The U.S. Nursing Scholarship Program offers financial assistance to eligible nursing students, helping to ease the national shortage of nursing professionals. This article provides an in-depth look at eligibility criteria, application steps, scholarship benefits, and the service commitments required after graduation, providing clear guidance for aspiring nurses aiming to pursue their careers with support.
Nursing Scholarship Program Overview and Eligibility
The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program is managed by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and targets nursing students enrolled full-time in accredited U.S. nursing programs, including diploma, associate, bachelor’s, and advanced practice degrees. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents without outstanding federal debts or service commitments. Preference is given to those with the greatest financial need, assessed through the Student Aid Index from FAFSA. Applicants must begin classes by September 30 of the academic year they apply for. The program requires a minimum two-year service commitment at a healthcare facility experiencing a critical shortage of nurses, typically located in Health Professional Shortage Areas.
Detailed Application Process and Required Documents
When the application cycle opens, candidates should carefully review the Application Program Guidance to ensure compliance. The application is submitted online through the Nurse Corps Scholarship section of the My BHW portal, where applicants must create an account if they have none. Required materials include proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful residency, enrollment verification, official FAFSA submission summary, tuition and fee schedules, essays explaining motivation to serve underserved communities, academic transcripts, and two letters of recommendation—one academic and one non-academic. Incomplete or inconsistent applications are disqualified. Selected candidates are notified by September 30 and must respond promptly to accept the award.
Scholarship Coverage and Tax Considerations
Awardees receive funding that covers tuition, mandatory fees, books, clinical supplies, uniforms, and a monthly stipend. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the stipend is $1,626 per month and is subject to federal income and FICA taxes, although no state or local taxes are withheld. Scholarship payments are allocated to required courses only, excluding repeated courses unless certain conditions apply. Transfer requests to different academic institutions are generally discouraged and require prior approval, with any additional tuition costs borne by the student. Since the entire award is taxable and reported to the IRS, consulting a tax professional is advisable to understand potential liabilities.
Service Obligations and Compliance Requirements After Graduation
Recipients must fulfill a minimum two-year full-time or part-time service obligation at an eligible Critical Shortage Facility, which serves or is located in a Health Professional Shortage Area scoring 14 or higher for primary care or mental health. The service duration matches the length of scholarship support—one or two years of support equate to two years of service, three years require three years, and so forth. Participants have up to nine months post-graduation to obtain an unencumbered nursing license, accept employment, and begin service. Service can be full-time (32+ hours per week) or part-time (16-31 hours per week) with approval, with the obligation length adjusted accordingly. Absences exceeding seven weeks in a service year require special requests, and failure to comply with service commitments can result in repayment of scholarship funds with interest and other penalties.
Support Resources and Contact Information
Applicants and participants have access to several resources including the Health Workforce Connector database for approved service sites and job openings, and the Health Professional Shortage Area Find tool to verify facility eligibility. The My BHW Account facilitates communication, submission of verification documents, and management of requests such as suspensions or waivers. For direct assistance, the Customer Care Center is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET via phone or TTY. Additional support for individuals using assistive technologies is also provided through dedicated email and phone contacts. Staying informed through official program communications ensures adherence to policies and successful program participation.
