Hot list: New scholarships for graduate level nurses

Let’s face it: Getting your advanced nursing degree does not come cheap. There are a ton of financial considerations you have to make before you head back to class, which can be a daunting and, well, frightening assessment!

That’s why we’re loving this recent post from the Nerdy Nurse, which lists some fantastic scholarships for graduate nurses:

Earning a graduate degree in nursing, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), is an excellent decision for your career. Having a nursing graduate degree allows you to advance in the rapidly growing field of advanced practice nursing. How fast is nursing growing? According to a recent Georgetown University study, the unemployment rate in nursing overall is just 4.8%. And, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth for nursing will be a huge 26% by 2020.

If you are looking for graduate level scholarships, check out these three options:

1. American Association of Critical Care Nurses Scholarship

Description: The purpose of this scholarship program is to promote life-long learning in nursing, personal reflection and professional growth. The scholarship can be used for a master’s program, or for for other academic activities. It also can be used to fund a course or courses that does not necessarily lead to a degree in nursing, but the use of the money must be directly related to nursing education.

Amount: Up to $3000 per year
Length: One-time payment
Deadline: 4-6 months before the beginning of your proposed education activity 
Eligibility: Must be a current active member of AACN 
Source: www.aacn.org 
Application: http://www.aacn.org/wd/memberships/content/bsngradschship.content?menu=membership 
Contact: (800) 899-2226

2. Distance Learner MPH Scholarship

Description: This public health scholarship is ideal for nurses, physicians, social workers, community leaders and more! Nurses interested in public health can earn an accredited MPH degree anywhere online to qualify. Your study focus can be in any aspect of public health: general, epidemiology, biostatistics, nursing, social and behavioral sciences, environmental health, or health policy and management.

Amount: $1000 
Length: One time payment, awarded twice annually
Deadline: December 15 and July 15 each year 
GPA: 2.75 minimum 
Source: http://onlinemphdegree.net/ 
Application: http://onlinemphdegree.net/distance-learner-mph-scholarship/ 
Contact: sc*********@on*************.net

3. AfterCollege/AACN $10,000 Scholarship Fund

Description: This scholarship supports students who are seeking a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree in nursing. Special consideration is given to students in graduate school who want to become a nurse educator, and also those who are completing an RN-to-MSN program.

Amount: $2500 
Length: One payment 
Deadline: March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31 
Eligibility: Must be pursuing a degree in nursing, with special consideration for graduate students
Source: www.aftercollege.com 
Application: http://www.aftercollege.com/content/article/aftercollege_aacn_scholarship/ 
Contact: (877) 725-7721 x281

To see the other two scholarships, head on over to The Nerdy Nurse. Then, in the comments below, tell us about your experience with scholarships for nursing school.