Top Schools Offering Fully Funded Scholarships in Nursing

Nursing is one of the most rewarding yet demanding careers, and for many prospective nurses, the cost of education can be a significant barrier to entry. Fortunately, there are several schools and programs that offer fully funded scholarships in nursing, allowing passionate students to pursue their dreams without the burden of student loans. If you’re looking to become a nurse but are concerned about finances, here are some top schools and programs that can help.

1. Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing (Baltimore, MD)

Johns Hopkins University is a leader in the healthcare field and offers various scholarships for nursing students, including fully funded opportunities. The school offers scholarships through its Nursing Accelerated Program for Non-Nurses (APNN), designed to provide financial aid to students committed to nursing careers. For those in need, the university’s Bloomberg School of Public Health also provides scholarships and loans that can fully cover tuition and living expenses.

Why Choose Johns Hopkins?

• World-renowned healthcare institution
• Excellent clinical placement opportunities
• Focus on research and innovation in nursing

2. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Nursing

UCSF offers several funding opportunities for nursing students, including full scholarships for those entering the Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN). The Scholars Program at UCSF can cover full tuition, fees, and living expenses, ensuring that students can focus on their studies rather than finances. The school’s commitment to diverse healthcare systems and community-based nursing makes it an excellent choice for aspiring nurses.

Why Choose UCSF?

• Strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion
• Access to groundbreaking medical research
• Supportive environment for students and faculty alike

3. Yale School of Nursing (New Haven, CT)

Yale School of Nursing is another prestigious institution offering a variety of scholarships, including fully funded options for students pursuing the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). The school’s Yale Health Leadership Program offers full tuition coverage and stipends for students working in underserved communities. Yale’s financial aid office works closely with students to ensure they receive all the necessary support to fund their education.

Why Choose Yale?

• Emphasis on leadership in nursing
• Strong network of alumni and faculty
• Focus on global health and healthcare leadership

4. University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing (Philadelphia, PA)

The University of Pennsylvania, consistently ranked among the top nursing schools, offers full scholarships for graduate students through its Dean’s Scholarship Program and the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Scholarship. These programs aim to increase the diversity of the nursing workforce by providing comprehensive funding for underrepresented students.

Why Choose UPenn?

• Cutting-edge research and facilities
• High-quality clinical training in a range of specialties
• Prestigious reputation in nursing education

5. Duke University School of Nursing (Durham, NC)

Duke University offers full scholarships through the Duke Graduate School of Nursing. Their Duke Nursing Scholars Program provides full tuition support for students pursuing advanced practice nursing roles. In addition to the scholarship, students also receive a living stipend and healthcare benefits. Duke’s strong affiliations with renowned hospitals and clinics ensure that students receive exceptional clinical experience.

Why Choose Duke?

• World-class faculty and clinical facilities
• Excellent clinical placement with Duke Health
• Focus on leadership and nursing education

6. Columbia University School of Nursing (New York, NY)

Columbia’s School of Nursing offers a number of scholarships, including full-ride opportunities for students pursuing the Master’s Program in Nursing and the Doctoral Program in Nursing. Their commitment to providing financial aid ensures that talented individuals from all backgrounds have the opportunity to study without worrying about tuition costs.

Why Choose Columbia?

• Located in one of the most vibrant healthcare cities in the world
• Focus on evidence-based nursing practice and research
• Strong network of professionals and job placement opportunities

7. Florida International University School of Nursing (Miami, FL)

Florida International University (FIU) is a diverse institution that offers full scholarships to nursing students through its FIU Scholarships in Nursing Program. FIU is particularly focused on promoting healthcare in underserved communities and provides financial aid to students who show promise in these areas. The school also offers funding for students pursuing the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.

Why Choose FIU?

• Strong commitment to public health and serving diverse communities
• Flexible program offerings for students with different career goals
• Affordability and diverse funding options

8. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)

The UNC School of Nursing offers a range of scholarships for nursing students, including full tuition and fees for those pursuing the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs. UNC is particularly focused on advancing nursing practice through research and clinical excellence, and its scholarships reflect this commitment.

Why Choose UNC?

• Top-tier clinical and research facilities
• Emphasis on public health and rural healthcare
• Strong alumni network and employment prospects

9. University of Washington School of Nursing (Seattle, WA)

The University of Washington provides several fully funded scholarship opportunities through its Doctoral Nursing Fellowship Program. This program is designed to support students interested in advanced practice roles or nursing research. UW is also known for its collaborative partnerships with healthcare systems across the Pacific Northwest, ensuring that students get the best hands-on experience.

Why Choose UW?

• Excellent research opportunities and clinical partnerships
• Highly respected faculty and alumni network
• Strong focus on health equity and underserved populations

10. New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing (New York, NY)

NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing offers several scholarships, including fully funded opportunities for students in need. The school has numerous grants, fellowships, and work-study programs available for both undergraduate and graduate nursing students. Additionally, NYU’s location in New York City provides students access to a wide range of healthcare systems and clinical experiences.

Why Choose NYU?

• Located in a global healthcare hub
• Focus on healthcare innovation and research
• Strong financial support for students

Final Thoughts

While nursing school can be expensive, these top schools offer fully funded scholarships to make your dream of becoming a nurse a reality. Whether you’re looking to pursue an undergraduate degree or advance your practice through a graduate program, these schools have robust financial support systems in place to ensure you receive a quality education without the burden of tuition fees.

When researching scholarships, it’s important to reach out to each school’s admissions and financial aid office to get specific details on eligibility requirements and application deadlines. Make sure to also check if there are any service commitments or other requirements attached to the scholarships to fully understand what’s expected of you during and after your studies.

Good luck on your journey to becoming a nurse!