before the due date. Many nursing scholarships also require additional materials, so give yourself plenty of time to gather everything you need.

Gather All Necessary Documents

BSN financial aid applications typically require several key documents, including:

• Tax returns and W-2 forms
• Proof of residency
• Academic transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statements or essays

Receive Feedback on Supplemental Materials

Many BSN scholarships require essays, personal statements, or additional materials. Before submitting, get feedback from a professor, nursing mentor, or writing center to ensure your materials are polished and compelling.

Well-written applications stand out in competitive nursing scholarship pools, increasing your chances of securing funding. Take the time to revise and strengthen your submissions before finalizing them.

Review Award Letters

Once you receive your financial aid award letter, carefully compare your grants, nursing scholarships, and loans. Pay attention to:

• What’s free money (grants/scholarships) vs. what needs to be repaid (loans)
• Loan interest rates and repayment terms
• Work-study opportunities that can help cover BSN tuition and expenses
• Institutional vs. external nursing aid and any conditions tied to the funding (e.g., maintaining a minimum GPA or committing to a service requirement)

If you receive multiple award letters, use a cost-benefit analysis to determine which BSN financial aid package makes the most financial sense for you. If needed, reach out to your BSN program’s financial aid office to ask about additional funding options or clarification on terms.

Common Funding Options for BSN Students

Pursuing a BSN degree can be a significant financial investment, but there are numerous funding options available that can help offset costs. These include federal and state financial aid, scholarships, grants, tuition reimbursement programs, and flexible payment plans.

Below, we break down the most common funding sources for BSN students and how to take advantage of these opportunities.

Federal Student Aid

One of the most widely used funding sources for BSN students is federal financial aid, which includes grants, loans, and work-study programs. To qualify, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.

Types of federal include Pell Grants, direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans, and work-study programs. Although these aren’t tied to a BSN degree, they can be helpful in reducing the cost of your studies.

Institutional Aid

Many nursing schools offer institutional scholarships and grants. These are often merit-based or need-based and can significantly lower tuition costs. Additionally, many nursing schools have specific scholarships for BSN students, such as:

• OSU Nursing Scholarships – Financial assistance for students in Ohio State University’s online RN to BSN program.
• UCF Nursing Grants – Tuition assistance for students enrolled in the University of Central Florida’s BSN program.
• University of Providence Tuition Incentive – Discounts for healthcare professionals pursuing a BSN degree.

Payment Plans

Many nursing programs provide tuition payment plans that allow students to spread out the cost of their BSN degree over multiple months instead of paying a lump sum. This option helps reduce your financial burden and makes education more accessible. Schools may offer:

• Interest-free installment plans for tuition payments
• Deferred tuition options for students waiting on financial aid disbursement
• Employer-sponsored tuition payment plans that coordinate direct billing with the student’s workplace

Thomas Edison State University, for example, offers a payment plan specifically for nursing students. The plan allows students to pay 50% ahead of Session 1 start date and the remaining 50 percent on the Friday before Session 2 begins.

Scholarships & Grants

Unlike loans, scholarships and grants provide free financial assistance that does not require repayment. These are available through private organizations, professional associations, and educational institutions. Some popular scholarships and grants for BSN students include:

Examples:

CCI Nursing Scholarship

• Amount: $2,000
• Open to nursing students at all levels, this scholarship supports tuition costs for BSN and advanced nursing programs.

American Red Cross Jane Delano Nursing Student Scholarship

• Amount: $3,000
• This scholarship is awarded to nursing students with a demonstrated commitment to serving communities through healthcare.

Nurse Corps Scholarship Program

• Amount: Full tuition and fees.
• If accepted, this scholarship pays your tuition, fees, and other educational costs, along with a monthly stipend. In return, after you graduate, you agree to work at an eligible health care facility with a critical shortage of nurses.