Nurse Corps Scholarship Program 2026 | Apply Now
The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program is one of the most impactful federal funding opportunities available to nursing students in the United States. Administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the program covers full tuition, fees, educational costs, and a monthly stipend for eligible nursing students. In return, scholars commit to serving in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) after graduation.
According to HRSA, the 2025 cycle has closed, and applicants are encouraged to sign up for updates for the next application window.
What Is the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program?
The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program is a federal initiative designed to:
- Address the national shortage of nurses
- Support students financially throughout nursing school
- Strengthen healthcare delivery in underserved communities
HRSA pays for your education, and you commit to working where nurses are needed most.
This mission is confirmed by HRSA’s official program description.
What the Scholarship Covers
If selected, scholars receive:
- ✅ Full tuition
- ✅ Required fees
- ✅ Educational expenses (books, supplies, uniforms, etc.)
- ✅ Monthly stipend for living costs
This financial package is one of the most generous available to nursing students in the U.S. today.
Eligibility Requirements for 2026
Based on HRSA’s program guidance, applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or national
- Be enrolled or accepted into an accredited nursing program
- Begin classes by the program’s deadline
- Have no federal judgment liens or service obligations
- Demonstrate financial need
The program is open to students pursuing:
- Registered Nurse (RN) programs
- Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs
- Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) programs
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) programs
Service Commitment After Graduation
In exchange for funding, scholars must work at an approved Critical Shortage Facility (CSF) in a designated HPSA.
This includes:
- Community health centers
- Public hospitals
- Rural clinics
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
This requirement is clearly stated in HRSA’s program overview.
When Will the 2026 Application Open?
HRSA states that the 2025 application cycle is closed, and applicants should sign up for email alerts to be notified when the next cycle opens.
The 2026 cycle is expected to open around spring 2026, based on previous timelines.
How to Apply (2026 Cycle)
Applicants will apply through the official HRSA portal once the application window opens.
✅ Steps:
- Visit the official HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship page
- Review the Application Guidance PDF
- Prepare required documents (transcripts, proof of acceptance, recommendations, etc.)
- Submit your online application before the deadline
You can access the official application page here:
https://bhw.hrsa.gov/programs/nurse-corps/scholarship/apply
Why You Should Apply
This scholarship is ideal for:
- Nursing students with financial need
- Students committed to serving underserved communities
- Individuals pursuing long‑term careers in public health
It provides a debt‑free path to becoming a nurse while guaranteeing meaningful employment after graduation.