The Ultimate Guide to BSN Scholarships and Grants

The nursing shortage in the United States has a benefit for you as a student – to entice people to consider getting a degree in this field, organizations and school readily offer scholarships and grants. If you’re interested in becoming a nurse, you could go to school for little to no out-of-pocket costs – and this ultimate guide to bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) scholarships and grants is your ticket to making that possible.

Scholarships or Grants – Which is Better?

Most students and their parents actually don’t know the difference between scholarships and grants, but learning about the two can make it easier for you to get financial aid when you apply. Scholarships and grants are typically lumped together because they are both “free” sources of money for college (i.e., you don’t have to repay the money when you graduate like you do with a student loan. The main difference is that scholarships’ main requirement is merit, like good grades, a special skill/talent, or the ability to write a winning essay about your future goals. On the other hand, grants are given to students who demonstrate need – while merit may be considered, if you can’t prove that you actually need the money, you won’t be eligible.

Where to Find BSN Scholarships and Grants

The most common place to find scholarships and grants to make a BSN education possible is directly from your school. Almost all colleges have funds specifically to help potential students who show promise but cannot afford the required tuition. Your school’s financial aid department can help you learn if you quality.

The government is also a great source of scholarships and grants for nurses. If you fill out the FAFSA form, you can qualify for the Pell Grant, a national grant for undergraduates, and the Health Resources and Services Administration also has financial aid available for nurses. In addition, state and local government departments might provide nursing grants in your area.

Lastly, outside organizations make money available for nursing students. Some that have offered scholarships and grants in the past and may have funds available this year as well include the American Health Care Association, the National Black Nurses Association, the AORN Foundation, the March of Dimes, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, and the National Student Nurses Association.

For registered nurses who wish to earn a bachelors of science in nursing, or BSN, we have listed the top online schools below and the programs they offer. You can request free information from each school by following the links and filling out a short "Request Information" form.


RN to BSN RN to MSN	Kaplan University — Kaplan's RN to BSN program empowers you to earn your bachelor's degree online from an accredited leader in education. The curriculum features an emphasis on professional leadership and health promotion and includes courses in management, informatics, research, and emerging trends in medicine. A capstone completed in your community allows you to apply your knowledge.
RN to BSN	Liberty University — Liberty University's RN to BSN program is built to provide students an environment for learning in a Christian setting. Students boast that they have some of the best faculty, many of which earned their degrees at Liberty. Liberty is committed to your success and professional growth.
RN to BSN	University of Phoenix — The University of Phoenix RN to Bachelor of Science degree program is designed to advance the skill set of registered nurses. Courses in biological, physical, and social sciences build on one another to culminate with the graduation of a more knowledgeable and professional nurse. The unique liberal arts component further adds to your educational development.
RN to BSN RN to BSN to MSN	Chamberlain College of Nursing — At Chamberlin College of Nursing, the RN to BSN program is raved over by students for its flexible, student centric approach. Registered nurses are able to earn their Bachelor's in as few as three semesters. The program offers the ease of online education without the time consuming clinical training requirements found at other programs.
BS in Nursing	Utica College — Utica College has an accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing online program available that covers skills and knowledge required for a nursing career like clinical pharmacology, nursing management, health assessment, and community health nursing. The program is great for working professionals looking to move forward in their careers.
RN to BSN	Florida Hospital College of Health Science — Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences is based on tradition and excellence. It's RN to BSN program is known for the faculty, who strive to ensure students achieve the highest level of learning. Graduation rates are among the best in the country and alumni work in institutions across America.
RN to BSN	University of St. Mary — According to the latest labor reports, there exists a need for nurses at the bachelor's level. Designed for registered nurses that seek a bachelor's degree, the RN to BSN program at University of St. Mary features a curriculum that is modeled after the latest concepts to ensure your success as a leader and in the field of nursing.
BS in Management for RNs	Post University — The Post University RN to BSN program is renowned for promoting nurses into the higher echelons of their field. Graduates work in advanced administrative or management positions in healthcare. The curriculum teaches decision-making, critical-thinking, communications, quantitative, analytical, and leadership skills. Up to 60 credits are accepted from previous degree or diploma programs.
RN to BSN	Grand Canyon University — Grand Canyon University's RN to BS in Nursing Program is designed for registered nurses who already possess their associate's degree or diploma in nursing. The curriculum focuses on the inherent skills of an RN, building on them to graduate competent nurses with more advanced skills. Courses are taught both online and in the classroom.
RN to BSN	Kent State University — The College of Nursing at Kent State University features an accredited RN to BSN degree program that specializes in the transformation of entry-level nurse to a more advanced care provider. Courses teach disease prevention and risk reduction. The curriculum is praised for its innovation and relevance.
RN to BSN	Walden University — According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for registered nurses is projected to continue to increase dramatically through 2016. Further studies have indicated that the earnings gap between those with and without a bachelor's degree is growing. At Walden, you can earn your bachelor's degree with a flexible, relevant, online program.
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