HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program

Quick Facts

• Comprehensive funding: Covers tuition, fees, books, and a monthly stipend; HRSA pays schools directly.
• Service commitment: One year of service at an eligible critical shortage facility (CSF) for each year of support (minimum two-year obligation).
• Priority tiers: Applicants with the greatest financial need and commitment to underserved communities receive preference.
• Competitive selection: Acceptance rates fluctuate around 10–15%, so polished applications are essential.

Why It Matters

Nursing students often juggle work, clinicals, and family responsibilities. The Nurse Corps Scholarship removes tuition pressure and guarantees a job placement in high-demand settings like community health centers, rural hospitals, and long-term care facilities. Scholars gain real-world experience, loan-free degrees, and professional networks that can lead to leadership roles or Nurse Corps Loan Repayment eligibility later.

Eligibility Checklist

1. Academic readiness: Maintain at least a 3.0 GPA (higher scores improve competitiveness). Provide transcripts and current enrollment verification.
2. Financial need documentation: Submit your Student Aid Report (SAR) with Expected Family Contribution. HRSA prioritizes students with limited financial resources.
3. Background clearance: Be free of federal debt delinquency, service obligations, or exclusion from Medicare/Medicaid.
4. Full-time enrollment: Part-time students are typically ineligible; confirm your program meets clinical hour requirements.
5. Accreditation check: Ensure your school and program are accredited by recognized nursing accreditors (CCNE, ACEN, COA).

Application Strategy

• Start early: Create a HRSA account and review the application package in March. Build a timeline for essays, recommendations, and document uploads.
• Craft mission-focused essays: Highlight experiences serving underserved populations, cultural competency, and long-term goals in primary care, mental health, or maternal health.
• Secure strong recommenders: Choose faculty or clinical supervisors who can speak to your clinical skills, resilience, and service commitment. Provide them with your resume and essay drafts.
• Organize financial documents: Upload FAFSA SAR, tuition statements, and cost-of-attendance breakdowns. Annotate unusual expenses (caregiving, transportation) in optional statements.
• Double-check signatures: Electronic signatures are required on the acceptance of conditions form; incomplete signatures lead to disqualification.

Tips for Managing the Award

• Stay in communication: Notify HRSA immediately if your enrollment status changes, you take a leave of absence, or your graduation timeline shifts.
• Track expenses: Maintain receipts for books, uniforms, and supplies. Stipend payments are taxable; set aside funds for quarterly estimated taxes.
• Plan your service search: Begin researching CSF placements by the start of your final academic year. Use HRSA’s Health Workforce Connector, attend virtual job fairs, and network with alumni.
• Prepare for relocation: Many CSF sites are rural or underserved urban areas. Budget for moving costs and negotiate relocation assistance with employers.
• Build clinical competencies: Seek rotations in community or critical care settings aligned with CSF needs; highlight these experiences on your resume.

Common Pitfalls

• Missing the submission deadline due to incomplete references or unsigned forms.
• Underestimating the tax implications of the stipend; failing to plan can lead to tax bills in April.
• Declining a service offer without HRSA approval, which can trigger default penalties and triple damages.
• Assuming any healthcare facility qualifies; verify the site’s CSF designation before accepting employment.

Success Snapshot

A second-year BSN student in California with significant financial need applied after volunteering at a community clinic. She submitted essays outlining her commitment to rural maternal health and secured recommendations from her clinical instructor and clinic director. After selection, HRSA paid $38,000 in tuition and fees annually and provided a $1,632 monthly stipend. She used part of the stipend to attend lactation consultant training, strengthening her CSF job search. Upon graduation, she accepted a position at an Indian Health Service hospital, fulfilling her two-year commitment while gaining experience that positioned her for advanced practice studies.