Home Online Schools Nursing Programs (RN) Financial Aid

Find Online Nursing Programs with Financial Aid

Earning a nursing degree online can help you balance your studies with work and personal commitments and may be even more accessible with financial aid. Many online nursing schools accept FAFSA and offer institutional scholarships, grants, and flexible payment plans to reduce tuition and minimize debt.

In this guide, you’ll discover top nursing programs with financial aid, information on funding options, and key steps to secure financial support. Whether you’re pursuing an ADN, BSN, MSN, or DNP, we’ll help you find the right program and maximize your financial aid opportunities.

Black and white portrait of a smiling woman with blonde hair, wearing earrings and a dark sweater, standing in front of lush foliage.
Author: Taylor Cromwell, BA
Editor: Kimberly Zaski

Jump To Section

Find Your Online Degree

  1. Take our quiz
  2. Match with schools
  3. Connect with favorites
I want my
In

Program Profiles: Nursing Programs with Financial Aid

One of the quickest ways to start your nursing career is by pursuing an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Several online and hybrid ADN programs accept FAFSA and financial aid, and since ADN programs often have lower tuition, you can reduce costs upfront and still take advantage of financial aid options.

While these programs offer most of their coursework online, part of any nursing program is in-person clinicals. The clinical component varies — for some programs, you may be able to complete the in-person requirements in your hometown, while others will require you to travel to designated partnering facilities.

Herzing University

Herzing University offers several online BSN programs. If you are just entering the nursing world, you can enroll in their BSN program with no nursing background, or if you already have your ADN, you can explore their online RN-BSN completion program. If you have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, you can enroll in their direct entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree but know you want to pursue a graduate nursing degree, you can also earn dual credit toward an MSN through their BSN program. With a flexible, remote-friendly BSN program, you are only required to be on campus during three intensives at either a Herzing location or a partner site. Clinicals are also in-person at various placement sites.

As an online nursing school that accepts FAFSA and offers financial aid, Herzing has several options to help make nursing school affordable regardless of the degree path you choose. Military and veteran discounts, scholarships, and grants are just some of the many funding opportunities available.

Mode: Online with in-person clinicals

Cost: Varies (see tuition calculator here)

Types of Aid: Grants, scholarships, military and veteran discounts

Drexel University

If you are interested in pursuing a leadership role in nursing, consider one of the several online nursing programs from Drexel University.

Drexel University’s Online Master of Nursing program offers four concentrations: Clinical Nurse Leader, Leadership in Health Systems Management, Nursing Education, and Quality, Safety, and Risk Management in Healthcare. These concentrations prepare students for various leadership positions, and are eligible for financial aid and FAFSA.

Additional savings are available for Drexel University alums, military members, and those with partner organizations.

Mode: Online

Cost: $1,481/credit hour

Types of Aid: Scholarships, military discounts, private grants and loans, payment plans

Rasmussen University

Rasmussen University’s hybrid ADN program is offered primarily online, coupled with in-person simulations and clinical experiences at one of their 17 campuses. Rasmussen University offers several start times at their various campuses, making it easy to begin at a time that suits your schedule and obligations. Practicing LPNs can take advantage of the LPN to RN bridge program; students entering the program without any post-secondary education can complete all necessary pre-nursing coursework as part of the program.

Rasmussen University not only accepts FAFSA but offers several options for financial aid. You can pay significantly less for your program if you or your partner are in the military, you work for a partner corporation that offers discounts through Rasmussen University, or you transfer credits.

Unique to Rasmussen is its Transfer and Other Knowledge Credit Program that allows students to pay a small fee to take assessments demonstrating mastery of a corresponding course and receive credit. Rasmussen University estimates indicate that students who took self-directed assessments saved an average of $1,640 in 2020. You can also get credit for professional certifications and military experience relevant to your degree program.

Mode: Online with in-person clinicals

Cost: $449/credit (full cost varies)

Types of Aid: Grants, military benefits, credit transfer programs, loan repayment plans

FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:

Financial Aid Eligibility & Application Checklist

Paying for nursing school doesn’t have to be stressful if you know where to look. The right mix of grants, scholarships, and flexible payment options can significantly cut your costs. The keys to success are timing, preparation, and maximizing opportunities that will lower your overall cost.

This checklist will help you stay organized, meet deadlines, and unlock financial aid resources that best fit your nursing career path, whether you are pursuing an ADN, BSN, MSN or DNP.

Complete the FAFSA Early

Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is essential for securing financial aid for your nursing degree. FAFSA determines eligibility for Pell Grants, work-study, and student loans, and some nursing scholarships require FAFSA completion as a prerequisite. Apply early to maximize your chances of receiving aid before funds run out.

Review Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

Financial aid programs vary based on income, GPA, program accreditation, and residency status. Some nursing-specific grants and scholarships like the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program prioritize students working in underserved communities. Understanding each program’s eligibility requirements ensures you apply for the funding you’re most likely to receive.

Check Deadlines and Apply Early

Applying early offers many advantages. While some programs have rolling admissions and several start dates throughout the year, others have strict deadlines for applications. Either way, it’s best to give yourself plenty of time to write, gather, and submit your application materials.

Applying early not only allows the admissions team to reach out if anything else is needed but also allows you time to speak with the financial aid office to understand better what options might be available. Some scholarships and financial aid options may also be offered on a first come, first served basis.

Gather All Necessary Documents

Many financial aid applications require:

  • Tax returns and W-2 forms (for federal aid verification)
  • Proof of residency (for state-based aid)
  • Academic transcripts (for merit-based scholarships)
  • Letters of recommendation (for competitive nursing scholarships)
  • Personal statements/essays (for need-based grants and funding opportunities)

Receive Feedback on Supplemental Materials

Many nursing scholarships require essays or personal statements. Have a professor, mentor, or writing center review your submission to ensure your materials stand out. Well-written applications improve your chances of securing competitive awards.

Review Award Letters

Once accepted, compare financial aid award letters to assess grants, loans, and scholarships. Consider:

  • Free aid (grants/scholarships) vs. repayable loans
  • Loan repayment terms and interest rates
  • Tuition coverage vs. out-of-pocket expenses
  • Work-study opportunities

Contact your school’s financial aid office if you need clarification or additional funding resources.

Common Funding Options for Online Nursing Students

Earning a nursing degree online is a major investment, but the good news is there are multiple funding options available to help cover your tuition, clinical fees, books, and living expenses.

From federal aid to scholarships, grants, and employer reimbursement programs, knowing where to look and how to apply can help reduce your education costs and minimize debt.

Federal Student Aid

For most nursing students, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the gateway to financial assistance. Filing the FAFSA early can unlock funding such as:

  • Pell Grants – Need-based grants that don’t require repayment, available to undergraduate students
  • Federal Work-Study Programs – Provides part-time employment to help students earn money while studying
  • Direct Subsidized Loans – Low-interest loans where the government pays interest while you’re in school
  • Direct Unsubsidized Loans – Available to undergraduate and graduate students, with interest accruing immediately

Institutional Aid

Many nursing schools offer internal grants and scholarships to help students reduce costs. These may be need-based, merit-based, or tied to specific nursing pathways, such as leadership or rural healthcare initiatives.

Many local hospitals and healthcare organizations offer tuition reimbursement scholarships in exchange for a service commitment after graduation. Be sure to check hospital websites in your area.

Payment Plans

Many online nursing programs offer monthly payment plans to help students break tuition into manageable installments rather than paying upfront or taking out large loans.

Here are some examples of nursing schools that offer payment plans:

  • Western Governors University (WGU): Charges tuition per six-month term, allowing students to graduate faster and save money
  • Rasmussen University: Offers customized payment plans to fit students’ budgets
  • Southern New Hampshire University: Provides interest-free tuition installment plans

Scholarships & Grants

Unlike loans, scholarships and grants don’t need to be repaid. Many professional organizations, hospitals, and private foundations offer scholarships for nursing students, especially those willing to work in critical-need areas.

Nurse Corps Scholarship Program

  • Amount: Full tuition, fees, and a monthly stipend
  • Eligibility: Nursing students committing to work in a critical shortage facility post-graduation

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Scholarship

  • Amount: Varies (several awards are available)
  • Eligibility: Nursing students in AACN member schools; includes BSN, MSN, or DNP programs

Johnson & Johnson Nursing Scholarship

  • Amount: Varies (several awards are available)
  • Eligibility: Open to students demonstrating academic excellence and a commitment to patient care; ADN, BSN, and MSN students are eligible to apply

Find more scholarships for nursing students

Back to top
Black and white portrait of a smiling woman with blonde hair, wearing earrings and a dark sweater, standing in front of lush foliage.

Taylor Cromwell, BA AUTHOR

Taylor is a freelance writer and content strategist with a passion for empowering students and professionals to confidently navigate their education and careers. With over 7 of experience, she has written extensively on topics ranging from healthcare degree programs and student resources to career pathways in nursing and allied health professions. A former journalist with a strong storytelling background, Taylor specializes in making complex topics accessible and engaging for a wide audience. She has previously held roles at The Wall Street Journal, LinkedIn, and Bloomberg News. Her work has appeared on HubSpot, Yahoo, The Seattle Times, Money.com, and various other publications. Taylor holds degrees in broadcast journalism and international affairs from The University of Georgia. She stays up-to-date on industry trends by collaborating with healthcare professionals, attending webinars, and conducting in-depth research to ensure her work reflects the latest developments in education and healthcare. Whether breaking down degree program options or guiding readers through the nuances of healthcare careers, Taylor is dedicated to helping readers make informed decisions that align with their goals.

Read More
Kim Zaski

Kimberly Zaski EDITOR

Kimberly has worked in higher education for more than 30 years, as a writer, editor and marketing director for lifelong learning and professional studies at the University of Nevada, Reno, and as chief membership officer for the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) in Washington, DC. During her tenure at Nevada, Kim and her team received top national honors for excellence in advertising, print publications and logo design. She began her career as a news reporter and editor in North Lake Tahoe, covering news and political beats from northern California to Reno.

Read More

More Resources

A smiling woman with shoulder-length dark hair, wearing a black cardigan over a striped top, with a softly blurred natural background lit by warm sunlight.

The Online College Students' Guide to Financial Aid

Kathleen Curtis

by: Kathleen Curtis

Kathleen Curtis is an American writer currently living in Louisville, Kentucky. She has developed content around education for more than a decade for both domestic and international clients.

A smiling bald man with a beard, wearing a black t-shirt and glasses perched on his head, standing in front of a brick wall.

Online Resources & Scholarships for Nurse Practitioner Students

Michael Hoffman, BA, JD

by: Michael Hoffman, BA, JD

Michael Hoffman is a skilled freelance journalist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in the research and writing of online content. He has authored nearly 300 articles for higher education-focused websites (including over 140 for EduMed) covering a wide range of academic disciplines, such as business, healthcare, education, public service, computer science and information technology, and many others. Michael is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara College of Law. Prior to becoming a professional writer, Michael practiced for several years as a civil litigator in Los Angeles and worked in Santa Monica, California as a development executive for a major film producer.

A smiling bald man with a beard, wearing a black t-shirt and glasses perched on his head, standing in front of a brick wall.

Online Resources & Scholarships for Registered Nursing Students

Michael Hoffman, BA, JD

by: Michael Hoffman, BA, JD

Michael Hoffman is a skilled freelance journalist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in the research and writing of online content. He has authored nearly 300 articles for higher education-focused websites (including over 140 for EduMed) covering a wide range of academic disciplines, such as business, healthcare, education, public service, computer science and information technology, and many others. Michael is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara College of Law. Prior to becoming a professional writer, Michael practiced for several years as a civil litigator in Los Angeles and worked in Santa Monica, California as a development executive for a major film producer.

Logo of EDUMED, featuring a stylized graduation cap forming the letter 'M' in a monochromatic orange, with the rest of the letters in purple on a green background.
Privacy Settings

When you visit the EduMed website, we store cookies on your browser to collect information. This information may pertain to you, your preferences, or your device and is primarily used to ensure the site functions as expected and to deliver a more personalized experience. You can choose to disable certain types of cookies; however, this may affect your experience on the site and limit the services we can provide. Click on the different category headings to learn more and customize your settings. Please note that you cannot opt out of our First Party Strictly Necessary Cookies, as these are essential for the proper functioning of the website (e.g., displaying the cookie banner, remembering your preferences, logging into your account, redirecting upon logout, etc.).