HRSA NURSE Corps Scholarship: Full Tuition Plus Monthly Stipend for Nursing Students Serving Underserved Communities

Nursing school is expensive. Between tuition, fees, books, and living expenses, students often graduate with substantial debt that constrains their career choices. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program offers a different path - full financial support during school in exchange for service in communities that need nurses most.

Administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), this program pays your tuition, required fees, and other reasonable educational costs. It also provides a monthly living stipend to help cover expenses while you study. In return, you commit to working at a Critical Shortage Facility after graduation - typically a community health center, rural hospital, or other facility serving underserved populations.

This isnt just about money. Its about launching a nursing career in settings where you can make immediate, tangible impact. NURSE Corps scholars work on the front lines of community health, serving patients who might otherwise have limited access to care.

For students committed to nursing careers in underserved communities, this program eliminates financial barriers while providing a clear path to meaningful work.

Key Details at a Glance

What This Scholarship Offers

NURSE Corps provides comprehensive support that covers the full cost of nursing education plus living expenses.

Tuition coverage pays for the cost of your nursing program at accredited institutions. This includes community colleges, universities, and hospital-based nursing schools.

Required fees are covered beyond basic tuition. Registration fees, lab fees, and other mandatory institutional charges fall under scholarship support.

Books and supplies funding ensures you have the educational materials you need. Required textbooks and clinical equipment costs are included.

Monthly living stipend provides ongoing financial support while you study. This helps cover rent, food, transportation, and other living expenses so you can focus on coursework.

Reasonable educational costs beyond tuition receive consideration. Uniforms, certification exam fees, and other necessary expenses may qualify.

Career placement into Critical Shortage Facilities means you graduate with a job waiting. Your service site is determined through a matching process based on your preferences and community needs.

Loan repayment alternative exists for nurses who already have debt. The NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program offers separate benefits for working nurses.

Who Should Apply

NURSE Corps targets nursing students willing to serve in underserved communities after graduation. Understanding eligibility helps you assess fit.

Nursing students enrolled or accepted at accredited schools are eligible. You must be in or entering a diploma, associate degree, baccalaureate, or graduate nursing program.

U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents qualify for the scholarship. International students are not eligible.

Students free from federal judgment liens can apply. Outstanding obligations to the federal government may disqualify applicants.

Those not in breach of service obligations to other federal programs are eligible. Prior unfulfilled commitments can create problems.

Students with genuine commitment to underserved communities are ideal candidates. The service requirement isnt an obligation to fulfill - its the entire point.

Full-time students are preferred, though part-time students may be eligible for prorated support.

Students in final years of study may receive priority. Those closer to graduation enter the workforce sooner.

Insider Tips for a Winning Application

Demonstrate genuine commitment to underserved populations. Your personal statement should reflect authentic interest in community health, not just financial need. Share specific experiences that shaped your commitment.

Highlight relevant experience. Volunteer work at free clinics, community health centers, or in underserved areas strengthens your application. Show you understand the populations youll serve.

Research Critical Shortage Facilities. Know where NURSE Corps scholars work. Understanding the types of facilities and communities you might serve shows serious intent.

Address the service commitment directly. Dont treat it as an afterthought. Explain why working in underserved areas appeals to you and how it fits your career goals.

Strong academic performance matters. While not the only factor, good grades indicate ability to complete the program successfully.

Letters of recommendation should speak to character. Recommenders who can address your dedication to service and community are more valuable than those who only discuss academics.

Apply early in the application window. Funding is limited and competitive. Later applications face a smaller pool of available awards.

Application Timeline

NURSE Corps Scholarship applications follow an annual cycle. Specific dates vary by year, so check the HRSA website for current deadlines.

Fall (Previous Year): Begin preparing materials. Review eligibility requirements and gather necessary documentation.

Winter: Draft personal statements and request recommendation letters. Give recommenders adequate time.

Early Spring: Application window typically opens. Be ready to submit promptly.

Spring: Submit completed application with all required materials. Dont wait until the deadline.

Summer: Applications reviewed and selections made. Award notifications sent to successful applicants.

Fall: Begin or continue nursing program with scholarship support. Stipend payments begin.

After Graduation: Match with Critical Shortage Facility. Begin service commitment.

Required Materials

Completed application form: Submit through the HRSA online portal with all sections complete.

Enrollment verification: Proof of acceptance or current enrollment in an eligible nursing program.

Academic transcripts: Official transcripts from current and prior institutions.

Personal statement: Essay explaining your commitment to nursing in underserved communities and career goals.

Letters of recommendation: Typically 2-3 letters from professors, supervisors, or others who know your work and character.

Citizenship documentation: Proof of U.S. citizenship, national status, or lawful permanent residency.

Financial information: Details about current educational funding and financial need.

Service commitment acknowledgment: Signed agreement understanding the post-graduation service requirement.

What Makes an Application Stand Out

Authentic commitment to underserved communities (35%): Does your application reflect genuine motivation to serve? Are there concrete experiences supporting your stated commitment?

Academic preparation (20%): Are you on track to complete your nursing program successfully? Do your grades and academic history indicate readiness?

Relevant experience (20%): Have you worked or volunteered in community health settings? Do you understand the populations and challenges in underserved areas?

Clear career goals (15%): Do you articulate how NURSE Corps fits your professional path? Is there evidence of long-term commitment to community health nursing?

Quality of application materials (10%): Are your personal statement and other materials well-written and complete? Do recommendation letters support your narrative?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Focusing only on financial need. While the scholarship addresses financial barriers, applications succeed based on commitment to service, not just need.

Vague statements about helping people. Generic language about wanting to help is less compelling than specific experiences and concrete plans.

Ignoring the service commitment. Treating the post-graduation requirement as fine print rather than the programs core purpose weakens applications.

Poor quality personal statements. Rushed, generic, or error-filled essays undermine otherwise strong applications.

Late applications. Funding is competitive and limited. Applying near the deadline risks missing the opportunity.

Incomplete applications. Missing documents or sections can disqualify you. Review requirements carefully.

Unrealistic expectations about placement. Understand that Critical Shortage Facilities are in underserved areas. Be prepared for diverse placement options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the service commitment? Typically two years at a Critical Shortage Facility after graduation and licensure.

Where will I work after graduation? You match with facilities designated as Critical Shortage Facilities. These include community health centers, rural hospitals, federally qualified health centers, and similar sites serving underserved populations.

What if I dont complete the service commitment? Breaking the commitment creates a financial obligation. You may owe repayment of scholarship funds plus damages.

Can I choose where I serve? The matching process considers your preferences, but placement depends on community needs and available positions.

Is the stipend taxable? Yes, the monthly living stipend is considered taxable income. Plan accordingly.

Can part-time students apply? Part-time students may be eligible for prorated support. Check current guidelines.

Does this cover graduate nursing programs? Yes, graduate nursing programs are eligible. This includes nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, and other advanced practice programs.

What about nurses who already graduated? The NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program serves working nurses with existing debt. Its a separate program with different requirements.

Can I work while receiving the scholarship? Check program guidelines. Excessive work hours that interfere with studies may be problematic.

How to Apply

Ready to pursue the NURSE Corps Scholarship? Heres your path forward.

Confirm you meet eligibility requirements. Review citizenship, enrollment, and other criteria carefully.

Gather required documentation. Transcripts, recommendation letters, and citizenship documents take time to obtain.

Draft a compelling personal statement. Focus on your genuine commitment to underserved communities and how experiences have shaped your goals.

Request recommendation letters early. Give recommenders at least 3-4 weeks to write thoughtful letters.

Complete the online application thoroughly. Dont leave sections incomplete or rush through.

Submit before the deadline. Early submission is better than waiting.

Prepare for potential interviews or additional requirements. Be ready to discuss your application.

For current application dates and complete guidelines: https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/apply-scholarship

Questions? Contact the HRSA Bureau of Health Workforce for assistance with application requirements and eligibility.