Nursing Schools That Pay You To Attend 2026

<h2 id="section---WaysToGetPaidWhileEarningANursingDegree">Ways To Get Paid While Earning a Nursing Degree</h2><p>The primary sources of financial support for nursing students come from non-school providers. These programs can help nursing students avoid large student loans, but not all students will meet eligibility requirements for coverage. Students can access some of the most common <a href="https://learn.org/articles/types_of_college_financial_aid.html">types of college financial aid</a>, which we've listed below. </p><h3 id="section---1.HospitalSponsoredNursingPrograms">1. Hospital-Sponsored Nursing Programs</h3><p>Hospital-sponsored nursing programs, as the name suggests, are coordinated at a hospital or community college in direct partnership with a local hospital. These programs usually offer diplomas or associate degrees and provide students with plenty of clinical and patient care experience. Students receive pay that can be allocated directly to their schooling. </p><h3 id="section---2.TuitionReimbursementFromHealthcareEmployers">2. Tuition Reimbursement From Healthcare Employers</h3><p>Many healthcare facilities offer tuition reimbursement or loan repayment programs for employees looking to advance their nursing careers. These benefits often have eligibility requirements such as employment status (full-time vs. part-time), previous credentials, minimum academic performance standards, and more. </p><h3 id="section---3.ApprenticeshipsOrWorkStudyProgramsInNursing">3. Apprenticeships or Work-Study Programs in Nursing</h3><p>Work-study programs are usually coordinated between a university and a hospital or other public healthcare facility. These programs provide students with a stipend in return for work, much like a part-time job. These stipends, unlike a paycheck, are solely intended for school costs, including tuition, fees, and supplies. </p><h3 id="section---4.ScholarshipsGrantsAndFinancialAidForNursingSchool">4. Scholarships, Grants, and Financial Aid for Nursing School</h3><p>There are also multiple forms of ''free money'' that nursing students can apply for. These programs are called free money because they don't require repayment, like a loan. However, students will be required to perform some kind of action to receive these payments, ranging from submitting their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to submitting specific application forms and documents. There are many <a href="https://learn.org/articles/cheap_online_colleges_that_accept_fafsa.html">online colleges that accept FAFSA</a>, which can make your education even more affordable. </p><ul><li><b>Federal Pell Grants:</b> After submitting your FAFSA, your eligibility for the Pell Grant will be automatically determined. These grants are exclusive to nursing school, but they can be applied to tuition and other expenses. </li><li><b>Nurse Corps Scholarship Program:</b> The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program is offered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). It is restricted to U.S. citizens who have been accepted or are enrolled in a nursing program. This scholarship provides a monthly stipend that covers tuition and expenses. In return, students must work at a qualified critical shortage facility post-graduation. </li><li><b>State nursing education grants:</b> Some states have specific nursing education grants. If you are pursuing your degree online, you will probably need to apply for your home state's programs and not one from the state where your school is located. </li><li><b>Private scholarships from nursing associations:</b> Nursing associations often offer scholarships to help the next generation of nurses. There are some national groups, but students can also find state- and even regionally based nonprofits that offer funds. </li></ul><h3 id="section---5.MilitaryAndROTCNursingScholarships">5. Military and ROTC Nursing Scholarships</h3><p>Active duty military service comes with multiple educational benefits, including nursing scholarships. Students who enlist can receive nursing training or receive funding for schooling after their service commitment. </p><h2 id="section---AffordableNursingDegreePrograms">Affordable Nursing Degree Programs</h2><p>There are several nursing programs that provide affordable education. The affordability of these schools isn't just based on tuition costs. Each school either has proprietary financial aid packages or works closely with outside providers. Tuition rates listed below are based on pre-aid totals for full-time enrollment for one semester, but financial aid from the school and other sources will greatly reduce these costs. </p><h3 id="section---1.UniversityOfNorthCarolinaAtPembroke">1. University of North Carolina at Pembroke</h3><p>The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNC Pembroke) has the McKenzie-Elliott School of Nursing, which offers six different nursing programs from pre-licensure to a DNP. UNC Pembroke has the NC promise, which keeps all in-state tuition at $500 per semester, but students can also qualify for merit, endowment, and Compass scholarships on top of this low tuition. </p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $500 (in-state); $2,500 (out-of-state) </p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) </p><h3 id="section---2.SanAntonioCollege">2. San Antonio College</h3><p>San Antonio College is part of the Alamo Colleges District in Texas and offers multiple nursing programs, including bridge programs and an associate degree. Students at San Antonio College can qualify for three different endowment scholarships exclusive to the nursing program and school-wide programs, including work-study programs, grants, and scholarships. </p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $1,308 (in-state); $3,924 (out-of-state) </p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </p><h3 id="section---3.NorthwestFloridaStateCollege">3. Northwest Florida State College</h3><p>Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) has an Associate of Science in Nursing. This campus-based program includes clinical experiences. NWFSC students can submit their FAFSA forms and receive scholarships, grants, and qualify for work-study programs. </p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $1,662 (in-state); $5,817 (out-of-state) </p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </p><h3 id="section---4.GeorgiaSouthwesternStateUniversity">4. Georgia Southwestern State University</h3><p>Georgia Southwestern State University (GSWSU) has associate and bachelor's nursing programs available at its campus and an RN to BSN program available online. GSWSU has scholarships available to students based on merit and need. The school also accepts FAFSA results, including grants, scholarships, and federal work-study programs. </p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $2,610 (in-state); $9,900 (out-of-state) </p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </p><h3 id="section---5.GeorgiaSouthernUniversity">5. Georgia Southern University</h3><p>Georgia Southern University (GSU) offers four different nursing degrees in a combination of online and on-campus formats. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is offered on campus at Statesboro and Savannah, while the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and an RN to BSN program are offered online. </p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $2,805 (in-state); $10,125 (out-of-state) </p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </p><h3 id="section---6.NationalUniversity">6. National University</h3><p>National University (NU) offers undergraduate and graduate nursing programs online and at its campus in La Jolla, CA. Courses are offered in four- and eight-week programs, which allow for flexible learning. NU has a diverse selection of scholarship programs available based on merit, need, and educational department. Residents can also qualify for the Cal Grant, which can lead to up to $9,358 in yearly tuition coverage. </p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $4,440 (in-state); $4,440 (out-of-state) </p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) </p><h3 id="section---7.TexasAMUniversity">7. Texas A&amp;M University</h3><p>Texas A&amp;M University offers a variety of nursing programs across its campus network and online. Students can enroll in traditional BSNs, accelerated BSNs, and second-degree BSNs for students with a different bachelor's degree. There are also graduate and doctoral degrees. The school has both general and School of Nursing-specific scholarships available that complement external aid packages. </p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $5,775.35 (in-state); $19,748 (out-of-state) </p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </p><h3 id="section---8.OhioStateUniversity">8. Ohio State University</h3><p>Ohio State University (OSU) has a wide selection of nursing degrees and bridge programs, including registered nurse to BSN (RN to BSN) programs. These degrees can be earned primarily on campus, but there are a few online pathways. The school offers scholarships and grants, but there are also student employment and work-study programs available. </p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $6,090.00 (in-state); $19,479 (out-of-state) </p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> Higher Learning Commission (HLC) </p><h3 id="section---9.UniversityOfCaliforniaLosAngeles">9. University of California, Los Angeles</h3><p>The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has BSN, MSN, and PhD degree programs available to nursing students. Students at UCLA need to apply for degree-specific aid packages through the school, in addition to submitting their FAFSA. Students can qualify for grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. </p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $6,381 (in-state); $12,503.50 (out-of-state) </p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> WASC WSCUC </p><h3 id="section---10.DenverCollegeOfNursing">10. Denver College of Nursing</h3><p>The Denver College of Nursing (DCN) is a specialized college for nursing programs. The school offers degrees from two campuses in Colorado and Texas, as well as online. DCN accepts FAFSA results and has scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities to help students cover their costs. </p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $6,608 (in-state); $6,608 (out-of-state) </p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC </p><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutNursingSchoolsThatPayYouToAttend">FAQs About Nursing Schools That Pay You To Attend</h2><p>Students looking for funding for their nursing school often have questions. Some of these questions concern whether a hospital will pay for their schooling, whether they can submit their FAFSA forms, and whether online programs qualify for financial aid. </p><h3 id="section---WillHospitalsPayForYouToGoToNursingSchool">Will Hospitals Pay for You To Go To Nursing School?</h3><p>Some hospitals do have incentive programs available to employees. These programs are usually exclusive to full-time employees, but they will vary from institution to institution. For the most accurate information, consult your employer's handbook or a human resources manager. </p><h3 id="section---WillFAFSAPayForNursingSchool">Will FAFSA Pay for Nursing School?</h3><p>FAFSA can help you pay for your school. As long as you attend an accredited school, you will be able to fill out your FAFSA each academic year. However, just because you submit your FAFSA doesn't guarantee funds. Funds from FAFSA are awarded based on financial need and might not fully cover your schooling. </p><h3 id="section---DoOnlineNursingProgramsOfferFinancialIncentives">Do Online Nursing Programs Offer Financial Incentives?</h3><p>Some online nursing programs do have grants, scholarships, and other financial support options. In most cases, online education and on-campus education are treated as the same by financial aid providers. Online programs can help you get more bang for your buck as they traditionally have lower costs. </p><h2 id="section---EnrollInANursingProgram">Enroll in a Nursing Program</h2><p>Learn more about these programs and others with our articles and school profiles. Once you've found the best school and financial aid for your goals, use our resources to reach out for more information or to start your application today.</p>