Online Resources & Scholarships for LPN Students
Finding the funds to pay for your practical nurse education and training can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are financial aid opportunities out there to help, including scholarships open to LPN and LVN students. This guide will introduce you to some of the top LPN/LVN scholarships offered today and fill you in on a number of valuable academic and career resources as well.
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Scholarships and Grants for Nursing Students
Becoming a licensed practical nurse (or licensed vocational nurse in California and Texas) is one of the quickest ways to enter the nursing profession. It’s also a practical first step towards advancing your career to become an registered nurse in the future.
In addition, prospective students have an abundance of both traditional campus-based and online LPN education options to choose from.
If you’re like most prospective practical nurse students, you’re going to need help in paying for your training. The good news is that there are lots of financial aid resources out there to tap into, including scholarships and grants.
Scholarships and grants are particularly valued because they are not paid back, making them “free money” for your practical nurse studies.
This guide focuses on those scholarships available exclusively to or inclusive of LPN and LVN students. To start you off on your funding search, here are profiles of 10 of the best LPN/LVN scholarships available today.
Pickering Manor Licensed Practical Nursing Scholarship
Bucks County Community College provides this scholarship to Practical Nursing Certificate students who are graduates of a Bucks County public high school. Priority is given to Council Rock School District graduates.
Students are required to complete the National League for Nursing pre-entrance exam with a score of 75% or higher.
Amount: $1,000
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A Nurse I Am Scholarship
Cherokee Uniforms provides this scholarship to assist students who are presently enrolled in a full- or part-time LVN/LPN or other nursing program in the United States. Ten awards are made annually.
Amount: $10,000
Advantage Medical Staffing Scholarship
Advantage Medical Staffing offers this scholarship to benefit students currently enrolled in or applying for admission to a nursing baccalaureate degree at a college or university in the Lubbock, Texas, area in pursuit of a career as a LVN or RN.
Applicant must be at least 25 years of age and demonstrate financial need.
Amount: $1,000
Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) offers this scholarship to nursing students who have been accepted into or are currently enrolled in an accredited nursing school program. Demonstrated financial need and moral character (evidenced by volunteer work) are required.
Amount: $2,500
Perryman Family Foundation Nursing Scholarships
Available to current and prospective LPN/LVN students living in an eligible county in Eastern Ohio, Northern Virginia, Northern West Virginia, Western Maryland, Western Pennsylvania, or Chautauqua County, New York. Applicants with a 2.5 or higher GPA are preferred.
Amount: $2,000 to $5,000
FNSNA Undergraduate Scholarship Program
This scholarship is open to students enrolled and matriculated in a state-approved school of nursing program (including LPN/LVN programs). Must demonstrate financial need and active engagement in community health activities and/or nursing organizations.
Amount: Up to $10,000
Madeline Pickett (Halbert) Cogswell Nursing Scholarship
This Daughters of the American Revolution-sponsored scholarship is available to students enrolled in or accepted to a nursing program (including LPN/LVN programs) at an accredited school. The applicant must also be an NSDAR member or descendant of a member, or eligible for NSDAR membership.
Amount: $2,500
NBNA Scholarships
The National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) provides numerous scholarships to national and chapter members pursuing LPN/LVN and other nursing education programs. Application materials include official transcripts, resume or CV, two letters of recommendation, and personal statement.
Amount: Varies by scholarship. Starting at $1,000
Mary Marshall Nursing Scholarship Program
Sponsored by the Virginia Department of Health, this scholarship is for residents of Virginia who are accepted or enrolled as full- or part-time students in a Virginia-licensed practical nursing program. Must demonstrate financial need.
Recipient must commit to full-time employment as a nurse in Virginia (one month for every $100 of funding received.)
Amount: $2,000 per year
Mildred Nutting Nursing Scholarship
The DAR awards this scholarship to students with financial need who have been accepted or are already enrolled in an accredited nursing program. Preference is given to applicants from the Lowell, Massachusetts area.
Documentation required includes transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and evidence of acceptance or enrollment into a nursing program.
Amount: $2,000
The Keys to Succeed on Scholarship Applications
There are two main parts to the scholarship game. The first is finding ones you are both eligible for and stand a good chance of winning.
The second is submitting the very best application possible — one that makes a selection committee happy to give you their award above all other applicants. Below are some valuable tips for doing just that:
Key #1: Start early
Get going on your scholarship applications and submittal materials as soon as possible, preferably at the same time you begin looking for your LPN or LVN training program. Starting early allows for plenty of time to perfect your application, including choosing the best writers for your letters of recommendation and producing the best personal statement or essay possible.
Key #2: Be selective — but not too selective
It’s a balancing act. You want focus on those scholarships that you have a good chance of winning, but not so choosy as to limit yourself to just one or two.
And don’t limit yourself to only big scholarships. Smaller ones with smaller rewards are often less competitive, thus increasing your chances of winning.
Key #3: Don’t dismiss scholarships with lots of application requirements
Some scholarship contests really make you work for them, with detailed applications and lots of required documentation (multiple essays, letters of recommendation, etc.). Some even ask for a video.
Don’t let all that stuff stop you from applying, though. More application requirements often means fewer applicants, and that means less competition.
Key #4: Be passionate and specific when writing your essay
Besides your academic qualifications, the best way to impress the scholarship committee is by writing a great essay or personal statement. And don’t be shy about talking up any and all volunteer work you’ve done in your local community.
Key #5: Be aware of deadlines
It doesn’t matter how qualified you are or how compelling your personal essay is. If you miss an application deadline, you’re sunk.
Essential Funding Resources for Nursing Students
Funding your nursing education requires a comprehensive approach. So, in addition to scholarships, consider such funding options as:
- Student loans
- Work-study
- Employer tuition reimbursement
- Tuition discount, deferment, and installment plans
- VA benefits (for military vets)
It’s also important to budget wisely and explore all avenues for saving money. The following resources can help you in pursuing all of these (and other) cost-related options.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Financial Aid Resources
The AACN provides a wide range of financial aid resources to nursing students, including information on federal and state programs, loan forgiveness opportunities, and help for minority students.
Guide to Nursing Student Loan Forgiveness
This EduMed guide explores various federal and state-specific loan forgiveness opportunities available to nurses, including the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Grants
The HRSA offers a variety of grants and other funding opportunities for nursing students, including programs focused on increasing diversity in the nursing workforce and supporting students in underserved communities.
Indian Health Service (IHS) Loan Repayment Program
This program provides loan repayment assistance to healthcare professionals (including nurses) who work in Indian Health Service facilities.
This website offers personalized guidance on student loan repayment strategies, including income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness options.
“The Broke Millennial” by Erin Lowry
This book offers practical advice on budgeting, saving, and managing finances, which can be particularly helpful for students navigating the costs of a nursing education. Topics include creating a budget, tackling debt, and making smart financial decisions.
This popular podcast provides guidance on all aspects of personal finance, including debt management, budgeting, and investing. While not nursing-specific, the principles discussed can help students make informed financial choices throughout their nursing education and beyond.
This website features up-to-date news and analysis aimed at helping readers make smart decisions on college savings, student loan management, wealth creation, and more.
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Online LPN & LVN Programs: Finding the Right School