Financial Aid for Nursing Programs
Financial aid can reduce the cost of nursing programs. Nursing students have access to specialized federal aid programs, including HRSA Nurse Corps scholarships and loan repayment programs, in addition to standard grants, loans, and institutional aid.
Quick Answers
What types of aid are common?
Common options include federal grants (Pell, TEACH), student loans, nursing-specific scholarships (HRSA Nurse Corps), institutional aid, and employer tuition assistance.
Do online students qualify for aid?
Eligible online students may qualify for the same federal aid as campus students, provided the school is accredited and participates in federal student aid programs.
What should I compare between schools?
Compare total cost, net price after aid, available aid packages, and nursing-specific scholarship opportunities.
At a Glance
- Federal aid: Pell Grant, Direct Loans, TEACH Grant
- Nursing-specific: HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship, Nurse Faculty Loan Program
- Institutional: School-specific scholarships and tuition discounts
- Employer: Hospital and health system tuition reimbursement
- Loan forgiveness: PSLF for nurses at qualifying nonprofit employers
For a full overview of program options, start with the Nursing Program Guide.
Financial aid types for nursing students
| Aid Type | Description | Repayment Required |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Pell Grant | Need-based grant for undergraduates | No |
| TEACH Grant | For students committed to teaching nursing | No (with service obligation) |
| Direct Subsidized Loans | Need-based federal loans | Yes |
| Direct Unsubsidized Loans | Available regardless of need | Yes |
| HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship | Covers tuition, fees, and living stipend | No (with service obligation) |
| Nurse Faculty Loan Program | For graduate students pursuing nurse educator roles | Partially forgiven with teaching service |
| Institutional Scholarships | School-specific, merit or need-based | No |
| Employer Tuition Assistance | Offered by hospitals and health systems | No (may require employment commitment) |
Common financial aid sources
- Federal grants and loans (if the school is eligible)
- HRSA Nurse Corps scholarships and loan repayment programs
- Institutional scholarships or tuition discounts
- State nursing workforce development grants
- Employer tuition assistance (many healthcare employers offer this)
- Professional nursing organization scholarships
Cost elements to review
When comparing aid packages, ask about:
- Total credits required for the degree
- Mandatory fees (technology, lab, clinical placement, liability insurance)
- Scholarship renewal requirements
- Payment plan options
- Whether aid covers clinical-related costs
Compare total program cost, net price after aid, and any fees not covered by tuition.
For cost comparison strategies, see: Affordable Nursing Programs