Top MSN Scholarships For Nursing Students

A master of science in nursing opens doors to advanced clinical, leadership, and academic roles, but it routinely costs tens of thousands of dollars. You do not have to cover all of that yourself. Scholarships from professional associations, foundations, and the military can pay for part of your degree, and a few cover most of it. Awards generally run from $1,000 to $10,000. Below are fifteen worth applying for. Requirements and deadlines vary, so read each program's current details before you apply, and apply to several at once.

Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program

Sponsored by the U.S. Air Force, this program offers two- and three-year scholarships for specialties requiring an MSN or DNP, including nurse anesthetist, certified nurse-midwife, women's health nurse practitioner, and family nurse practitioner. Awardees commit to at least three years of Air Force service after graduation.

Amount: Tuition, fees, books, supplies, and living costs.

Tylenol Future Care Scholarship

Awards 35 nonrenewable scholarships each year to full-time students in advanced medical, nursing, or pharmacy programs, including MSN students. Open to graduate students and college seniors already enrolled in a graduate program. Funds go toward tuition, fees, books, and supplies.

Amount: $5,000 to $10,000.

March of Dimes Graduate Nursing Scholarships

Offered through a partnership with Pampers, these scholarships support nurse-midwifery and other graduate nursing students committed to advancing maternal and infant health, including midwifery care and postpartum support.

Amount: $10,000.

Nursing Economics Foundation Scholarships

Four scholarships for RNs in an MSN or DNP program focused on nursing leadership. Applicants must be accepted to or enrolled in their graduate program and plan a career in nursing administration, management, leadership, or education.

Amount: $5,000.

Oncology Nursing Foundation Master's Scholarship

Offered with the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation for RNs pursuing an MSN who are committed to oncology. Applicants must have applied to, been accepted by, or be enrolled in an accredited program.

Amount: $5,000.

Nurses Educational Funds (NEF) Scholarship

For current RNs in an accredited MSN or doctoral program who belong to a national professional nursing association, such as the American Nurses Association, a specialty organization, or an international honor society.

Amount: Varies.

Deborah E. Trautman Future Nurse Leader Scholarship

Two awards for graduate nursing students committed to academic nursing leadership. Applicants must be in an MSN or DNP program at an American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) member school and belong to the AACN Graduate Nursing Student Academy.

Amount: $3,500.

NurseThink Scholarship

Offered through the AACN for nurses in MSN or doctoral programs at member institutions who want to become nursing faculty. Applicants must belong to the AACN Graduate Nursing Student Academy.

Amount: $5,000.

ANNA Career Mobility Scholarships

The American Nephrology Nurses Association awards several scholarships to students accepted to or enrolled in a BSN, MSN, or doctoral program. Candidates must have been ANNA members for at least a year and hold current certification through the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission.

Amount: $1,000 to $4,375.

Association of Rehabilitation Nurses Scholarship

For graduate students in MSN, DNP, DNS/DNSc, or Ph.D. programs. Candidates must be ARN members with at least two years of rehabilitation nursing experience, currently practice in the field, and hold specialty certification.

Amount: $1,500.

Veterans United Foundation Scholarship

For veterans and their family members who meet service-related criteria, including a service-connected disability. Applicants may pursue an associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree, including an MSN, and must be enrolled or planning to enroll for the upcoming semester.

Amount: Tuition, books, fees, supplies, and some room and board.

American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Scholarship

For AANP members in an accredited graduate program pursuing an advanced nursing degree, including MSN nurse practitioner, DNP, and Ph.D. tracks. Applicants must hold RN licensure and have completed at least one semester. Funds apply to tuition only.

Amount: $2,500 to $5,000.

NPHF/Procter & Gamble Endowed Scholarship in Community Service

The Nurse Practitioner Healthcare Foundation award goes to a graduate student in an MSN, DNP, or Ph.D. program who has made substantial contributions to their community or patient care and completes a service project for their school, workplace, or a charity.

Amount: $1,000.

CEUfast Graduate Nursing Scholarship

For MSN, DNP, and Ph.D. students who have completed at least one semester in an accredited program. Applicants submit a nursing-focused continuing education course; the strongest are published on CEUfast.com.

Amount: $5,000.

Advancing Nurse Leadership in Post-Acute Care Scholarship

Offered by the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing for RNs in post-acute care advancing to a BSN, MSN, or higher. Requires a recommendation from a director of nursing, administrator, or similar supervisor.

Amount: $5,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I pay for an MSN? Beyond scholarships, options include student loans, employer tuition reimbursement, and grants. Most awards cover tuition, fees, books, and supplies, and some include living expenses.

Is an MSN worth it? It raises your earning potential and opens roles in advanced clinical practice, leadership, and education. You can still practice as an RN as long as you keep your license current.

Can a scholarship cover my whole degree? Some do. Many are one-time awards covering part of your tuition, but others renew each year and can add up to most or all of your program cost. Apply to as many as you qualify for, and submit early.

What's the job outlook for advanced practice nurses? Strong. The BLS projects employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners to grow about 35% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations, with roughly 32,700 openings a year. That demand is part of why an MSN pays off.

When should I apply for MSN scholarships? As early as you can, and to several at once. Many awards open months before their deadlines, and some require proof of acceptance or enrollment, so line up your transcripts, recommendations, and essays ahead of time.