Discover Top Scholarships for Online Health Science Students
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HealthcareNursingAdv NursingLooking to fund your health science degree with money you don’t have to pay back? See which scholarships and online resources can help you tackle your tuition and other education costs while minimizing your debt.
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Pursuing a degree in health science is a great first step toward a rewarding career in fields like dental hygiene, occupational therapy, pharmacy tech, and other patient- and lab-focused roles.
But let’s be honest: while pursuing an education can be exciting, the cost of tuition can feel overwhelming. You’re probably here because you’re looking for ways to make your education more affordable without taking on a mountain of debt.
Scholarships can be a game-changer. They’re not just “free money” (though that’s a huge perk), they’re an opportunity to focus more on your studies and less on financial stress.
So, whether you’re just starting your health science education or already deep into your program, this guide is here to help. We’ll walk you through key scholarship opportunities and online resources designed to ease the burden of tuition costs, so you can keep your loan amounts low and your career aspirations high.
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Scholarships and Grants for Health Sciences Students
Scholarships can greatly reduce a graduate’s debt burden, something that they might otherwise spend years paying off.
The problem is that scholarships are usually quite competitive, making them hard to win. That’s why it’s so important to know where to look for the ones you have the best chance of landing.
To get you started on your search, below are scholarship opportunities currently available exclusively for — or otherwise open to — health science majors.
School-based Scholarships in Health Sciences
School-based scholarships are those offered directly by schools and programs themselves to students either enrolled or accepted into a health sciences degree program. This typically means less competition for awards when compared to external scholarship programs.
Additionally, school-based scholarships often come with less complicated applications. And their awards can be quite large.
To find these scholarships, get in touch with the financial aid office, your advisor, your department head, or the student services office at your school. You can also go online to your school’s website to see if they offer information there.
To give you an idea of how they work, here are examples from two schools currently offering school-based scholarships to their health sciences students:
Health Sciences Scholarship Spotlight: Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University
The Beaver College of Health Sciences at APU offers numerous scholarship opportunities exclusively to students in the college who have declared their major and are in good standing. Applications for these scholarships are due in January, with the monies awarded during the spring and fall semesters.
There are also robust opportunities for incoming freshmen who intend to major in health sciences, including the Beaver Scholars program described below.
To learn more about all of these opportunities, visit the BCHS Scholarships website.
Beaver Scholars Program
$10,000+
November
Eligibility
Must be an incoming freshman planning to pursue a health-focused program. Priority is given to strong performers who want to improve healthcare in the region.
How to Apply
Apply directly online on the school’s website.
Health Sciences Scholarship Spotlight: University of South Dakota
University of South Dakota
Scholarships from the University of South Dakota’s School of Health Sciences are available to high achieving high school students as well as continuing USD health sciences students who demonstrate promise in their studies.
USD additionally offers scholarships by the department and program, such as those in public health, physical therapy, nursing, medical laboratory science, and addiction counseling and prevention.
Awards are available to both undergraduate and graduate students. To learn more, visit USD’s Scholarships website.
Walter Anyan Scholarship
Varies by year
December
Eligibility
Must be a Native American student from a recognized tribe in South Dakota and pursuing a degree in a health-related field.
How to Apply
Complete the online academic scholarship application on the USD student portal to be automatically considered for this award.
National and Regional Health Sciences Scholarships
American Medical Technologists (AMT)
Up to $500
April
Eligibility
Open to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in AMT-certified fields (medical technology, medical assisting, dental assisting, phlebotomy, etc.).
How to Apply
Create and account and apply using the My AMT portal. Application submittals include transcripts, two letters of recommendation and a 500-word essay.
Medical Group Management Association (MGMA)
$5,000
May
Eligibility
Must be a student member of MGMA, show a desire for a future career advancing healthcare, and be enrolled in a degree granting program that pertains to medical practice management.
How to Apply
The online application is available on MGMA’s website.
Basil L. King Memorial Scholarship Foundation
Typicallly $1,000
May
Eligibility
Available to both two-year and four-year college students from St. Lucie County, Florida, who have been accepted into a health science program.
How to Apply
Apply via the application portal on the scholarship website.
Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions (ASAHP)
$1,000
June
Eligibility
Applicant must be enrolled and completed at least one term (quarter or semester) in a program in a qualifying healthcare field at an ASAHP member school.
How to Apply
Requires nomination by the school’s ASAHP Institutional Representative. Submitted materials include a current resume or CV and one-page essay.
Community Foundation of North Central Washington
$1,000
June
Eligibility
Must be a graduate of Wenatchee or Westside High School with a minimum 2.5 GPA and will be studying health science or an allied health field at Wenatchee Valley College.
How to Apply
Apply via the link on the scholarship website.
The Brown Medical and Educational Foundation
$1,000
April
Eligibility
This scholarship is open to minority graduate and undergraduate students pursuing a degree in healthcare. A 2.5 or higher GPA is required.
How to Apply
The application is available on the scholarship website and must be submitted via mail.
BECA, Inc.
$1,000
April
Eligibility
Available to high school seniors with a minimum 2.5 GPA who are planning to to attend a Historically Black College or University and major in nursing or another healthcare field.
How to Apply
The application can be downloaded from the scholarship website, then submitted by mail.
John Randolph Foundation
$1,000
March
Eligibility
Open to residents of the John Randolph Foundation’s Service Area with a 3.0 or higher GPA pursuing a degree in the healthcare field. Priority given to graduates of Petersburg and Hopewell High Schools.
How to Apply
Create an online account on the John Randolph Foundation website to apply.
American Society of Radiologic Technologists Foundation
$5,000
January
Eligibility
Open to ASRT student members enrolled in entry-level radiography, sonography, MRI, and nuclear medicine programs. Requires a 3.0 or higher GPA.
How to Apply
Apply through the online scholarship portal on the scholarship website. Materials submitted include a current resume, recommendation or program director verification, and responses to essay questions.
HOSA – Future Health Professionals
Varies (typically around $1,000)
April
Eligibility
Open to high school seniors and current college students pursuing a degree or certification in the healthcare field. Must be an affiliated member of a local, state, or international HOSA chapter.
How to Apply
Apply online on the scholarship website.
ALS Association
Tuition (up to $8,000 total over the course of the program)
July
Eligibility
Open to Florida residents with a close relative who has been diagnosed with ALS and is intending to enter the medical field.
How to Apply
Apply via the application portal on the scholarship website. Submittals include two letters of recommendation and a 500-word essay describing how the applicant’s experience with ALS has impacted their decision to enter the medical field.
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Foundation (SDMS)
$2,500
June and December
Eligibility
Applicant must be an SDMS member and currently enrolled or accepted into a CAAHEP-accredited sonography or cardiovascular technology program.
How to Apply
Complete the application via the link on the scholarship website. Application materials include proof of enrollment, FAFSA information, and responses to three essay questions (maximum 200 words each).
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Up to $20,000
March
Eligibility
Available to current nurses and nursing students in one of a number of undergraduate nursing education programs, including LPN and LVN programs. Requires NIH service commitment.
How to Apply
Follow the instructions on this NIH application website.
Rhode Island Foundation
$500 – $5,000 (varies based on funding available and size of applicant pool)
Typically April or May
Eligibility
Available to Rhode Island residents pursuing an LPN, RN, or advanced nursing degree. Must demonstrate financial need.
How to Apply
Submit the application via the Rhode Island Foundation Nursing Scholarships application portal. Submittal materials include transcripts, current resume, essay responses, and letters of recommendation (if requested).
SHAPE America
$1,250 (undergraduate); $1,750 (graduate)
October
Eligibility
Available to both graduate and undergraduate students majoring in the field of health, physical education, recreation, or dance. Must be a SHAPE America member and possess a 3.5 or higher GPA.
How to Apply
Download the application form from the scholarship website and submit via mail or email.
Grand Rapids Community Foundation (GRCF)
Varies (typically around $1,000)
March
Eligibility
Open to residents of Kent and Ottawa Counties in Michigan who are enrolled in a health service-related major at a Michigan college or university. A minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrated financial need are required.
How to Apply
Apply by filling out the General Scholarship Application via the online application portal. Submitted materials include FAFSA Student Aid Index information, transcripts, and personal statement or essay.
5 Keys to Landing Your Health Sciences Scholarship
Scholarships are competitive, which means you’ll need to stand out – and above – the competition if you want to win. There are lots of things you can do to increase your chances of landing scholarship awards, including following the five tips listed below:
- Key #1: Stand out with your essay or personal statement
Most scholarship applications require a personal essay or statement. A great essay or statement gives you the best chance of making the sort of impression on a selection committee that wins awards. - Key #2: Apply to as many as you can.
Look to local and regional scholarships along with the big award givers. Remember, you’re free to apply to — and win — as many scholarships as you can. - Key #3: Follow the instructions exactly.
Nothing will get you rejected for a scholarship award faster than not following application instructions to the letter. So review them carefully and make sure you follow them exactly. - Key #4: Look at healthcare clinics, offices, and hospitals.
Healthcare organizations, systems, and facilities often sponsor scholarships to local residents to encourage their employment with them following graduation. - Key #5: Get good letters of recommendation.
Choose your letter writers carefully. Consider healthcare professionals, professors, colleagues who volunteered with you, and the like.
If You Still Need Help Paying for School
Scholarships and grants are great, buy they’re rarely all you’ll need to pay for your health sciences education. That’s where other financial aid options come in.
Common forms of financial aid include:
- Employer tuition reimbursement
- Fellowships and assistantships (mostly for grad students)
- Student loans and loan forgiveness opportunities
- Tuition discount, deferment, and installment plans
- VA benefits (for military veterans)
- Work study
To learn more about these options, visit EduMed’s guides to financial aid and student loans.
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Academic and Professional Support Resources for Health Sciences Students
From deciding on a major to landing your first professional job and moving up the career ladder, there will be many times when you’ll need help along the way. The good news is that support abounds — through schools and programs themselves, professional organizations, in the workplace, and much more.
Here are some of the places you can find support for your educational and career path:
Health Sciences Student Support Centers and Services
Maybe you’re thinking about grad school and trying to decide how to afford it, or you might be thrown for a loop by a move to online learning when you expected to take on-campus classes. Perhaps you’re still researching your college options or you’re a freshman still getting your bearings.
Regardless of your specific situation, your school’s student support center can help. Here are two schools that are doing it right with robust student support services:
University of Texas at El Paso
The Student Support Center at the College of Health Sciences at UTEP is home to many resources specifically for health sciences students. They include:
- Academic advising and performance support
- Help with choosing or changing a major, and designing degree plans
- Study abroad opportunities
- Tutoring
- Applying for graduation
Services are readily available online as well as on campus.
Seminole State College
The Office of Holistic Student Support at Seminole State College provides a wide range of important services to its student population, including:
- Academic advising
- Career counseling
- Educational trips
- FAFSA assistance
- Financial literacy education
- Mental and emotional health workshops
- Transfer and enrollment assistance
- Tutoring services
For more information, visit the Raider Support Resources page.
Resources for Online Health Sciences Students
Whether you’re just starting an online health sciences program or well accustomed to the virtual learning environment, the following resources can help you get the most out of your online academic experience.
- Transitioning to Online School
Health science students, healthcare students, and college students in general who are transitioning to online study can all get excellent advice from this EduMed guide. - 8 Tips for Effective Online Learning
Offered by online education giant Coursera, this blog post offers valuable advice on how to master distance learning. - How Does Online Learning Work?
This article from Drexel University Online offers a wealth of information to students new to the online postsecondary education environment. - Understanding Clinicals and Fieldwork in Online Healthcare Programs
Many health sciences programs include in-person fieldwork or clinical experiences. This guide explains how these hands-on components work for online students.
Student Organizations and Professional Associations
- American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM)
Those intending to work in the upper levels of management in healthcare organizations can benefit from membership in the AAHAM. - American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA)
The AMIA website provides access to information on informatics education, meetings and events for members, a career center, updates on the latest news in the field, and much more. - American Public Health Association (APHA)
Professional organization focused on public health matters. APHA provides publications, professional development, events and meetings, active communities, and more to its members. - HOSA – Future Health Professionals
This organization provides information and resources to aspiring leaders in the healthcare industry, including students who are currently pursuing health sciences degrees. - National Health Association
The publisher of Health Science Magazine, the NHA is home to numerous events, discounts for members, a marketplace filled with books and other publications in the health sciences, an annual conference, and more.
Online Communities, Networking Sites, and Other Social Groups
- Delta Omega
This honor society for students of public health is a perfect example of a Greek organization dedicated to those in the health services space. - Healthcare Management Student Association Facebook Group
Those choosing to pursue an education in healthcare management can find lots of valuable information and advice (and possibly even a mentor) in this Facebook group. - Public Health Education and Training Development
This page from the CDC offers lots of great leads for finding further training, networking, education, and more. - Public Health – Reddit
This subreddit brings together students, aspiring educators, public health professionals, and others to ask questions and share advice on the public health profession. - Rehab Workers United – Facebook
Facebook group for rehabilitation professionals, students entering the field, and anyone looking for their next career opportunity.
Articles, Videos, Books and Podcasts
- 9 Best Books for Healthcare Students and Professionals
EduMed’s guide to books offering information, advice, and tales of real-life experiences to professionals in the health sciences field. - 10 Best Podcasts for Healthcare Students and Professionals
Another EduMed resource, this one featuring quality podcasts covering healthcare careers and current issues. - Health Science Journal
This in-depth professional journal looks at the various health sciences, current events, latest research, networking opportunities, and much more. - O*Net Online
Those curious about any career in health sciences can find information here — from what it takes to enter the field to salary expectations and growth outlook. - PhysioREHAB YouTube Channel
This channel offers a library of videos to help rehabilitation professionals with the best emerging practices for their patients.
