Scholarships and Awards

Financial Resources

There are financial resources designed specifically for nursing students. In addition to the following description of sources of financial assistance, students are notified of new information via Canvas announcement as it arrives.

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Awards

• Information for External (Non-JMU) Scholarships and Financial Aid

JMU Scholarships and Awards

To receive full consideration for these and other scholarship opportunities, students should complete the General Application in Madison Scholarships Hub and supply any Recommended Opportunity application materials.

For a full description of available scholarships, review RN-BSN Nursing scholarships on our list of scholarship opportunities.          

• Institutional Scholarship and Loan Programs: Hospitals and other institutions often offer monetary assistance to students in return for a work commitment following graduation. These are excellent offers if the student knows where they would like to work. If the student is interested, they should contact the institution directly and ask about programs for nursing students. Most of these programs fund only the junior and senior years.
• Federal Loan Programs: Excellent federal loans specifically for nursing students are available at a low rate of interest. No interest is payable while in school and for nine (9) months post- graduation. Repayment can be deferred or canceled depending upon employment following graduation. Eligibility depends on the student’s financial need status. The financial aid office has applications.
• Military Scholarship and Loan Programs: All branches of the military (Air Force,
  Army, Navy, and ROTC) offer programs for nursing students. The student should contact the branch of their choice to explore these programs.

Federal Scholarship Programs

• The Veterans Administration Scholarship Program is a very good, but highly competitive scholarship program that involves commitment for employment following graduation.
• The Indian Health Service has a less competitive but excellent scholarship program as well.
• National Student Nurses Association: The NSNA Foundation awards scholarships annually to NSNA members. Information about these scholarships can be secured through the JMU Chapter of VNSA or directly from NSNA.
• Virginia League for Nursing: The VLN offers several smaller scholarships annually.

Other Helpful Links

• American Association of Colleges of Nursing Scholarships & Financial Aid
• HRSA Health Workforce School-Based Loans and Scholarships
  Nursing Student Loan program provides long-term, low-interest rate loans to full-time financially needy students pursuing BSN. 
• Johnson & Johnson Scholarships
  Search here for scholarships for nursing students.
• SCHEV Financial Aid
  Provides a wealth of information on federal, state, and private financial aid, as well as lists financial aid resources that may be helpful to students. 
• nurse.org The Ultimate List of Nursing Scholarships
• EduMed Scholarships and Resources
  EduMed provides a guide that showcases over 15 scholarship opportunities that can make all the difference in affording nursing school. 
• Virginia Department of Health Incentive Programs
  The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) offers several scholarship opportunities to help pay for nursing education in exchange for one year of service in Virginia upon graduation. Scholarships are available for individuals seeking certificates, diplomas or degrees as Certified Nurses Assistants (new), Licensed Practical Nurses, and Registered Nurses. Applicable scholarships for RN-BSN students are the Virginia Mary Marshall Nursing Scholarship Program and the Virginia Long Term Care Facility Scholarship. Please visit the link above for more information and on how to apply.